Skip to content
Enrol now
Search icon
Enrol now

Foundation Certificate of Arthritis: Types and Treatments

Learn to diagnose, manage, and differentiate between different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

ENROL NOW
Foundation Certificate of Arthritis: Types and Treatments

CPD

18 hrs Education 24 hrs Performance 0 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

42 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

This short Certificate Course equips GPs with the skills and confidence to diagnose and manage the full spectrum of arthritis presentations in primary care, from acute joint pain to complex inflammatory conditions. You will learn evidence-based strategies to manage rheumatoid arthritis, optimise functional outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis, and prevent complications of gout.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Focus on lifestyle interventions, pharmacological management, and appropriate referral pathways.

  • Be empowered to make informed clinical decisions that enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life.

  • This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses.

  • CPD-accredited.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

Learn more

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

Learn more

Professional Diploma

Master complex cases and achieve high-level clinical proficiency.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Strengthen your diagnostic skills to confidently assess patients presenting with acutely painful joints.

  • Effectively manage arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout) using evidence-based, practical approaches.

  • Work collaboratively with specialists to optimise outcomes in complex inflammatory arthritis cases.

  • Support patients holistically through lifestyle advice, pharmacological treatment, and clear referral pathways.

  • Prevent complications and improve quality of life by applying proactive, GP-led strategies in arthritis care.

Course contents

Gout
The "Gout" course offers comprehensive training for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by urate crystal deposition in joints. The course covers the identification of inflammatory monoarthritis, pseudogout, and gout, with a focus on the different stages and treatment strategies. Participants will gain practical knowledge on patient management, including preventive measures, medication options, and patient education to prevent complications.
Inflammatory arthritis
Understand and manage complex inflammatory arthritis conditions with our "Inflammatory Arthritis" course. Tailored for healthcare professionals, this evidence-based program delves into key types of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and psoriatic arthritis. Gain insights into early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and patient care through interactive modules and real-world case studies. Explore the latest guidelines for using DMARDs, biologics, and non-pharmacological therapies to optimise patient outcomes. Whether you're a primary care provider or a specialist, this course equips you with the tools to confidently diagnose and treat inflammatory arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Transform your understanding of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with this comprehensive course tailored for healthcare professionals. Learn to diagnose and manage RA effectively, from early symptoms to long-term complications. Dive into evidence-based approaches, covering epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and advanced management strategies. This course emphasises collaborative care with rheumatologists, the role of new therapies, and practical patient-centred solutions. Through interactive case studies and real-world scenarios, you'll gain the expertise to provide optimal care for patients with RA. Enhance your clinical practice and improve patient outcomes with this essential resource on a critical condition.
Osteoarthritis
The "Osteoarthritis (OA)" course provides healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge on diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to assessing OA, including clinical and diagnostic criteria, and developing personalised management plans focused on non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. This course covers lifestyle modifications, patient education, and strategies to empower patients with chronic disease. Through case studies and practical insights, this course equips clinicians to improve outcomes for patients with OA.

Meet your instructors

Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP Dr Alice Lam

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.
Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP Dr Alice Lam

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.
Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP Dr Alice Lam

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.
Dr Sharon Sykes Dr Sharon Sykes MBBS BAppSc FRACGP Dr Sharon Sykes

General practitioner

Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.

She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

View workshop dates

Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

Browse short courses

HealthCert 365

Access selected content from this certificate, plus 4,000+ hours of other CPD across a wide range of clinical areas.

Start free trial

CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

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
450710 38560 Gout 4.5 6.0
788339 38636 Inflammatory arthritis 5.5 6.0
448427 38523 Rheumatoid arthritis 4.0 6.0
441450 38226 Osteoarthritis 4.0 6.0
Total hours 18.0 24.0

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement

HealthCert Education provides a variety of Outcome Measurement activities to suit your needs. Please contact an Education Advisor for more information.

Entry Requirements

This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. The course assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field.

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.

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.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

This Foundation Certificate course allows you to gain an insight into the HealthCert Professional Diploma programs in Chronic Disease & Conditions and Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine by exploring some of the most prevalent topics in the field. Should you wish to fast-track your studies and receive financial credit into further courses, you may complete this Foundation Certificate course and receive partial Recognition of Prior Learning and cost savings towards those pathways.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, course participants will receive a Foundation Certificate of Arthritis: Types & Treatment, and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • 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 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. 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.

  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

  • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Pathway to the Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions

This online three-part program consists of the Professional Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions. Entry to the full three-part Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions pathway is possible with partial Recognition of Prior Learning from this Foundation Certificate. This will reduce the time it takes to complete the full pathway.

Pathway to the Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine

This online three-part program consists of the Professional Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine. Entry to the full three-part Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine pathway is possible with partial Recognition of Prior Learning from this Foundation Certificate. This will reduce the time it takes to complete the full pathway.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

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

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

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 listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration 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.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"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

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

Richard - 1

Richard Silsby

Campbel Elton

Campbell Elton

Loretta Blackborough-1

Loretta Blackborough

Adam De Barros__1

Adam De Barros

Jules Wynyard edit circle (1)

Jules Wynyard

Call 1300 856 695
Schedule a call