Free online courses for professionals
Are you a teacher, GP, nurse, therapist or other professional supporting someone with muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition? The free online courses below can help you build your knowledge and confidence.
Most of these courses were developed by our colleagues at Muscular Dystrophy UK, working with clinical specialists and people living with neuromuscular conditions. Others come from specialist partners. All links open the provider's own website, where you can register and take the course.
Please note: these courses are designed for the UK health and education systems. The core knowledge applies in Ireland, but some references to services, pathways and CPD accreditation will differ. If you'd like information about services in Ireland, please contact MDI.
Courses from Muscular Dystrophy UK
If you're new to neuromuscular conditions, we suggest starting with the introductory module.
Introduction to neuromuscular conditions
A short starting point covering what neuromuscular conditions are, how they can affect a person's health, and which professionals are typically involved in their care.
What you'll learn
- The nature and main features of muscle wasting and weakening conditions
- Common health impacts
- The range of specialists involved in treatment and management
Provided by Muscular Dystrophy UK
Education staff
For school staff supporting a secondary-level student with a neuromuscular condition, looking at the everyday challenges a student may face and practical ways to help.
What you'll learn
- How to recognise where a student may need support
- How a condition can affect learning, and ways to manage this
- Where to turn for further advice
Provided by Muscular Dystrophy UK
Neuromuscular disorders for GPs
Developed with the Royal College of General Practitioners, this module looks at how neuromuscular conditions present in primary care, the GP's role in ongoing management, and when to refer to specialist services.
What you'll learn
- The broad spectrum of neuromuscular disease
- Key presenting features of the more common conditions
- Management, including the value of multidisciplinary care
Hosted by the Royal College of General Practitioners – an RCGP account may be required
Neuromuscular conditions for nurses
Written with clinical nurse specialists, this module helps ward nurses care safely for in-patients with neuromuscular conditions.
What you'll learn
- Different types of neuromuscular condition
- Respiratory and cardiac care needs
- Specialist care for genetic and acquired conditions
- Who else is involved in the patient's care
Provided by Muscular Dystrophy UK
Occupational therapists
For OTs working with children and adults, covering everyday living, posture, transfers and wheelchair needs.
What you'll learn
- What a safe, suitable assessment looks like
- Supporting activities of daily living
- Postural management, transfers and seating
- Common barriers to getting the right wheelchair or home adaptations
Provided by Muscular Dystrophy UK
Allied health professionals
Practical e-learning created by AHP experts to improve care for adults living with neuromuscular conditions, across a wide range of therapy areas.
Topics covered
- Assessment and outcome measures
- Exercise and fatigue management
- Contractures, orthotics, posture and wheelchairs
- Respiratory care
- Chewing, swallowing, speech and communication
- Nutrition, transition and self-management
Provided by Muscular Dystrophy UK via the POD-NMD platform
Free courses from other providers
Palliative care for adults with neuromuscular conditions
As people with life-limiting neuromuscular conditions live longer, more are supported by adult hospice services. This course, developed with the Association for Palliative Medicine, covers the physical and psychological issues that can arise and current approaches to symptom control.
Go to the courseHosted by NHS England e-Learning for Healthcare – registration may be required
POD-NMD for physiotherapists
Physiotherapy Online Delivery – Neuromuscular Disease (formerly OPEN-TACT) offers free, interactive learning on assessing and managing neuromuscular conditions, including NorthStar resources for Duchenne and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
Topics covered
- Assessing babies, children and adults, including functional scales
- DMD- and LGMD-specific physiotherapy management
Questions? Email podnmd@treat-nmd.org