Beyond Clicks and Slides: Why Hands-On Learning Still Matters

Years ago, when I began my journey at Medtronic’s Cardiac Rhythm Division as a Clinical Specialist, I went through a rigorous year-long training program.

Over time, I progressed from supporting simple pacemaker cases to managing complex heart failure scenarios. I also had to pass the IBHRE certification, a huge milestone that certified my ability to support electrophysiologists and cardiologists with confidence.

This experience gave me a strong foundation in what meaningful training looks like for complex medical products, and the value of gradual skill-building and hands-on practice. 

When training clinicians, we took the same approach: starting with easier cases and progressing in complexity as their confidence and capability grew.

Some strategies to consider

So, how can we deliver hands-on training effectively, without overwhelming clinicians or overburdening our training teams? 

Maximize Self-Paced Micro-learning

By breaking training into focused, bite-sized modules that learners can complete on their own schedules, we prepare clinicians with foundational knowledge upfront. This allows live training time to be devoted to addressing individual questions, practicing skills, and filling knowledge gaps, making every minute count.

Leverage AR/VR Training Simulations

Augmented and virtual reality offer immersive, risk-free environments where clinicians can repeatedly practice techniques. For example, companies like Conquer Experience Inc. are training surgical teams with VR, while Vital Start Health uses the technology to support patient education. This showcases a future where hands-on learning is accessible anytime, anywhere.

Incorporate AI-Driven Coaching

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a tool to personalize training, identify skill gaps, and offer timely feedback. Imagine an AI-powered system that analyzes a clinician’s catheter placement technique and recommends targeted practice drills, raising confidence faster and more precisely than ever before.

Utilize Simulation Labs

Despite advances in technology, traditional simulation labs remain the gold standard for complex procedures. Simulation labs allow experiential learning under expert guidance, ensuring clinicians develop mastery in critical skills. 

Blend Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

Combining live virtual sessions with on-demand content offers the best of both worlds. This blended approach respects learners’ time constraints while fostering deeper understanding through active engagement and dialogue. Companies like Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical, Stryker do this well.

Support Peer Learning

Learning from peers remains one of the most effective ways clinicians (and employees) grow. Offering clinicians opportunities to shadow others or speaking engagements to share their experience with your product supports peer learning. 

Leverage Data to Drive Continuous Improvement

The smartest training programs are anchored in data. By tracking learner engagement, performance, and feedback, organizations can continuously refine content and delivery to maximize impact. Learning Management Systems like LearnWorlds , Skilljar by Gainsight, and Docebo provide the analytics needed to transform training from a cost center into a growth engine.

As healthcare products become more advanced, thoughtfully integrating these strategies can empower clinical teams efficiently without risking burnout or dilution of quality.

So how are you balancing between scalable self-paced learning and hands-on experiences that safeguard patient outcomes?

What’s next?

If you’re looking to better integrate self-paced learning, and hands-on learning without burning out our team, I’m here to help.

Schedule a free 20-minute training audit and let’s explore tailored strategies that maximize learning impact while respecting your team’s and clinician time.

Until next time,

Manasi