Training Programme to Meet the Medical Needs of Adults with a Learning Disability

Funded by NHS England and created by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Edge Hill University, the training is designed to help services meet the medical needs of adults with a learning disability.

The training programme consists of two modules and successful completion of both will result in an award of a post graduate certificate. The programme will develop practitioners’ skill set and address a number of cross-cutting themes ensuring practitioners can provide high quality and person-centred medical care for adults with a learning disability. The training programme involves experts by experience.

The training programme will enable practitioners to champion medical needs for people with a learning as well as provide clinical leadership in their settings. On completion of training programme clinicians will have the skills to work in a 'Learning Disability Physician’ role. 

Who is eligible for the role?

This training programme is for senior healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals) in England working at a senior level who care for people with a learning disability, including:

• General Practitioners (GPs) or GP registrars (ST3)
• Psychiatrists or psychiatry registrars (ST5-6)
• General medicine consultants or registrars (ST5-7)
• Registered Nurses - Band 6 or 7 upwards (depending on the role)
• Allied Health Professionals - Band 6 or 7 upwards (depending on the role)

Applications for the training programme will open once a year.

For more information on the course content and other details, including when applications are open, visit the RCP webpage or email credential@rcp.ac.uk.