LARC accreditation

What is RCN accreditation?

The RCN accredits a range of learning initiatives including educational events, resources and courses. The purpose of RCN accreditation is to promote best practice and to contribute to public and patient safety by ensuring access to quality-assured resources that support nursing and health care delivery.
Many organisations including NHS trusts and charities, private training organisations and pharmaceutical companies are applying for RCN accreditation.

What is RCN LARC accreditation?

The RCN accredits nurses in the insertion and removal of subdermal contraceptive implants (SDI) and intrauterine techniques (IUT). These are forms of long-acting reversible contraception or LARC. RCN LARC accreditation is a robust accreditation process that lasts for five years and is recognised throughout the UK.

Who can apply for RCN LARC accreditation?

To be eligible for accreditation, you will need to have completed a recognised post-registration course in contraception and sexual health care. More details are available on the RCN website: www.rcn.org.uk/accreditation

What are the benefits to nurses of being LARC accredited?

Acquiring LARC accreditation is an indicator of having undergone rigorous, standardised and recognised quality controlled knowledge and skills process that should be valued by both nurses and their employers, in terms of continued professional development.
Training helps to maintain a high quality client focus and ensures that our professional image is intact.

LARC Accreditation Fees

Nurses who are having problems in obtaining funding can apply to the Nightingale Fund for assistance.

RCN accreditation is an indicator of a rigorous and recognised quality controlled process, valued by nurses and their employers.
Applications received after 1 January 2013 will be subject to the revised terms and conditions.

What are the changes to the LARC fees?

Following a recent review we are pleased to announce that the accreditation fee for members in respect of long-acting reversible contraception accreditation is to be held at £300; the cost of re-accreditation will also be £300 with effect from 1 January 2013 to reflect the true cost of the process. Both accreditation and re-accreditation is valid for five years and in 80 per cent of cases, employers pay for this accreditation

How does the RCN ensure the accreditation process is robust?

The RCN application process will continue to be reviewed by externally approved peer reviewers in line with the FSRH Faculty requirements.

What do employers think of RCN LARC accreditation?

Evidence shows that employers are increasingly demanding that nurses are RCN accredited to fit LARC .

Has the RCN LARC guidance been updated?

The sixth edition of the LARC guidance documents has been published. These new documents include the LARC accreditation application forms and will assist you when applying for subdermal contraceptive implants (SDI) and intrauterine techniques (IUT) accreditation. These documents are available to download from applying for accreditation.