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Professional Certificate of Clinical Procedures

Acquire intermediate-level knowledge to manage a variety of common problems requiring office-based surgical intervention.

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Professional Certificate of Clinical Procedures

CPD

30.5 hrs Education
40 hrs Performance
34 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online or
with practical
workshop

Duration

72.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Learn or refresh your skills in a broad range of surgical procedures, local anaesthetic approaches, post-operative care, and various suturing techniques.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in this area.

  • Develop confidence in various procedures and understand their limitations without further practical experience.

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

  • The course is approved for the Rural Procedural grant program.

  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

Learning outcomes

  • Learn from a broad range of surgical procedures, local anaesthetic approaches, post-operative care, and various suturing techniques.

  • Manage wounds and possible infections.

  • Learn more about foreign body removal, lacerations, sebaceous cysts and ingrown toenails. 

  • Manage subcutaneous lipomata and learn tips and tricks on avoiding excessive bleeding.

  • Learn to manage different lacerations with the aim to obtain primary closure.

  • Treat haemorrhoids and anal-rectal conditions.

Course contents

Principles of Wound Healing and Managing Small Procedures in General Practice
"Principles of Wound Healing and Managing Small Procedures in General Practice" is a comprehensive course designed for medical professionals to enhance their skills in wound management and minor office-based procedures. Through hands-on techniques, expert guidance, and real-world case studies, participants will learn about wound healing processes, aseptic techniques, and safe use of local anesthesia. This course provides both theoretical foundations and practical insights into managing conditions such as skin lesions, lacerations, and more. Ideal for GPs looking to expand their procedural skills, this course offers an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to improve outcomes in general practice.
Closing the Wound
Master the art of wound closure with this hands-on course designed for healthcare professionals. Covering foundational knot-tying techniques, suture material selection, and advanced suturing methods, this course offers step-by-step guidance on achieving optimal wound healing. Learn to choose the right closure methods for various clinical scenarios and refine your skills in simple interrupted, mattress, and subcuticular sutures. With a focus on patient-centred care and cosmetic outcomes, this course equips you with the expertise to manage wounds effectively in any practice setting.
Lacerations and Wounds
"Lacerations and Wounds" is an essential course for healthcare professionals focused on the assessment, treatment, and management of various types of wounds. Covering lacerations across different anatomical sites, this course provides evidence-based approaches to wound cleaning, debridement, closure, and post-operative care. With expert guidance and detailed case discussions, practitioners will gain confidence in delivering effective, patient-centred wound care.
Foreign Bodies and Healing by Second Intention
The "Foreign Bodies and Healing by Second Intention" course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage foreign bodies in various parts of the body and address wounds healing by second intention. Participants will learn how to assess, remove, and treat different types of foreign bodies, as well as manage wound healing through debridement and appropriate dressing techniques. The course provides real-world case studies, surgical demonstrations, and step-by-step procedures to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
Ingrown Toenails
The "Ingrown Toenails" course equips healthcare professionals with the skills to diagnose and treat ingrown toenails and related nail conditions. The course covers conservative management, surgical procedures like wedge resection, and the use of phenol ablation. Through practical demonstrations, participants will learn key techniques such as digital nerve blocks, tourniquet application, and postoperative care. This evidence-based course also addresses the management of nail deformities, subungual hematomas, and paronychia, providing a comprehensive approach to nail-related issues in clinical practice.
Lumps and Bumps
The "Lumps and Bumps" course provides healthcare professionals with the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat common lumps and bumps in a primary care setting. This course covers the management of sebaceous cysts, pilar cysts, lipomas, abscesses, and granulomas, with detailed explanations of surgical techniques, excision procedures, and post-operative care. Through practical demonstrations and clinical images, participants will learn best practices for minor surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes and enhancing office-based procedural skills.
How a specialist manages anal rectal conditions
The "How a Specialist Manages Anal Rectal Conditions" course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of diagnosing and managing common anal and rectal conditions. This course covers the anatomy of the anal canal, hemorrhoids, polyps, and other conditions, and discusses the appropriate referral to specialists when needed. Through clinical images, procedural videos, and case-based learning, participants will gain practical knowledge of treatment options and post-operative care for complex conditions. This course is ideal for clinicians looking to enhance their ability to manage anorectal issues in primary care settings.
Managing Infected Lesions
The "Managing Infected Lesions" course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage various types of infected lesions, including venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pyoderma, and cellulitis. The course covers diagnostic tools, such as biopsies and Doppler studies, as well as treatment options, including compression therapy, skin grafting, and advanced varicose vein treatments like sclerotherapy and laser ablation. Participants will gain practical insights into the identification and treatment of both common and complex skin infections, improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care.

These topics are covered during the hands-on practical sessions in the optional skills workshop.

Meet your instructors

Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel Assoc. Professor Maurice Brygel FRACS
Dr Peter Milne Dr Peter Milne MBBS

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.

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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. The certificate provides 50 hours of CPD for medical professionals in Australia.*

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
1433269 38260 Principles of Wound Healing and Managing Small Procedures in General Practice 4.5 5.0
1433278 38267 Closing the Wound 4.0 5.0
1433293 38270 Lacerations and Wounds 4.0 5.0
1433301 38272 Foreign Bodies and Healing by Second Intention 3.5 5.0
1433350 38275 Ingrown Toenails 5.0 5.0
1433360 38276 Lumps and Bumps 3.5 5.0
1433371 38277 How a specialist manages anal rectal conditions 4.0 5.0
1433395 38278 Managing Infected Lesions 4.0 5.0
Total hours 32.5 40.0

Workshop CPD hours

The optional Clinical Procedures workshop is accredited for 8.5 CPD hours total.

  • Education hours: 3

  • Performance hours: 5.5

*When the optional outcome measurement activity (minimum 5 hours) is completed. See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

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.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate of Clinical Procedures is suitable for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses who wish to further their surgical office-based knowledge by gaining an intermediate level understanding of a variety of common problems requiring surgical intervention. This course is open to degree-qualified medical practitioners.

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 in 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. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Clinical Procedures 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).

  • 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.

  • 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

Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Surgery with the University of Plymouth (UK)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Surgery is studied through the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).

There are three modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert  Professional Certificate of Clinical Procedures will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 2.

The Postgraduate Diploma is mainly delivered online. No practical workshops will be required due to the APCL from the HealthCert qualifications. Overall there will be a time saving of 40 per cent of the postgraduate program due to the APCL. Exams will be held in Perth, Western Australia.

When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, doctors can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth.

For more information please click here. 

Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

Clinical attachments are optional and available on a 1:1 basis. These provide the opportunity to observe clinical procedures and ask questions of the expert performing the procedures. Clinical attachments are available for Skin Cancer Surgery (only for graduates of the Professional Certificate of Clinical Procedures). These are available in Australia and overseas. The clinical attachments are 1:1 in Australia and they are in small groups at university teaching hospitals and clinics overseas. HealthCert certificates and university statements are awarded for participating in clinical attachments.

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.

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Richard Silsby

Campbel Elton

Campbell Elton

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Loretta Blackborough

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Adam De Barros

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Jules Wynyard

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