Point of Care Testing
Develop your knowledge and skills in Point of Care Testing (POCT)
This course is essential for anyone preparing to manage a POCT service managing and also existing POCT managers who feel they would benefit from some supported learning to help them manage an expanding workload and a workforce of largely non-laboratory staff.
Topics include
The specific challenges related to POCT compliance with accreditation standards along with strategies that can be used to overcome these challenges - POCT requests, handling of POCT results as well as training and competence assessments of individuals performing POCT. Factors to consider when implementing connectivity between POCT instruments and the electronic medical record are also covered.
POCT course content and assessment
The course comprises of six modules (two weeks study each) as follows:
• An Introduction to POCT
• Quality and Accreditation in POCT
• Principles of Measurement - Analytical Considerations
• Development of a Service Need
• Connectivity and Data Management in POCT
• Training in POCT
More information on the learning outcomes for each module can be found here
You can access course content through a designated area of the Ulster University's website, which includes candidate email and discussion forums. The IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice (CEP) in Point of Care Testing is assessed through two assessment pieces and an online examination:
- Your first assessment piece should critically capture how the discussion forums have assisted your learning during the course
- Your second assessment piece should show what you will change in your own practice as a result of doing this course and the steps you would take to do so
- The online examination lasts 90 minutes with 42 questions in total composed of 36 multiple-choice and six short answer questions covering all course modules.
POCT course dates
The course dates for 2021 are:
| Applications for 2021 open | W/C 17 August 2020 |
| Closing date for applications | 11 December 2020 |
| Log-in details available | First week of January 2021 |
| Introductory Module | 8 January |
| Module 1 | 22 January |
| Module 2 | 5 February |
| Module 3 | 19 February |
| One week break | 5 March |
| Deadline for submission of first assessment piece | 11 March |
| Module 4 | 12 March |
| Module 5 | 26 March |
| Module 6 | 9 April |
| Finish | 22 April |
| Examination | 6 May |
| Exam Result Notification | 1 June |
| Examination (Re-sits) | 10 June |
| Deadline for submission of second assessment piece | 11 June |
| Results Released | 6 July |
| Certificates Sent Out | W/C 12 July |
You will be award an IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Point of Care Testing on successful completion of the course.
How to apply for POCT
You will need to submit to the IBMS Examinations Team:
- a completed Certificate of Expert Practice in Point of Care Testing Application Form
- your payment of £685 (for the 2021 intake)
You can also submit a copy of your application and payment by post to Examinations, IBMS, 12 Coldbath Square, London, EC1R 5HL.
On the application form you are requested to briefly describe why you are applying to undertake the qualification. Your application will not be accepted or rejected based on what is stated instead this information is being requested simply to enable us to understand your level of experience and the motivation for applying.
Please note that places are limited to 60 candidates and that candidates will only be allowed to undertake one of the four distance learning courses at a time.
POCT resources
You can find articles and online resources to support you in completing an IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in POCT in our Resources section
POCT deferrals, withdrawals and mitigating circumstances
If you wish to defer, withdraw or highlight any mitigating circumstances please contact examinations@ibms.org as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in POCT please contact examinations@ibms.org