This standard is a Level 6 course with 10 Credits (100 hours of learning time).

This course covers:

• Anatomy, physiology, pathology and cytology
• HPV primary screening
• Options available for screening
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and hauora Māori models
• Cultural safety and supportive delivery
• Cervical screening and barriers to screening
• Sexual health
• Sexually transmissible infections (delivered online)
• Symptomatic vs asymptomatic screening
• Gynaecological disorders
• Visualisation of cervix using a speculum
• Laboratory input and colposcopy
• Understanding results, recalls, referrals
• National cervical screening programme
• Informed consent

You will be required to complete the STI component online and nominate a clinical supervisor who is a current certified cervical sample taker before attending the two and a half day course (see pre-requisites below), and take 15 samples under supervision. Finally, you will need to undergo a summative assessment of competency, which will include written and clinical components.  

Please note that all these requirements must be able to be undertaken in your workplace.   If you cannot conduct the practical components of the course in your practice, you will not be able to complete the final assessment and gain certification. 

NCSP Sample Taker Training Grant information is available on NSU website.

Please be aware your records will only be kept for three years, after this period they will be destroyed.  Please ensure you make a copy of your records.

Course fee:  $1100 which includes the STI online component

The Midwifery Council has allocated 15 points for midwives who complete this course.