Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Course

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Online Course

Course overview
This online Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) course introduces the effects of trauma on mental health, behaviour and everyday life. Learners explore common PTSD symptoms, complex PTSD, possible causes, assessment and recognised treatment options. The course also explains trauma-informed approaches, helping learners recognise when someone may need support and respond with empathy, respect and appropriate professional boundaries.

Please note: This is an introductory awareness course and does not qualify learners to diagnose or treat PTSD. It supports general understanding and appropriate responses within the learner’s role but does not replace practical, regulated or role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Understanding complex PTSD
• Common symptoms and effects of PTSD
• Re-experiencing traumatic events
• Avoidance and emotional numbing
• Hyperarousal and other associated difficulties
• PTSD in children
• Why PTSD may develop
• Assessment and when to seek medical advice
• Treatment options, including talking therapies and medication
• Active monitoring and support pathways
• PTSD and driving considerations

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for healthcare professionals, social care workers, mental health practitioners, nurses, GPs, allied health professionals, support workers, care assistants, emergency service personnel, police officers, firefighters, ambulance staff, educators, housing staff, HR professionals, managers and supervisors. It is also valuable for anyone whose role involves supporting people affected by traumatic experiences. The course can support induction, refresher training and continuing professional development.

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of common PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms
• Understand how trauma can affect mental health and daily functioning
• Recognise when professional assessment or medical support may be needed
• Communicate more sensitively with people affected by trauma
• Apply trauma-informed approaches within role boundaries
• Understand available treatment and support pathways
• Promote compassionate, respectful and person-centred practice

What learners will be able to do
• Describe the main features of PTSD and complex PTSD
• Recognise common symptoms and possible indicators of trauma-related distress
• Explain how PTSD may affect adults and children
• Identify recognised assessment and treatment approaches
• Understand the importance of timely professional support
• Communicate respectfully with individuals affected by trauma
• Recognise when concerns may require escalation or referral
• Apply general trauma awareness in relevant care and workplace settings

Is this training a legal requirement?
PTSD awareness training is not specifically required by UK law for all employees. However, employers have wider responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect employees’ health, safety and welfare. Depending on the role and setting, PTSD awareness may form part of appropriate workplace learning, induction or continuing professional development. This course does not replace an employer’s assessment of specific training requirements.

Assessment and certificate
The course is delivered online and includes a multiple-choice assessment. Learners who successfully pass receive an instant digital certificate. The course is CPD accredited and takes approximately one hour to complete, allowing learners to study at their own pace.