Let’s face it, healthcare professionals are some of the busiest people on the planet. With this in mind, we asked the Healthcare Academy advisory board how we could help, and the number one response was: make them short.
That’s where microlearning comes in. Think of it as the TikTok of healthcare education—short, snappy, and surprisingly impactful.
What Is Microlearning?
Microlearning takes complex information and delivers it in short, focused lessons, usually just 2 to 10 minutes long. These mini-modules get right to the point, helping healthcare teams learn exactly what they need, when they need it, without sitting through long lectures or wasting time on material that doesn’t apply.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Microlearning?
There are some very real reasons why microlearning is quickly becoming the go-to approach in healthcare training.
- We’re wired for short bursts of information. If you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling Instagram or watching a quick YouTube video instead of reading a long article, you’re not alone. Our attention spans are shrinking, and bite-sized content fits naturally into the way we already consume information.
- Time is tight. With staffing shortages, full patient loads, and compliance deadlines to manage, few can afford to sit through lengthy training sessions. Microlearning makes it easy to squeeze in learning without pulling staff off the floor
- It sticks. When training focuses on one topic at a time, people tend to absorb and retain the information better. Microlearning often includes interactive formats like short videos, quick quizzes, and infographics that make it easier, and more interesting, to engage with the content.
- It’s mobile-friendly. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, microlearning goes wherever you go. Learning doesn’t have to happen in a classroom or computer lab. It can take place in the breakroom, at home, or during a quiet moment on the night shift.
Real Benefits for Healthcare Teams
Microlearning is more than just a buzzword. It’s making a real difference in how healthcare professionals learn, grow, and deliver care. Organizations that adopt microlearning report faster onboarding, more efficient training, fewer compliance issues, and higher staff engagement. Most importantly, microlearning gives staff more time to focus on what matters most…..providing excellent patient care.
Let’s Rethink Training, Together
Healthcare Academy’s Knowledge Nows bring this concept to life. These brief, 5 to 10-minute bites are designed for quick, on-demand learning on critically important topics. They’re perfect for team huddles, a confidence boost before performing a task, or as part of a remediation plan. Knowledge Nows give staff the information they need, exactly when they need it.
Another great tool in the microlearning lineup is Healthcare Academy’s Knowledge Checks. These 2 to 7-minute modules allow learners to quickly demonstrate their understanding of a topic or skill. They’re especially helpful for experienced staff who are ready to show what they know and move forward without repeating content they’ve already mastered. At the same time, Knowledge Checks open the door to exploring new topics, helping staff continually grow their skills and knowledge base. If a learner is unable to meet the knowledge check standard, they will be put into a full course on that topic.
For a more hands-on approach, eCompetencies take microlearning even further. With eCompetencies, learners actively demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks, while mentors observe, guide, and assess their performance. This interactive method supports new staff during onboarding and orientation, and provides a structured, ongoing way to evaluate and strengthen competence and confidence over time. eCompetencies are incredibly useful for remediation and refreshers, helping address skill gaps and reinforce best practices. On top of that, they support regulatory compliance by offering real-time documentation of performance and progress.
Together, Knowledge NOWs, Knowledge Checks, and eCompetencies create a well-rounded microlearning experience that fits seamlessly into the fast-paced world of healthcare. Whether staff are on the go, under pressure, or simply eager to grow, this flexible, effective learning strategy meets them where they are and helps them deliver the highest quality care.
Contact Us today to see how effective, targeted education can transform your staff’s performance and improve resident care.
A Thought to Leave You With
Think about the last time you learned something new and felt proud of it. Now imagine giving that feeling to your team, every time they log into a training module.
Compliance doesn’t have to be a burden. It can be a source of pride, curiosity, and confidence. And when we support our employees in learning this way, the impact doesn’t stop with them—it trickles down to residents, to quality of care, and to the culture we build every day.
Let’s stop asking, “Why won’t they complete their training?” and start asking, “How can we make it something they look forward to?” Because that’s where the magic happens.
Author
Amanda Keith, MSN, RN, PHN, PhD
Healthcare Academy Clinical Content Manager
