Welcome to the NHS Scotland Academy (NHSSA) National Ear Care (Microsuction) Train the Trainer Programme, on this site you will find:
- Introduction to the Microsuction programme aims
- Programme content and access
- Programme structure and dates
- Key areas of knowledge
Microsuction programme
Programme aims
Welcome to the digital programme content. The aim of this programme is to:
- Critically apply and integrate advanced knowledge and skills to perform microsuction for necessary earwax removal in routine ears, demonstrating autonomy and professional judgment.
- Evaluate, synthesise and apply theoretical principles of learning, teaching and assessment to implement effective training for microsuction, exercising critical judgment and leadership
This programme is for registered adult nurses working in aural care services in NHS boards in Scotland (i.e. Community Treatment and Care (CTAC), Acute ENT) who wish to become proficient as Accredited Microsuction Trainers (AMTs) for routine ear wax removal in adult ears. The programme is aligned to the British Society of Audiology’s (BSA) Minimum Training Guidance (2020) and has a dual focus, including the acquisition of clinical competence in microsuction and the critical evaluation and application of teaching and assessment principles within their roles as AMTs. The programme will be delivered over 6 cohorts per year using a blended approach (i.e. digital, face to face and supervised practice). Candidates will undergo the supervised practice element in a designated patient-facing ENT clinic, with consolidation in candidates own practice area. Candidates must have the support of their employing Board/service manager.
This ‘Once for Scotland’ approach will support the NHS workforce to increase the number of Registered Nurses (RNs) trained to deliver person-centred microsuction for necessary ear wax removal in routine ears, thereby enhancing workforce capacity and service access predominantly in NHS Community and Primary Care settings. The programme will ensure quality and consistency in training and aims to positively influence the inequalities of access across Community, Primary Care and Acute ENT Services.
Learners will gain practical skills to meet current service demands, improve patient flow, and reduce unnecessary referrals.
The learning outcomes for learners enrolled on the full programme are:
- Critically evaluate and apply comprehensive knowledge of safe ear assessment and care strategies in clinical contexts.
- Critically apply principles of safe ear assessment and care to practice
- Perform ear microsuctioning safely and competently
- Integrate evidence-based approaches to teaching, supervising and assessing microsuction Trainees in practice
Programme content and access
The eLearning modules in this programme are open to all Turas Learn users. However only enrolled learners who successfully complete the NHSSA National Ear Care (Microsuction) Train the Trainer Programme in its entirety will have access to the full suite of programme materials and receive 20 SCQF credits and be eligible to become AMTs upon successful programme completion.
Microsuction programme content
| Programme resource | All Turas Learn users | Microsuction programme Learners |
|---|---|---|
| Eight modules | ✔ | ✔ |
| Simulation and skills development days | ✔ | |
| Programme handbook, templates, etc. | ✔ | |
| Originality submission, assessments | ✔ | |
| Microsuction competency framework (portfolio) | ✔ |
Programme structure
- Eight eLearning modules.
- Two simulation-based learning and skills development days.
- Practice-based competency framework completion (e-portfolio) under supervision of an appropriately trained Clinical Educator incorporating the sign-off of 20 microsuction procedures.
Learners enrolled on the programme will receive more detailed information about the programme, including cohort dates, timetables and outline of assessments in the programme handbook and via access to the enrolled learners section.
To find out more about the programme contact: nhsscotlandacademy@nhs.scot
Dates
| Cohort | Region | Estimated start date |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | West | 1 February 2026 |
| 1b | North | 2 March 2026 |
| 2a | West | 18 May 2026 |
| 2b | North | 15 June 2026 |
| 3a | West | 31 August 2026 |
| 3b | North | 21 September 2026 |
Key areas of knowledge
- Medico-legal issues and current context of ear care and ear wax removal services including principles of informed consent, scope of practice
- Communication with patients and significant others; including those with sensory and cognitive impairment
- Relevant health and safety issues including infection prevention and control, management of environmental and procedural risk and medicines management in necessary ear wax removal in routine ears
- Anatomy and physiology of the outer ear including the ear wax production, effects of impaction and recognising abnormal presentation
- Holistic person-centred ear assessment and examination including basic otoscopy
Tympanic Membrane, right, normal (Hawke, M. 2015)
Loupe headset
- The microsuction procedure including the correct use and maintenance of equipment i.e. loupes, suction and sundries and disposables
- Escalation and referral pathways and ongoing patient management in line with national and local policy
- Importance of record management
- Service development and delivery for ear wax removal and principles of quality improvement (QI)
- Supervision and assessment of trainees learning microsuction
Guiding standards and core principles
This programme is informed by BSA Minimum Training Guidelines, NMC standards, and core principles of reflection, Realistic Medicine, Values-Based Health and Care, Human Factors, and environmental sustainability. It promotes safe, person-centred microsuction practice through shared decision-making, supervised skills development and adherence to evidence-based guidance.