Applications for the Menopause Care SSM closed in August 2022. Menopause Care SSM candidates accepted prior to this can continue their training.
If you have any specific queries regarding the closure of the Menopause Care SSM, please check visit our Support Portal and FAQs.
If you are interested in menopause care training, please check out our Menopause Care Professional Certificate (MCPC). If you would like an introductory course on menopause care, please see our Essentials of Menopause Care course.
Please note that we are still accepting applications for those wanting to become Menopause Care Principal Trainers. Please visit our Menopause Care Principal Trainer webpage for information.
Our Special Skills Modules (SSMs) involve theoretical and practical training that enables healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom to deliver specialist care in an area of sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH).
The practical elements of SSM training are supervised by a Principal Trainer at a training centre, and are captured within a logbook that is submitted to us for review.
By completing the Menopause Care SSM, you will demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality specialist care in this area, and will be awarded a Faculty Certificate.
You can apply for either a Basic or Advanced Certificate.
The Basic Certificate demonstrates the necessary skills to provide basic menopause care. You will understand your role in the specialty and, where necessary, the appropriate point at which to refer to other specialists. You will also understand the wider aspects of care for women, and participate in the development of services in the local area.
Those who complete the Advanced Certificate will have expertise in managing more complex cases and could receive external referrals. It is not necessary to complete the Basic Certificate first.
Who can apply?
The Menopause Care SSM was for healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom who work regularly in the field of menopause care. It was only available to doctors and nurses fully registered with the GMC or NMC.
The essential entry requirements were:
- Fully registered with the GMC or NMC
- Working in SRH, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, primary care or any other speciality related to women’s health care
- Demonstrable consultation skills and the ability to take a full medical history, including a sexual health history
- Membership of a menopause society (e.g. BMS, EMAS or IMS)
- For the advanced certificate, nurse trainees must be nurse independent prescribers
The desirable entry requirements were:
- Holding a relevant post-registration qualification in contraception or sexual health (e.g. DFSRH)
If you have little experience of menopause care, you may wish to consider attending a foundation course prior to applying for this SSM.
What does the training involve?
The SSM includes theoretical and practical assessments. These are met by the completion of an FSRH-recognised menopause theory course, and by the submission of an SSM logbook that captures the practical training elements that are supervised by a Principal Trainer.
The practical training should be completed within three years of attending the theory course.
Please see the Theory Course and Logbook tabs below for more information.