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ADVANCED CERTIFICATE

Child & Adolescent Health

Advance your competence and confidence in managing medical conditions and health concerns pertinent to paediatric patients.

child health certificate

Overview

Be readily equipped to assess and manage paediatric emergencies, allergies, infections, dermatological conditions, and safeguarding concerns.

The online Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health enables you to build confidence in recognising acute presentations, providing evidence-based treatment for children, supporting families, and fulfilling mandatory reporting responsibilities across poisonings, anaphylaxis, food allergy, infections, and child protection.

  • This course is for GPs, medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.
  • CPD-accredited.
  • Quality-assured by Bond Unversity.

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1595
Special rates available

Study duration

88 hrs
Self-paced

*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

Quality assured by Bond University

Course benefits

  • Strengthen confidence in recognising and managing acute paediatric presentations in primary care.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to allergies, infections, dermatology and toxicology.
  • Improve safety and outcomes through earlier identification of red flags.
  • Enhance communication with families during high-stress presentations.
  • Understand referral pathways and mandatory reporting requirements.
  • Build a broader, more comprehensive paediatric skill set for everyday practice.

Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

Course contents

Poisoning: Causes, symptoms & treatments for children

This module provides a practical approach to recognising and managing common poisonings in children. Participants will learn to identify key toxidromes, assess patient stability, and initiate appropriate early interventions. The module covers the clinical features and treatment of common toxic exposures, including paracetamol, salicylates, tricyclic antidepressants, and illicit drugs. It also explores supportive care strategies, decontamination methods, and the use of antidotes where applicable. Emphasis is placed on timely referral, recognition of red flag symptoms, and effective collaboration with poison information centres. Through case-based scenarios, participants will build confidence in managing acute toxicological presentations in a general practice or urgent care setting. 

Anaphylaxis: Causes, symptoms & emergency treatment

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of anaphylaxis, a rapidly increasing, potentially life-threatening condition. The curriculum is divided into five key units, covering everything from the historical background to advanced management strategies. 

Unit 1 explores the historical context, definition, and epidemiology of anaphylaxis. It highlights the most frequent causes, including food, medication, and venom from insect stings. Unit 2 focuses on the pathophysiology and aetiology of anaphylaxis, examining temporal patterns, cofactors, and risk factors that contribute to its onset. Unit 3 discusses the clinical features and timing of reactions, with a detailed guide on diagnosis and differential diagnoses. Unit 4 reviews treatment protocols in the community setting, emphasizing the critical role of adrenaline, as well as the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and appropriate first aid measures. Special populations, including pregnant women and pediatric patients, are also discussed. This unit includes observation guides post-adrenaline administration and a clinical case study. Unit 5 covers post-event management, including referrals, investigations, and patient education. It includes information on adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI), action plans, allergen avoidance, and immunotherapy. Two additional case studies provide practical insights into managing this condition effectively.  

Food allergies

Peanut, tree nut, seeds, seafood, cow’s milk and hen’s eggs.

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of food allergies and anaphylaxis, focusing on key aspects of diagnosis, management, and patient care. In Unit 1 learners are introduced to the differences between allergy and tolerance, epidemiology, and common food allergens such as dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat. Unit 2 delves into the mechanisms underlying food allergies and anaphylaxis, covering the pathophysiology of specific allergens, the causes of allergic reactions, and cross-reactivity between allergens. In Unit 3, students explore the clinical features of anaphylaxis, including the stages of symptom onset and clinical management, with a focus on diagnostic tools, history-taking, and related conditions such as food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), lactose intolerance, and eosinophilic esophagitis, illustrated by two clinical case studies. Unit 4 addresses the management of food allergies, emphasizing the importance of specialist and dietitian referrals, nutritional considerations in food elimination, and support for patients with FPIES or egg allergies, as well as a clinical case discussion. Unit 5 focuses on the management of anaphylaxis, including the use of antihistamines and corticosteroids, acute treatment of non-anaphylactic allergic reactions, and immunomodulation techniques. It also covers practical tools like milk and egg food ladders and offers resources for patient and caregiver support. 

Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis & desensitisation

This module on allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis covers the key aspects of these common conditions and emphasises the role of general practitioners (GPs) in patient education and management.  

The first unit discusses the history, definition, and epidemiology of these conditions, along with their consequences and associated comorbidities. The second unit focuses on the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, explaining the anatomy and functions of the nose, sinuses, and eyes, and the role of genetics. Unit three provides a classification of allergic rhinitis, including the ARIA guidelines on its impact on asthma. Clinical investigations, and subtypes of allergic conjunctivitis are discussed. Clinical images and red flags are used for enhanced learning. In unit four, allergy testing options, differential diagnoses, and nonallergic rhinitis subtypes are outlined, with two clinical cases discussed for practical insight. The final unit covers general management principles, pharmacotherapy, and treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis, including special considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding patients, allergen immunotherapy, and management of thunderstorm asthma. An additional clinical case is presented. 

Common childhood infections

This module provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing common childhood infections in line with best practice guidelines. Through five focused units, participants will explore conditions such as Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis, Urinary Tract Infections, Impetigo, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Bronchiolitis. Each condition is examined in detail, covering its causes, symptoms, examinations, diagnostic tests, pathophysiology, management strategies, and referral criteria. Additionally, the module addresses aetiology, risk factors, preventive vaccines, and patient care to support effective clinical decision-making.

Paediatric dermatology, follicular disorders & blistering disorders
This module focuses on paediatric dermatology topics, follicular disorders and blistering disorders. The first section focuses on paediatric dermatology conditions including cutaneous mastocytosis, acrodermatitis enteropathica, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, 5th disease or erythema infectiosum, viral exanthems, drug rash, impetigo, infantile acropustulosis, erythema toxicum neonatorum, hand foot and mouth disease, scabies, linear epidermal nevus, nevus sebaceous and infantile hemangiomas. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. The second section focuses on hair follicle disorders including superficial folliculitis, keratin disorders and deep folliculitis. The treatment of these conditions is discussed in detail. The last section focuses on a rare blistering disorder called vesicobullous disease that causes vesicles and bullae eruptions on the skin and mucosal surfaces. The five variants of the blistering disorder including clinical images are discussed in detail.   
Child physical abuse & neglect

This module opens with the definition, prevalence and legislation of child maltreatment. The process of mandatory reporting is provided. Unit two includes clinical images of various trauma injuries include bruises, abrasions, burns and bites that relate to physical abuse. Unit three outlines the clinical process when physical abuse or neglect is displayed. Presenting features including risk factors of presenting guardian characteristics and the child factors are discussed. Cutaneous injuries including bruising and burns are described and supported by clinical images. Differential diagnoses are considered including dermatological conditions. The consequences of abuse are outlined. Unit four focuses on the role of the GP and the process of managing these clinical presentations including the involvement of paediatric forensic and support services.  

Child sexual abuse

This module commences with outlining sexual offences against children. Rules may vary in different jurisdictions. Definitions, prevalence and legislation details are included.  The male and female ano-genital anatomy is described in unit two. The process of forensic examinations for sexual assault are outlined in unit three and features a clinical case. Unit four focusses on the role of the GP and how a child may present. This includes features and signs to consider regarding the guardian’s characteristics and the child’s presenting profile. The process of managing these clinical presentations and aftercare are outlined. STIs, mental health and associated medical conditions are considered. The involvement of paediatric forensic and support services complete this module.  

Meet your instructors

 
Staff Photos Circle (1)
 
Dr Jane Macleod
FRACGP
Course Chair

 

Dr Jane Macleod is the Course Chair for this course. Jane has expertise in child and adolescent health, including developmental paediatrics, care of young people living in out-of-home care, mental health and sexual and reproductive health, including gender medicine. Jane is highly skilled in inclusive care, gender care and trauma informed care

 
John Gall circle
 
A/Prof John Gall
MBBS

 

Associate Professor, University of Melbourne
 
Associate Professor John Gall is the director and principal of a private health clinic offering general medicine and a full range of occupational and forensic medical services. He is a Senior Consultant to the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service, Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne.
 
DrJonathanKarnes
 
Dr Jonathon Karnes
MD

Dr Jonathan B. Karnes is a family medicine physician with special fellowship training in dermatology. He is employed by MDFMR Dermatology Services and is a member of Maine General Medical Center's active staff. He is also a faculty member in the Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency program.

Jonathan’s special interest areas include:

  • Advancement flaps
  • Burn therapy (excluding burns requiring grafting)
  • Cryotherapy of skin lesions
  • Destruction of malignant skin lesions by electrosurgery or cryosurgery
  • Excision/biopsy of skin lesions without grafting
  • Fricke graft for small skin defects
  • Incision and drainage of superficial abscesses and haematomas
  • Intermediate and complex facial repairs
  • Local infiltration anaesthesia with minor nerve blocks
  • Patch tests for allergy diagnosis
  • Phototherapy
 
Joe Kosterich (3)
 
Dr Joe Kosterich
MBBS

 

Lecturer, Curtin Medical School
 
Dr Joe Kosterich is a general practitioner, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. He writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of a medical magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Kosterich has a special interest in plant-based therapy, men’s health, chronic disease and mental health. He has self-published two books and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Through all this, Dr Kosterich continues to see patients as a GP each week.
 
Dr Nidhi Krishnan
 
Dr Nidhi Krishnan

 

Dr Nidhi Krishnan is a senior registrar in general paediatrics, paediatric emergency medicine and adolescent and young adult medicine. Over the last 10 years she has worked across multiple hospitals in Queensland including Townsville and multiple far north Queensland centres. She current holds a position a senior emergency registrar at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital. Her passion is providing acute and emergency care for children but her experience ranges from all things general paediatrics, to alcohol and drug services, sexual healthcare and persistent pain in children and young adults. She is enthusiastic about providing medical education and fostering learning environments to have a shared mental model that leads to better patient outcomes.
 
Alice Lam
 
Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP

 

General practitioner
 
Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Study modes

Certificate Courses

Full Certificate Course:
Study fully online

  • Study entirely online at your own pace.
  • Participate in expert-led tutorials and complete online assessments.
  • Earn your CPD hours and receive your university-assured certificate.
Micro-Courses

Micro-Courses:
Study individual modules only

  • Focus your learning on one or more specific topics from this Certificate Course.
  • Complete the module at your own pace and earn immediate CPD.
  • Perfect for targeted upskilling without committing to a full course.
Digital library of CPD activities

HealthCert 365 subscription: 
Curate your own CPD journey

  • Explore 4,000+ hours of university-assured CPD.
  • Cherry-pick topics of interest — from core skills to advanced knowledge.
  • Build your own CPD plan to go beyond minimum compliance, or upskill with ready 50-hour programs.
  • Learn exactly what you want, when you want —  for a flat annual fee.

Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health

$1595

 .
  • Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement*
  • 100% online
  • Flexible start and completion time

*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

 

Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.

*For Australian residents only: Online course prices are shown exclusive of GST. If you are GST-registered, please enter a valid ABN at checkout to ensure GST is not applied. Otherwise, 10% GST will be added at checkout. View our FAQ for more information.

Child & Adolescent Health certificate
This certificate meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement for medical practitioners

HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others.

Dr K. Abolarinwa

Good courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained.

Dr A. Tucker

This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be.

Dr S. Shinwari

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
455749 31186 Family Planning 455749 31186 4 6 0
455726 31184 Menopause 455726 31184 4 6 0
455707 31182 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 455707 31182 4.5 6 0
455695 31181 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) 455695 31181 5 6 0
455717 31183 Pregnancy 455717 31183 4 6 0
455758 31187 Breastfeeding 455758 31187 4.5 6 0
455769 31188 Domestic Abuse 455769 31188 3.5 6 0
455734 31185 Menstrual Irregularities 455734 31185 3.5 6 0
802714 32991 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) Outcome Improvement Activity 802714 32991 0 0 8.5
Total hours 33 48 8.5

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.
  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.
  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

This is an RACGP-approved CPD activity under the RACGP CPD program.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
1396620 39066 Poisoning: Causes, symptoms and treatments for children 1396620 39066 4 6 0
1168340 35893 Anaphylaxis: Causes, symptoms, emergency treatment 1168340 35893 3.5 6 0
1168718 35901 Food allergies: peanut, tree nut, seeds, seafood, cow’s milk and hen’s eggs 1168718 35901 3.5 6 0
1169091 35904 Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and desensitisation 1169091 35904 3.5 6 0
1283593 37195 Common childhood infections 1283593 37195 4.5 6 0
1283624 37196 Paediatric topics, follicular disorders & blistering disorders 1283624 37196 4.5 6 0
516696 31273 Child physical abuse and neglect 516696 31273 4 6 0
516707 31274 Child sexual abuse 516707 31274 4 6 0
1346193 37894 Food Allergies Outcome Improvement Activity 1346193 37894 0 0 8.5
Total hours 31.5 48 8.5

Outcome measurement

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.
  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.
  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Pre- and post-course information

Entry requirements

The Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to improve patient outcomes by managing common child health issues in general practice.

The courses are suitable for physicians and degree-qualified medical practitioners, including registered nurses. This qualification is stage two of the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health pathway. Participants must have successfully completed the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health (or a qualification deemed equivalent).

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive an Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
  • Qualifies for professional development recognition for recertification CPD towards the RANZCOG Certificate / Diploma / Advanced diploma program.
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada.  Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health pathway. The education pathway is: Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health > Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health > and the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health (coming soon).

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

RACGP Major Provider
ACRRM-2023-logo_200x100
AMA CPD Home
Quality assured by Bond University

Frequently asked questions

Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.
How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 88 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

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