The Academy FAQs
Why have you introduced the Academy?
Feeback from both our memberships suggested the desire for more structured programmes of learning for individuals to support their development over a period of time (with a consensus of around 2 years). This would provide organisations an easy to administer, professional development investment in team members, supporting their growth and enhancing their performance.
We recognised that by selecting from both of our professional development offerings, we were able to bring together a highly credible Academy of established, tailored, tried and tested courses, that together formed a structured development path for two experience levels of communications practitioners (Foundation and Mid-level) We have therefore launched The Academy in response to our members’ feedback, providing them another cost effective solution to support their own professional development offering to their teams.
Who is the Foundation Programme aimed at?
The Foundation Programme has been developed for those who are at the start or early stages of their Healthcare Communications career journey. A programme made up of a series of courses, designed to run alongside live ‘on the job’ experiences, over a two-year timeframe.
What’s the difference between the Foundation Course and the Foundation Plus?
The Foundation Plus option adds an on-demand Compliance Course into the Foundation programme, at an additional cost. This on-demand Compliance Course is designed to fulfil annual code compliance training requirements, but goes beyond to explore the principles to build an ethos of compliance and ethics and continue to support the delegate in these areas across the whole year through updates and webinars.
Who is the Rising Stars Programme aimed at?
The Rising Stars programme has been designed for those who are mid to senior level. Each course carefully designed and deliberately chosen to help further develop and grow upon individual’s knowledge within the Healthcare Communications sector. The timings and pace of the programme carefully considered to slot into busy work schedules.
What’s the difference between the Rising Stars Programme and Rising Stars Plus?
Rising Stars Plus option adds an on-demand Compliance Course into the programme, at an additional cost.
How are the courses CPD accredited?
Courses gain HCA CPD Accreditation through a 3-stage process:
• The course to be accredited is assessed to determine if it is relevant and tailored to healthcare communication professionals
• The method of delivery is then assessed to ensure it is appropriate for the learning outcomes
• The content and delivery methodology is then also independently assessed to ratify that accredited courses meet accepted cross-industry CPD standards
Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
All delegates will receive a certificate of course completion after each component course attended on The Academy. This will be available within their personal MY CPD record where they are able to record all their CPD activity and submit for annual HCA CPD Standards Certification. More information on The HCA’s CPD Standards and Certifications can be found here
How will the alumni work?
Membership of The Academy Alumni will activate upon joining and open up the opportunity to receive additional useful insights and highlights from the course trainers during the two-year Academy journey, as well post completion. A great opportunity to keep your learning and development top of mind and continue to expand knowledge in support of professional development.
What happens if I don’t complete all the courses within the two years?
Each individual course is accredited, so if circumstances change and the a delegate is no longer able to complete the programme, they will still receive CPD recognition for those completed.
What happens if the person registered for the academy leaves my team, will I get a refund?
Due to the fact we are offering The Academy programmes at significantly reduced rates we will not be able to offer refunds for any missed or non-completed courses. However, we can transfer the allotted place to somebody else within the team. If there is an instance where a team member leaves half-way through or near the end of the programme, please get in touch and we can look to transfer the allotted place to somebody else. However, this is not ideal as each course in the series has been structured to run in a particular learning sequence.
Can I transfer the Academy to another delegate?
Yes, we can transfer the allotted place to somebody else within the team. If there is an instance where a team member leaves half-way through or near the end of the programme, please get in touch and we can look to transfer the allotted place to somebody else. However, this is not ideal as each course in the series has been structured to run in a particular learning sequence.
Is the fee paid in one sum or over the 2 years of courses?
The fee of £2,000 + VAT (or £2,450 for the Plus programmes) is paid in one payment.
Booking live or on-demand individual courses?
Individual courses are available to book separately to the Academy and through the normal HCA or PM Society booking channels via our respective websites.
Are the dates for each course the only dates available?
Dates for each course will be fixed and shared with delegates in advance, to ensure each delegate can reserve time to attend.