Course overview
Develop your knowledge of the principles of injection therapy and how to apply these safely within your relevant scope of practice. There is an emphasis on clinical reasoning and decision-making which is central to the practice of injection therapy.
You develop your knowledge and skills to safely and effectively utilise injection therapy within the clinical setting for musculoskeletal joint and soft tissue disorders.
There are two intakes a year, in April and October.
Course details
What you study
You study the theoretical components related to pharmacology, documentation and the legal aspects of practice. You are encouraged to use your clinical knowledge to develop your clinical reasoning skills before developing the practical skills of performing injection therapy and aspiration. You also learn the importance of providing appropriate patient information and gaining informed consent through effective communication.
How you learn
Taught sessions are led by both University academic staff and clinicians who are experts in their field of practice. You learn through a mix of pre-recorded lectures, online learning and face-to-face sessions. The first three days are usually split across two weeks with one online and two face-to-face days. You then spend 12 weeks gaining the appropriate practical skills of injection therapy under the supervision of your mentor, before returning for a final face-to-face study day. The on-campus sessions are a blend of theory and practical, with the use of high-fidelity injection simulation models to develop your injection technique.
All face-to-face sessions are delivered at our Darlington campus from 9am - 5.00pm.
October 2025 dates
Wednesday 15 October (online)
Wednesday 22 October (face-to-face)
Thursday 23 October (face-to-face)
Wednesday 14 January 2026 (face-to-face)
Exams: Thursday 15 January and Friday 16 January (face-to-face)
How you are assessed
You are assessed through a 30-minute practical observed structural clinical examination (OSCE) and a 30-minute unseen multiple choice question (MCQ) examination. Both elements are 50% of the marks.
The MCQ and OSCE is assessed in week 15 of the module. During this week you also submit an injection record sheet with documentation of a minimum of ten supervised injections signed by your mentor which is a pass/fail component.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You must provide:
- evidence of regulatory body registration (HCPC, NMC, GMC)
- proof of personal indemnity insurance
- proof of qualification
- written approval from your line manager or significant person confirming you are working in a position where the administration of injection therapy is appropriate
- written confirmation from a mentor that they will supervise a minimum of 10 injections
- evidence of a minimum of 3 years musculoskeletal practice experience.
Supplementary requirements
On completion of the module, to practice the modality safely, you must also hold the following:
- valid CPR/Basic Life Support certificate
- valid anaphylaxis training
- evidence of appropriate hepatitis B immunisation.