Graduate Certificate in Dermatology Nursing

Course overview

The course is designed to meet the educational needs of clinicians whom are working or would like to work in the diverse environment offering dermatological procedures. The course aims to provide nurses with an advanced knowledge of all aspects of dermatological nursing within a legal and ethical framework that reflects current best practice. To work within the specialty nurses require an advanced dermatological and pharmacological knowledge, and an appreciation of the psychological and emotional needs of the people they are treating. Students are provided with the opportunity to reflect on experience and critique dermatology practice in light of current literature and research. The course also aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to clinical leadership.

This postgraduate course is unique to ACN and has been developed in collaboration with the Australian Dermatology Nurses Association (ADNA).

Learning Outcomes

At successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• apply specialist knowledge of anatomy and physiology used, to the nursing assessment and management of people undergoing dermatological treatments
• analyse the principles of therapeutic treatments to apply to the delivery of holistic person centred care
• develop advanced communication skills in order to establish therapeutic relationships with patients, stakeholders and the multidisciplinary team
• critically reflect upon current practice and learning experiences to promote leadership, knowledge sharing and development of a philosophy of lifelong learning
• explore the legal, ethical and cultural issues in relation to the nursing care of patients undergoing dermatological procedures
• critically analyse litcurrenterature and nursing practice to provide evidence based contemporary care in the dermatology specialty.

Career outcomes

A Graduate Certificate in Dermatology Nursing is an investment in your future and will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure better outcomes for your patients and progress your career, leading to opportunities in clinical education, management and specialist nursing roles.

Course Structure

The Graduate Certificate in Dermatology Nursing is a one year course, consisting of four 10-week terms.Students will need to complete 4 core units. One unit is studied per term. Approximate hours of study are 12 – 15 hours per week.