Skip to main content

Certificate of Achievement in the Assessment and Management of Minor Illness and Injury

This comprehensive 16-week course is designed for nurses and allied healthcare professionals at Level 6 or Level 7. It provides training in the assessment, management, and care of minor injuries and illnesses.

Two nurses wearing uniform, standing in the mock hospital ward

Key course information

LevelShort courses and CPD
Duration16 weeks
Start dates5 March 2026
Course codeCID1571

Course summary

This 16-week course covers diverse training crucial for delivering effective and equitable patient care. It will enhance the skills of professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and others.

The course includes in-depth explorations of minor injuries and illnesses, including physical examination and diagnostic tools. Specialised areas will be explored, such as MSK assessment and management, including fracture assessment and radiology, soft tissue injuries, and wound care, equipping you with hands-on experience in techniques like suturing and splinting.

Critical aspects of care, including burns, respiratory, and gastrointestinal issues, are also addressed, ensuring a holistic understanding of common conditions. You'll also cover ENT issues, skin conditions, and urinary tract infections, providing a comprehensive skill set for managing diverse patient presentations in an unscheduled care setting.

Advanced topics such as eye injuries, neurological emergencies, mental health first aid, and legal and ethical considerations specific to minor injuries and illnesses are also incorporated, emphasising the importance of informed consent, documentation, and reporting.

Practical application is a key focus in this short course, with case studies and interactive sessions allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Throughout the course, communication skills and professionalism are emphasised, promoting effective collaboration with patients and a comprehensive patient-centred approach to care.

The course concludes with a focus on the management of patients, recognising the need for evidence-based onward care and guidance from the minor injury and illness settings. Allied Healthcare Professionals at Level 6 or Level 7 will be well-equipped to deliver high-quality, equitable, and patient-centred care in the dynamic field of minor injuries and illnesses.

What you'll study

Topics covered include:

  • MSK assessment and management
  • Fracture assessment and radiology
  • Soft tissue injuries and wound care (including suturing and splinting)
  • Minor Respiratory and GI conditions
  • GI and Urinary tract conditions
  • Urinary tract infections
  • ENT
  • Minor skin conditions
  • Minor burns and scalds
  • Minor head injuries
  • Minor eye injuries
  • Neurological emergencies
  • Mental health first aid
  • Legal and ethical considerations.

How you'll learn

The course consists of 16 weeks of teaching with one full day per week taught onsite. There are 12 places available for Level 6, and 12 places available for Level 7.

Assessment methods

Level 6:

  • Assessment 1: 20% Presentation of information source
  • Assessment 2: 80% Written reflection of evidence-based learning
  • Assessment 3: Pass/Fail Portfolio of application to practice signatures.

Level 7:

  • Assessment 1: 100% – Individual resource proposal presentation
  • Assessment 2: Pass/Fail – Portfolio of application to practice signatures.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

The employer usually meets course costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact the Corporate and Professional Education team for further information about applying for this course by calling 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or emailing cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).