Course Overview

This half-day Cervical Cytology Update course is designed for healthcare professionals who are already trained cervical sample takers and require an update in line with NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) requirements.

The session provides a comprehensive, evidence-based update on cervical screening practice, including the 2025 changes to screening intervals, HPV primary screening, and programme developments.

Participants will explore current guidance relating to screening eligibility, appropriate testing, interpretation of results, and referral pathways. The course also focuses on practical aspects of sample taking, governance responsibilities, and the application of guidance within real-world clinical settings.

Teaching is case-based and clinically focused, supporting safe decision-making, reflective practice, and confidence in delivering high-quality cervical screening.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

Practice Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Advanced Clinical Practitioners
General Practitioners
Sexual Health Clinicians

Participants must already be trained and competent in cervical sample taking. This is an update course and does not provide initial training.

What This Course Covers

The programme provides a structured update on:

NHS Cervical Screening Programme overview and current policy
HPV primary screening and cytology triage
2025 changes to screening intervals and eligibility
Interpretation of HPV and cytology results
Identifying when screening is appropriate and when referral is required
Practical aspects of sample taking and transformation zone sampling
Use of equipment and optimising sample quality
Managing complex and special populations
Addressing barriers to screening and improving uptake
Documentation, audit, and sample taker responsibilities
Failsafe systems and incident management

Where appropriate, recent programme developments and emerging evidence are discussed to ensure clinicians remain current and confident in practice.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply current NHSCSP guidance to cervical screening practice
Implement the 2025 extended screening interval pathway appropriately
Identify when cervical screening is indicated and when alternative referral pathways are required
Interpret HPV and cytology results within the screening pathway
Demonstrate understanding of governance, documentation and failsafe responsibilities
Reflect on individual practice and identify areas for ongoing professional development

Course Format

Duration: Half-day (approximately 3 hours teaching time)

Delivery: Virtual or face-to-face

Format:

Case-based discussion
Interactive questioning and scenario analysis
Application of national guidance to clinical practice
Opportunity for peer discussion and reflection

Accreditation and Certification

This course is RCN Accredited until 17th March 2027.
The RCN cannot confirm competence of any practitioner.

This course is also accredited by the CPD Accreditation Service.
Certificate of attendance provided for CPD and revalidation purposes.

RCN Accredited Cervical Cytology Update for Primary Care Professionals