Course Overview
This RCN accredited six-month programme is designed for registered healthcare professionals working in Primary Care who wish to develop advanced knowledge, clinical competence, and professional confidence in contraception and sexual health.
The programme provides structured, in-depth education aligned with current national guidance, including NICE, CoSRH, and UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC 2025). It supports clinicians in delivering safe, evidence-based contraceptive and sexual health care within General Practice and community settings.
The course combines formal teaching, supervised clinical practice, portfolio development, and competency assessment. Participants are supported to develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to provide holistic, patient-centred contraceptive and sexual health services within their scope of practice.
This programme is delivered solely by BBO Training and is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing.
Overall Aim
To prepare registered healthcare professionals to safely and effectively deliver comprehensive contraception and sexual health services within Primary Care, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and in line with local governance frameworks.
Who Should Attend
This programme is suitable for:
- Practice Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced Clinical Practitioners
- Primary Care Pharmacists
- Other registered healthcare professionals working within contraception and sexual health services
Participants must be working in a clinical role that allows supervised practice and competency development within their workplace.
What This Programme Covers
The programme provides comprehensive coverage of:
- Contraceptive methods (combined hormonal, progestogen-only, LARC, injectables, emergency contraception)
- Application of UKMEC 2025 guidance
- Structured contraceptive consultations
- Sexual history taking and confidentiality
- Asymptomatic STI screening in Primary Care
- Managing complex cases and co-morbidities
- Patient-centred counselling and shared decision-making
- Record keeping and professional accountability
- Working within Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and prescribing frameworks
Teaching incorporates case-based learning, guideline application, and critical reflection.
Clinical Practice Requirements
Participants are required to complete a minimum period of supervised clinical practice within their own workplace or usual clinical setting.
Clinical competence must be assessed and validated by an appropriate mentor or supervisor in line with RCN accreditation standards.
This programme is not delivered through The Women’s Health Training Partnership and does not require a contract of engagement.
Assessment Components
All elements of the programme must be successfully completed:
- Reflective portfolio and diary
- Clinical competency outcomes
- Viva assessment
- Written knowledge assessment
A resit opportunity is available in line with programme regulations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive contraceptive consultations
- Apply UKMEC guidance safely and accurately
- Provide evidence-based contraceptive advice tailored to individual patient needs
- Deliver sexual health screening within Primary Care scope
- Demonstrate clinical competence in contraceptive provision
- Work safely within governance, prescribing, and professional accountability frameworks
Course Format
- Duration: 6 months
- Teaching: Structured workshops, seminars, and case-based sessions
- Clinical Practice: Supervised workplace-based learning
- Private Study: Directed reading and portfolio development
- Assessment: Portfolio, viva, and knowledge assessment
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants are awarded an RCN accredited certificate.
This programme supports workforce development within Primary Care and may contribute to service expansion in contraception and sexual health provision.
RCN Accredited until 22nd September 2026
RCN cannot confirm competence of any practitioner