CPD courses for Healthcare Assistants

A guide to CPD for Healthcare Assistants

Work in health and social care is fast-paced and ever-changing. Legislation, technology, ways of working and standards are constantly updated, and new approaches introduced. Therefore, HCAs need to keep abreast with the latest developments and legislation by undertaking CPD.

The Code of Conduct requires HCAs to undertake CPD. The Code states that they must “strive to improve the quality of healthcare, care and support through continuing professional development.” The Code is voluntary. However, it is best practice, and many employers will expect HCAs to comply.

HCAs must participate in CPD to achieve the competence required for their role and to be able to provide high-quality person-centred care. Competence means having a combination of relevant training, knowledge, skills and experience. Regular CPD training is a vital part of achieving competency and complying with the Code and the 6Cs.

There are professional bodies that may require members to undertake some form of CPD. Some may also require members to undertake a certain number of CPD hours annually. Employers may also ask HCAs to undertake CPD as part of their role.

If you are not already aware of the CPD training you require, you should ask your employer and check current professional development standards for HCAs. You can also think about where the gaps are in your knowledge and skills and which areas you could improve. The Code of Conduct can help you identify areas for CPD. 

CPD courses

Many things count towards your CPD, and they should be relevant to you and your goals. For example, you can attend seminars/lectures/webinars, read books/journals, listen to podcasts and undertake work-based learning. You can also complete our e-learning courses, which will count as part of your CPD.

Our e-learning courses are CPD certified and accredited under the CPD Certification Service. When you complete your course, you will gain an accredited qualification and CPD points (hours). The more training courses you undertake, the more knowledge and CPD points you will achieve.

We have different levels of courses for some areas, e.g. safeguarding (children or vulnerable adults) levels 2 and 3. If you are looking for more in-depth knowledge on a topic, then a level 3 course would probably be more suited to your needs.

To make the most out of your learning, you should adopt a structured and consistent approach to your CPD by undertaking training that meets your personal development needs as an HCA. Your CPD should also meet your employer’s agreed ways of working.

CPD certificates

Once logged in, you can work through your course in a few hours (depending on the type), and there is no time limit for completion. You can work through it at your own pace at a location of your choice. Very rarely do students need help, but if you do, our staff are here to assist.

After completion of your course, including passing the quiz, you can download your PDF certificate immediately. Our professional-looking certificates are fully CPD regulated. They can provide evidence of training to enforcement authorities, professional bodies and prospective employers.

You can log onto your account at any time and download your certificates. You can keep them on file or email them through to your manager. It is also easy to print off a hard copy of your certificate and keep it with your other qualifications and awards in your CPD portfolio. You will also receive a copy of your certificate in the post.

Logging CPD hours

Each of our CPD accredited courses will have a number of points assigned to it. One CPD point is equal to one hour of active learning, which means that you will get one point for every hour you spend on a CPD activity.

The number of points you will earn on completion of the course is in the course description, along with an estimated time to complete. This will give you your CPD hours.

You must keep a log of your CPD hours for the year and make a record of whether you have met your learning objectives. It is important to maintain an accurate CPD record as part of your CPD portfolio and personal development plan (PDP).

Logging CPD hours and keeping training records will have a positive impact on your overall career in health and social care. Also, knowing more about patients’ needs will help you provide better care and support.

Keeping evidence

Your certificates and any other documentation relating to your CPD should be retained as evidence. The Code of Conduct requires you to maintain an up-to-date record of your training and development.

Some professional bodies require CPD records to be kept for a period of five years, and employers may want you to keep them for longer. You will need to check any requirements for CPD documentation retention times specific to your HCA role.

There is not a prescribed format when recording your CPD. Although, you may be required to use a specific format by an employer or professional body.

Your CPD record may be audited by your employer or by an external party, such as enforcement authorities and professional bodies. This is another reason why keeping evidence of your CPD is important.

Renewing CPD certificates

It is recommended that you renew your CPD certificate every two years. However, your health and social care employer may want you to complete a refresher every year. This will depend on the rules within the organisation.

Refresher training also counts towards your CPD. Therefore, you can log CPD hours for every course you undertake, including those taken as a refresher.