Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

Each step in Nina’s winding healthcare career deepened her holistic understanding of healthcare’s topography, its challenges, and its opportunities for improvement.

She began as a critical care nurse, where she developed a passion for bridging the gap between theory and practice. Her curiosity about what happens when things don’t go as planned led her to a career shift into clinical negligence law in the private sector. This experience reinforced that healthcare failures are rarely due to a single factor, but are rather the result of complex, systemic challenges. 

Returning to the NHS in management roles, Nina worked her way up to become the Head of Improvement for her Trust, where she now focuses on enhancing service quality for both patients and the workforce. However, she quickly recognised the need to build upon her existing experience in quality, safety, and systems change. That’s when she discovered the Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Science and Practice. 

How has the programme influenced how you perform in the workplace? 

'Opportunities for healthcare professionals in roles away from the bedside can be more limited,' Nina explains. 'Unlike practicing clinicians, we don’t have mandatory professional development requirements tied to our registration. This programme helped me sense-check my knowledge and identify where I needed to improve.'

Through the course, Nina gained a broader understanding of quality improvement methodologies, a deeper appreciation for the tools used in quality improvement, and a newfound ability to apply theory to practice more effectively. 'It built on my expertise in a way that makes me more confident in my role.'

Completing this programme has elevated her academic standing and has given her the formal qualifications to match her extensive real-world experience. 'I feel better equipped to pursue future opportunities in high-level healthcare improvement and patient safety roles.'

What was a key differentiator about this programme compared other, similar programmes that exist? 

When researching similar courses, Nina was first drawn to Oxford's credibility as a world-leading university. 'It’s one of the best universities in the world—people dream of studying here. On top of that, the course itself felt mature and well-established.' 

One of the standout aspects for Nina was the opportunity to learn alongside professionals from across the globe. 'I’ve met people from countries I never imagined visiting. The breadth of perspectives and the caliber of speakers truly set this programme apart.'

What are two characteristics of a healthcare professional who would benefit most from this programme? 

• Those who want more healthcare improvement beyond 'another QI project': 'If you take a scientific approach to QI, you’ll see tangible results. This programme helps shift that mindset.'
  

• Operational leaders: 'Clinicians often engage with research naturally as part of their training, but operational leaders don’t always have that same exposure. This programme helps them engage with the evidence base behind quality improvement, which is essential for making informed decisions under pressure.' 

How has the programme served as a stepping stone to your future goals? 

For Nina, this programme is more than just an academic qualification. Instead, it’s a key part of her professional evolution. “It adds a layer of credibility to my portfolio. Now, I have an academic profile that complements my applied work, opening doors to future leadership roles in healthcare improvement.” 

If you're looking to enhance your expertise in quality and safety, gain a global network, and elevate your career, this programme could be your next step. 

Learn more about the PGCert in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement.