The full cost of the basic CCAT course is £1415.00 This fee includes lunch plus morning and afternoon refreshments, all tuition fees, practical classes and visits, coach transfers, a conference pack of up-to-date notes, and a copy of the textbook (Handbook of Patient Transportation, rrp £30.00). Here is a breakdown of the course fee:

Lecture fees and University charges (6 days)	£830.00
Costs of external visits	£350.00
Lunches plus morning and afternoon refreshments	£115.00
Buses to course visits	£70.00
Course textbook, work folder and photocopying	£50.00
TOTAL	£1415.00

2. Do I have to be resident during the course?

Accommodation is not compulsory but the course programme is long and the course is very intensive. Almost all past CCAT participants have remained on campus for the full week. However, there is no refund for those that choose not to be resident after paying for their accommodation supplement. This is because the University of Surrey charges CCAT the full residential costs for each participant regardless of whether or not they use the accommodation and catering facilities.

3. Can I buy just a part of the course?

Individual days can be purchased at a cost of £250.00 GBP per day including lunch and refreshments, but excluding accommodation.

4. Can I stay at the University on the day before or until the day after the course?

Extra bed & breakfast accommodation is available on the days before, and on the last day, of the course if required. The accommodation costs must be booked and paid for in advance. This is non-refundable should you then decide to cancel.

5. How do I make my payment?

The accepted currency is UK (GB) pounds sterling only. Payment is by bank transfer and details will be sent on receipt of your enquiry. Cheques drawn on a UK bank may also be acceptable. Please contact us for further details. A receipt will be issued on the course or sent with your joining instructions if requested.

6. Can I buy the textbook without coming on the course?

In bookshops, the textbook currently sells at about £30.00 (GB pounds) plus post and packing. It is also available from Amazon.com and other online sources. CCAT can provide the textbook at the discount price of £23.00 (GB pounds) plus post and packing (depending on insurance and destination).

7. Can I receive the textbook prior to the course?

The textbook can be sent to your postal address on receipt of your registration fee if you request it at the time of registration and add £10.00 (GB pounds) for administration costs, insurance, plus post and packing.

8. How do I claim CME or CPD hours?

CME/CPD credit is claimed via the UK medical Royal Colleges. You will be notified prior to the start of the course how many CME/CPD credits are available (College rules are changing almost annually at present). On successful completion of the course, a CCAT certificate will be awarded and may be used as proof of attendance. A timetable of the week's educational programme is issued at the start of the course and may be requested by your College. CCAT maintains a register of all participants for College inspections, and you, for your part, must complete an evaluation form which is used to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the course.

9. Is PGEA accreditation available?

This topic is reviewed annually. At present, the Guildford Post Graduate Dean's office charges over £700.00 for PGEA accreditation. Until now, only one CCAT participant has requested PGEA and the cost of purchasing accreditation is considered to be an unnecessary expense when trying to keep the course fees low. However, individuals are, of course, free to approach their local Post Graduate Dean to apply for individual accreditation. I understand that some Deans offer this service at no charge.

10. Are PREP points available?

CCAT may help fulfil PREP requirements in the following categories: care enhancement, education development and practice development. However, it would be wise to seek advice early. Information on PREP points in the UK is available from the NMC Registration Department on 0207 333 9333. Nurses wishing to use CCAT to fulfil part of their PREP requirements are required to complete a portfolio of the learning they have achieved, both in preparation for, and during, the course.

11. Are CATS points available?

Information on CATS points should be sought from your university registration department. Those requiring CATS points will be required to provide a complete portfolio showing evidence of study. Each portfolio is individually assessed towards accreditation for a diploma or degree.

12. I have no aeromedical experience, can I still attend the course?

Anyone with a medical or paramedical background may attend this course. Each course has some delegates with no previous aeromedical experience. CCAT also gives you a great opportunity to network with those already in the industry, and also to learn about employment opportunities around the world.

13. If I cancel my accommodation late, but after I have paid for it, can I claim a refund?

No, unfortunately not. The accommodation costs are paid to the University in advance and the university has a no-refund policy for late cancellations. However, it may be that delegates booking even later may take over your accommodation so it is worth asking.

14. Can I pay a deposit to secure my place on the course?

Only in exceptional circumstances. Normally you will be required to pay the full amount in advance so that University fees and other pre-bookable costs can be paid on your behalf.

15. Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes. If you need to cancel before 30 April, you will receive a full refund less a 10 percent administration charge. Between 1 May and 1 June, you will receive a 50 percent refund, and no refunds will be allowed for cancellations after 1 June. These charges are enforced because there are only a limited number of places on the CCAT and HMFC courses and the fees and costs are worked out so that the course is essentially non-profit making. Unfilled places may lead to a financial loss. To avoid this, cancellations usually require further advertising to resell the cancelled place. Unfortunately, late cancellations are almost impossible to fill, hence the zero refund. However, anyone who has good reason to cancel late will be offered a place on the next available course at only 25 percent of the following year's rate.