New Postgraduate Certificate in Colposcopy
13 July 2010
The Postgraduate Certificate in Colposcopy is an exciting, new and innovative programme being the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The programme has been developed by the School in collaboration with the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP) and Cervical Screening Wales.
Bethan Morgan, Public Health Wales said “The Postgraduate Certificate in Colposcopy is a long awaited development, unique in the UK. It will prepare trainee Nurse Colposcopists with the knowledge and skills needed to undertake both diagnostic and therapeutic Colposcopy.”
The programme is inter professional and open to health professionals who wish to become BSCCP accredited colposcopists and those that are already BSCCP accredited colposcopists.
Anne Hawke, Public Health Wales Screening said “I think the great advantage of this Postgraduate Certificate is its suitability for everyone - doctor, nurse, accredited or new trainee. From a doctors' point of view I can see that this could be attractive to SAS grade doctors who wish to gain academic credit.
The programme aims to develop knowledge, skills and competence in colposcopy to ensure safe and effective colposcopy practice. This programme meets the standards and requirements for colposcopy training set by the BSCCP/RCOG for colposcopy training and service provision. Syllabus content includes:
- Physiological change and pathophysiology of the lower genital tract.
- The principles of safe diagnostic and therapeutic colposcopy.
- Complex case management in colposcopy.
- Legal, professional and ethical aspects of colposcopy
The programme is made up of two 30 credit modules at Master’s level. Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Colposcopy and BSCCP/RCOG Certificate in Colposcopy (Diagnostic and Therapeutic) for new trainees. The 60 credits acquired through the programme can be used towards an MSc in Advanced Practice (Colposcopy).
John Cullimore, Assistant-Secretary BSCCP & Consultant Gynaecologist said “The BSCCP is pleased to note that Cardiff University and Cervical Screening Wales have developed the Postgraduate Certificate in Colposcopy, making it possible for health professionals to achieve an academic qualification in colposcopy and screening practice. This can only be of benefit to our discipline and the women we serve.”
Programme commences September 2010