The Ataxia & HSPs module focuses on Cerebellar Ataxias and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias.
To apply click here.
Competencies to be Acquired
The Ataxia/HSP module covers aetiology and clinical presentation, diagnostic flowcharts and neurogenetics, disease-specific management, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, neurorehabilitation, advanced therapies and communication/counselling with patients and families.
It is structured across 5 domains, 21 competencies and 96 learning objectives and follows the ERN-RND syllabus.
Composition of the Ataxia/HSPs Module
It combines flexible online learning with applied clinical training at an RND expertise centre.
The online learning path includes an introduction, recommended readings, educational webinar recordings and virtual patient cases in e-learning format. Webinars are mapped to the five learning domains and to the competencies and learning objectives of the respective disease group.
After completing the online learning path and the required knowledge tests, trainees undertake a 3-6 month stay at an ERN-RND member centre and/or a European nationally recognised expertise centre for the respective disease group.
During the stay, trainees consolidate knowledge, apply it in clinical practice and document training activities in a competence-based logbook. The module concludes with an oral exit examination.
Workload
Online learning path (maximum 18 months):
- recommended readings
- 33 educational webinars
- 8 e-learning patient cases
Expert-centre stay: 3-6 months, to be completed within 18 months after the online learning path.
Ataxia/HSP Specific Requirements for Expert-centre Stays
The on-site training period may take place at an ERN-RND member centre, a European nationally recognised expertise centre, or the trainee’s own host institution if it has the required Ataxia/HSP expertise and is approved for this purpose.
Please, find a list of ERN-RND healthcare providers with Ataxia/HSP expertise here.
Please, note, that the listed centres are not obliged to offer placements, and enrolment does not include central funding for travel, accommodation, leave or local employment arrangements.
Trainees are responsible for initiating contact with potential training centres and organising the on-site training period, with support from the ERN-RND Training Team where possible.
The mentor should meet ERN-RND criteria for the respective disease group, including at least 100 patients visited, treated or followed per year and at least 20 new patients per year.
Application deadline
Apply now till 31 October 2026.