Training and education
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Cellular and Molecular Therapies (CMT) is helping to address the skills gap in the wider cell and gene therapy community. Some recent examples of our external training activities are listed below.
On this page:
ATMP e-learning and viral vector video series
As part of our work with Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies (IHfGT), we are delighted to share an exciting series of digital learning materials we have created.
This provides an introduction to the manufacture of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and is designed for NHS employees or UK academics involved in cell and gene therapies.
There is also a video series on the production of viral vectors.
These materials are hosted on the NHS Learning Hub, which is free to access for anyone with an NHS or ac.uk email address.
MSc Applied Transfusion and Transplantation Science
We contribute towards the delivery of the only postgraduate master’s degree in transfusion and transplantation in England.
Run by the University of the West of England (UWE) in collaboration with NHSBT, this incorporates experiential learning in support of developing laboratory advanced specialists.
Students can choose from several study options including stand-alone modules as CPD short courses, full-time or part-time study, with short, blended teaching blocks, complementing a busy work schedule.
Find out more on the UWE Bristol website.
Continuous improvement training course
NHSBT offers limited free places on a short online training programme to introduce continuous improvement for learners working in the NHS or a UK academic organisation.
This is delivered as part of our work with the IHfGT.
Contact us for information about any upcoming courses.
Specialist Certificate in Stem Cell Transplantation Science
We support a self-study distance-learning course run by the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS).
For more information, visit the BBTS website.
Publications
Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies: skills report
The need for skilled and experienced workers in the UK Advanced Therapies sector remains a barrier to translation of gene therapies.
Upskilling as well as attracting new talent is a key focus for the Innovation Hubs, of which NHSBT is a member.
A report from the Innovation Hubs, published in July 2023, provides our perspective on the skills gap. We share our findings from a consultation with stakeholders, who informed how we could expand our training programmes to address the areas of greatest need.
E-learning:
- Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) e-learning: this module provides an overview of ATMPs. It explains in simple terms how these therapies are produced and defines key terminology.
- Safe use of the low temperature transport vessels e-learning: this module introduces nitrogen vapour phase 'dry shippers' and dry ice shipments.
Competency assessment tools:
- Safe use of dry shippers and/or dry ice (PDF 2.8MB): this tool should help prompt consideration and recording of the competencies that are needed to work safely with dry shippers and/or dry ice.
- Thawing cryopreserved cell-based therapeutic products (PDF 2.8MB): this tool should help prompt consideration and recording of the competencies that are needed to work safely while thawing cellular therapies.
Videos:
- The logistics supply chain for ATMPs
- Thawing a cell therapy product in a water bath
- Educational webinars on ATMP topics, all available to watch on demand.
Other resources:
- Visual inspection of cell therapy medicinal products (PowerPoint 25MB): this training resource explains the importance of correctly thawing and inspecting cell therapy medicinal products.
