Programme activity at a glance
NHS Scotland Academy programmes continue to support learners across Scotland, helping to build skills, confidence and capacity within the healthcare workforce.
Academy programmes have supported:
- 2,495 learners across the Clinical Skills for Pharmacy programme
- 77 learners across the Foundations of Perioperative Practice programme, with 13 cohorts included in the latest report.
- 35 learners on the Assistant Perioperative Practitioner programme, across 8 cohorts.
- 90 learners on the Accelerated Anaesthetic Practitioner programme, across 10 cohorts.
- 35 learners on the Surgical First Assistant programme, across 6 cohorts.
Supporting volunteers during Volunteer Week
During Volunteer Week, we welcomed volunteers from across NHS Golden Jubilee to the Skills and Simulation Centre.
During the visit, volunteers were given the opportunity to experience first-hand how immersive simulation training supports the development of a skilled and confident healthcare workforce across NHS Scotland.
Volunteers play an important role in supporting patients, visitors and staff, and it was a privilege to recognise their contribution while showcasing the work of the Academy.
Click here for more information on our Skill and Simulation Centre.
Graphic design students featured on NHS Scotland Careers
Earlier this year, we welcomed graphic design students to the Skills and Simulation Centre to gain first-hand insight into nursing roles and clinical environments.
Through a series of realistic simulations and demonstrations, students were able to observe clinical practice, equipment and team interactions, helping them create accurate illustrations and visual resources for the NHS Scotland Careers website.
The visit has since been featured on the NHS Scotland Careers blog, highlighting how collaboration between healthcare and education can support the development of engaging, clinically accurate careers resources.
Read the blog on NHS Scotland Careers to find out more.
Celebrating Operating Department Practitioners (ODP)
On International ODP Day, we recognised the vital contribution made by Operating Department Practitioners across NHS Scotland.
The NHS Scotland Academy supports the perioperative workforce through a range of national programmes, including:
- Surgical First Assistants
- Assistant Perioperative Practitioners
- Accelerated Anaesthetic Practitioners
- Foundations of Perioperative Practice
- Central Decontamination programmes
- National Endoscopy Training Programme
The latest programme data shows ongoing activity across perioperative training, including 35 Surgical First Assistant learners, 35 Assistant Perioperative Practitioner learners, 77 Foundations of Perioperative Practice learners and 90 Accelerated Anaesthetic Practitioner learners
Thank you to all ODPs for their professionalism, teamwork and commitment to high-quality patient-centred care.
Click here for more information on our programmes.
In the spotlight: Surgical First Assistants
We recently showcased our Surgical First Assistants Programme as part of International Nurses' Day.
The programme provides nurses and operating department practitioners with the opportunity to develop advanced skills and enhance their role within the surgical team, supporting high-quality patient care and multidisciplinary working across NHS Scotland.
Click here for more information on our Surgical First Assistants Programme
Programmes recruiting now
National perioperative training programme: Surgical first assistants
Applications are now open for the next Surgical First Assistants Programme, starting in April 2027.
Designed for registered nurses and operating department practitioners with at least 18 months of perioperative experience, the programme provides learners with the skills required to provide surgical skills assistance within the theatre environment.
Programme highlights
- Completion in 34 weeks
- Practical workshops covering surgical and non-technical skills
- Flexible hybrid learning
- 40 SCQF Level 10 credits with Glasgow Caledonian University
- Programme Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons
Find out more:
National Perioperative Training Programme: Surgical First Assistants
TURAS Learn | Surgical First Assistant
National ear care programme
Applications are now open for the next cohorts of the National Ear Care Programme.
Upcoming cohort
- Cohort 3b, Monday 21 September at Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen
The programme supports registered nurses to develop advanced clinical and training skills in microsuction ear care, helping to improve access to safe and effective ear wax removal services across Scotland.
Delivered through a blended learning model over 13 weeks, participants will gain 20 SCQF Level 10 credits in line with British Society of Audiology minimum training guidelines.
Health Boards will receive a payment of £600 per learner to support participation in the programme and to facilitate protected learning time.
Find out more at the link below:
National ultrasound training programme masterclasses
Senior clinicians from across Scotland continue to share their expertise through a series of National Ultrasound Training Programme masterclasses.
Topics include:
- Lower limb DVT ultrasound
- Upper limb DVT ultrasound
- Renal transplant ultrasound
- Advanced gynaecology ultrasound
- Hernia ultrasound
- Liver ultrasound
- Gynaecology ultrasound
These sessions provide learners with opportunities to explore advanced and complex clinical cases and further develop their practice.
Find out more:
National Ultrasound Masterclass Booking Form
Former NHS Scotland Academy perioperative learners – we would love to hear from you
As part of an NHS Scotland Academy research study, we are inviting former learners from NHS Highland who have completed an accelerated perioperative programme to share their experiences.
The study aims to understand the impact of accelerated learning programmes on people, practice and services, and how they support workforce development across NHS Scotland.
If you are eligible to participate, you will already have received an individual invitation by email. Please check your NHS inbox for further details.
Participation is voluntary and confidential, and discussions will take place via Microsoft Teams during agreed work time.
To take part, simply reply to your invitation email.
For further information, please contact nhsscotlandacademy@nhs.scot.