Boost Your CV with Free, On-Demand Short Courses and Training Resources for Laboratory and Clinical Science Professionals

Are you eager to expand your knowledge, strengthen your CV, or keep up with continuing education requirements? In the fast-evolving fields of clinical and laboratory science, maintaining current expertise and building new skills are essential. The following is a curated list of short courses, training programs, and platforms offering valuable insights and free certificates upon completion. These resources cover essential areas in global health, laboratory safety, ethics, and specialized laboratory skills.

Top Free Short Courses with Certificates

The Global Health Network

The Global Health Network offers essential courses aimed at improving clinical practices and research methodologies. Each course listed below provides a certificate, and they can be completed at your convenience:

• ICH Good Clinical Practice - Learn about International Clinical Practice Standards
• Good Clinical Laboratory Practice - Best practices in laboratory management
• Research Ethics Online Training - Ethics and integrity in research
• Introduction to Informed Consent - Essential practices in obtaining consent
• Essential Elements of Ethics - Core ethical considerations in research
• Introduction to Reviewing Genomic Research - Understand the basics of genomic studies

CDC OneLab REACH Program

The CDC OneLab REACH program provides a comprehensive collection of laboratory safety courses. These are crucial for anyone working in a laboratory environment, and each course is designed to enhance safe and efficient lab operations. You can access the full list here: CDC OneLab REACH.

Courses include:

• Introduction to Laboratory Safety
• Fundamentals of Chemical Fume Hood Safety
• Fundamentals of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Clinical Laboratories
• Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSL)
• Fundamentals of Quality Management Systems
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Basics
• Centrifuge Safety
• Laboratory Risk Management

Open WHO

Open WHO, a platform led by the World Health Organization, provides a series of important courses for those involved in healthcare and laboratory settings:

• Standard Precautions: Waste Management - Guidelines for managing waste safely
• Standard Precautions: Injection Safety and Needle-stick Injury Management - Preventing injuries and ensuring safe practices

Bio-Rad Laboratories Academy

Bio-Rad Laboratories Academy focuses on specialized laboratory techniques ideal for those in clinical diagnostics or research labs. These courses cover key topics in molecular and cellular biology:

• Western Blotting - Explore the basics of protein detection
• Gene Expression (RT qPCR) - Fundamentals of quantitative PCR
• Digital PCR - Advanced PCR techniques
• Flow Cytometry - Basics of cellular analysis
• Bio-Plex Immunoassays - Multiplex immunoassay technology

Trusted Platforms for Webinars, CPD, and Training

Several organizations regularly host online trainings, webinars, and CPD sessions, providing additional opportunities to stay current with industry standards:

• LabVine - Laboratory training and development
• Sysmex South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Clinical and diagnostic insights
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences - Life science and clinical diagnostics training
• SEPARATIONS - Analytical and lab equipment guidance
• National Metabolomics Platform at NWU
  - Specialized metabolomics training
• PathCare & Ampath Laboratories - Clinical laboratory updates
• International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) - Global standards in clinical chemistry
• African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) - Laboratory medicine in Africa
• Lasec® Group & Helix Biogen Institute - Biomedical research training
• CERI & KRISP Newsletter - Subscribe to receive the latest in genomics research: CERI & KRISP

Other websites for CPD resources include:

• www.cpdcentre.co.za - CPD courses for various medical and scientific fields
• www.mycpd.co.za - Broad catalog of CPD-certified courses

Take advantage of these resources to stay at the forefront of your field. Many of these courses are not only valuable for knowledge but also help to broaden your professional network. If you come across other reputable sources or courses, feel free to share them with colleagues—it’s a great way to support professional growth within the community!