SMD & Precision Vascular

Advancing Vascular Access Practice

At SMD / Precision Vascular, we don’t just deliver training — we develop clinicians who lead safer, evidence-based vascular access practice.

Our education programmes are designed to support practitioners at every stage of their journey, from foundational knowledge through to advanced, independent practice in central venous access.

We combine:

• Expert-led teaching
• Hands-on simulation and real-world bedside support
• Ongoing clinical mentorship

The result: confident practitioners delivering better patient outcomes.

Our Courses

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Vascular Access

Insertion, Management & Clinical Decision-Making

This flagship programme is designed for clinicians looking to progress from competent practitioners to independent, advanced vascular access specialists.

It goes beyond technical skills — focusing on clinical reasoning, governance, and leadership in practice.

What You’ll Gain

• Advanced clinical confidence in CVAD insertion and management
• Independent decision-making skills
• Ability to apply evidence to complex clinical scenarios
• Leadership capability within vascular access services

Course Structure

• 3 in-person study days
• Workplace-based learning
• Flexible, clinically integrated training pathway

Curriculum Includes

• Anatomy, vessel health & preservation
• Patient assessment & device selection
• Optimising ultrasound assessment & guided access
• Infection prevention strategies
• Insertion techniques (including ports)
• Case studies
• Difficult cases & advanced techniques
• Complications & complication avoidance
• Governance and service improvement

Assessment

Designed to ensure true clinical competence:

• MCQ examination
• Logbook of supervised procedures
• Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
• Case study
• Practice-based project (service improvement / research / literature review)
• Reflective account

Outcome

• Safe, independent CVAD practice
• Recognised postgraduate-level achievement in speciality
• Ability to lead and improve vascular access services

Introduction to Vascular Access

Ideal for clinicians new to vascular access or those looking to build a strong, evidence-based foundation.

Focus

• Core principles of vascular access
• Device types and indications
• Patient assessment
• Infection prevention and safety
• Fundamentals of care and maintenance

Course content

• Anatomy, Vessel health and preservation
• Infection mitigation
• Care and maintenance
• Ultrasound
• Consent
• Indications, contraindications
• Patient assessment, device and site selection
• Insertion – Practical steps
• Complications and management (insertion, post insertion)

Learning Style

• Interactive teaching
• Practical workshops
• Case-based discussions

Outcome

• Strong foundational knowledge
• Improved confidence in clinical decision-making
• Safer everyday practice

PICC & Implanted Port Training

A focused, practical course for clinicians developing skills in PICC lines and implanted venous ports.

Focus

• Device selection and indications
• Ultrasound-guided insertion principles
• Port insertion techniques (including pocket formation and closure)
• Tunnelling
• Tip positioning and confirmation
• Complication avoidance and management

Hands-On Training

• Simulation-based learning
• Practical workshops
• Opportunity for supervised clinical experience

Outcome

• Procedural confidence
• Safe, effective device insertion
• Improved patient experience and outcomes

Educational & Clinical Support

We know that real learning doesn’t stop at the end of a course.

That’s why we offer ongoing clinical and service-level support to embed learning into practice.

Our Support Includes

• On-site training at your organisation
• Bedside support during initial procedures
• Mentorship from experienced vascular access clinicians
• Service development advice
• Support with governance and competency frameworks