Embark on a comprehensive journey towards proficiency in cervical cytology with our accredited Cervical Cytology Foundation Training Program, endorsed by the Personalised Care Institute (PCI). This course is meticulously designed to equip Registered Nurses in primary care and community settings with the requisite skills and knowledge needed for proficient smear-taking in alignment with the NHS Cervical Cytology Screening Programme (NHSCSP) guidelines as of 2025.

The program holds accreditation from Personalised Care Institute (PCI) ensuring the highest standards of training in cervical cytology focusing ion the patients wishes and needs.

Participants must be registered on the NMC/GMC/PA registers and possess a mentor who is an competent smear taker, conducting a minimum of 50 smears annually and having completed the foundation training over 12 months ago.

Theoretical Element

The two-day face-to-face theoretical training, conducted in White City, London, examines the NHS Cervical Screening Policy. Participants hone their consultation skills, discussing screening policies, risk factors, and recall procedures. Practical sessions involve hands-on experience with a manikin.

Practical Element

Upon returning to their practices, participants progress through a structured series of steps:

1. Observation: Learners observe their mentors taking two smears.

2. Practice: Mentors observe learners taking five smears.

3. Online Assessment:Learner and mentor complete the online initial assessment.

4. Lab and Clinic Visits: Learners arrange visits to the laboratory and local colposcopy clinic.

5. Unsupervised Smears: Learners independently take 20 smears, ensuring 100% adequacy in results (maximum 25 smears).

6. Competency-Based Assessment: Learners contact the external assessor to arrange a final competency-based assessment, conducting a minimum of five consultations in a single session within their workplace.

The training cost covers theory session, one practice visit to conduct the external assessment within London (additional London visits incur a £100 charge) and practices outside London will be billed for travel expenses. Ongoing support for duration of training period (9 months)