The National Ear Care Programme is a national training programme for registered nurses employed by NHS Scotland Boards, to support the delivery of microsuction ear care services across the country. This will be achieved by upskilling trainers so they can deliver training locally.
Overview
NHS Scotland Academy is launching a new National Ear Care Microsuction Train the Trainer Programme for registered nurses across Scotland.
This Once for Scotland programme will improve access to safe, effective ear wax removal services by developing national capacity in microsuction ear care and training. It is open to eligible registered nurses employed by NHS Scotland Boards in acute, community and primary care settings.
The programme supports registered nurses to develop advanced microsuction skills and to become accredited trainers, enabling them to train others within their local services. This will help NHS Boards across Scotland build sustainable and consistent ear care services.
Who the programme is for
The programme is open to registered adult nurses employed by NHS Boards across Scotland who work in services providing ear care to adults, including:
- Ear, nose and throat services
- Community nursing services
- Community treatment and care services
Nurses must be supported by their service manager and NHS Board to undertake the programme and to contribute to local ear care service delivery and training after completion.
Applications are made by NHS Scotland Boards on behalf of staff members.
What the programme involves
The programme runs over 13 weeks and is delivered using a blended learning approach to support nurses across Scotland to participate alongside clinical commitments.
On successful completion, participants will:
- Be competent to deliver microsuction ear wax removal on routine ears
- Be able to train and assess others in microsuction ear care
- Achieve Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 10 with 20 academic credits
The programme aligns with British Society of Audiology Minimum Training Guidelines.
Where and when the programme runs
The programme is delivered nationally, with 6 intakes each year and regional delivery to support nurses from across Scotland.
Face to face learning takes place at:
- NHS Golden Jubilee for the West and Central region
- The Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen for the North region
Cohort Start Date Delivery:
1a Monday 2 February 2026 at NHS Golden Jubilee
1b Monday 2 March 2026 at the Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen
2a Monday 18 May 2026 at NHS Golden Jubilee
2b Monday 15 June 2026 at the Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen
3a Monday 31 August 2026 at NHS Golden Jubilee
3b Monday 21 September 2026, at the Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen
There is no enrolment fee for NHS Scotland Boards.
Who funds the programme
The programme is funded by the Scottish Government, through NHS Scotland Academy. Health Boards will receive a payment of £600 per learner to facilitate learners’ participation in the programme.
For more information contact nhsscotlandacademy@nhs.scot