Skip to content
Search icon

Professional Certificate of Chronic Disease and Conditions

Understand common chronic illnesses, with an emphasis on disease prevention, treatment, and ongoing management.

ENROL NOW
Professional Certificate of Chronic Disease and Conditions

CPD

36.5 hrs Education
48 hrs Performance
8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

84.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

In this online program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the management of congestive cardiac failure, COPD, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, chronic kidney disease, and osteoarthritis, to better support your patients and reduce the impact of comorbidities.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

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

  • Learn about managing the provision of chronic health care and communicating with your patients to optimise their understanding and compliance.

  • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals

  • CPD-accredited and university-reviewed.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

You are here

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

  • Gain the skills to optimise patient outcomes through primary care intervention of chronic diseases, which affect about 58 per cent of all presenting patients.

  • Provide immediate chronic health management and help to prevent and address comorbidities.

  • Reduce the burden of chronic disease, which is the underlying cause of 90 per cent of deaths in Australia.

Course contents

Congestive Cardiac Failure
The "Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF)" course offers healthcare professionals a comprehensive guide to understanding, diagnosing, and managing heart failure. The course covers everything from the pathophysiology and common causes of CCF to acute management strategies and end-stage care. With an emphasis on evidence-based treatments, participants will gain valuable insights into both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Designed for general practitioners, this course equips participants to improve patient outcomes through effective treatment plans and a multidisciplinary approach.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Explore the intricacies of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma in this comprehensive course designed for healthcare professionals. Led by Dr. Kate Moriarty, a seasoned GP and educator, the course provides an in-depth understanding of COPD's risk factors, pathogenesis, and management following the COPD-X guidelines. It delves into asthma-COPD overlap, offering practical insights into diagnosis and treatment strategies. The course also emphasises evidence-based approaches to optimise patient outcomes, including pharmacotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and palliative care. With interactive discussions and practical tools, this course equips you to enhance patient care and manage complex respiratory conditions effectively.
Diabetes Mellitus
The "Diabetes Mellitus" course offers comprehensive training for healthcare professionals managing Type 2 diabetes. Covering diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care, this course equips general practitioners with the skills to effectively manage patients with diabetes. Participants will learn about screening, glycaemic control, medication options, and patient education, including how to communicate the diagnosis and support lifestyle changes. The course emphasizes a patient-centered approach and best practices for managing the disease’s progression. With real-world applications, it is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their understanding of diabetes care in a primary care setting.
Gastrointestinal complaints
The "Gastrointestinal Complaints" course offers healthcare professionals a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing common GI conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Through real-life case studies and evidence-based approaches, participants will learn to differentiate between structural and functional GI disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans. This course equips clinicians with the knowledge to address a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms and complications, improving patient outcomes.
Chronic kidney disease
The "Chronic Kidney Disease" course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis, management, and complications associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It covers the evaluation of kidney function, strategies to slow disease progression, and how to manage CKD in patients with multi-morbidities like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The course emphasizes evidence-based approaches for improving patient outcomes through early detection, lifestyle interventions, and effective management of complications.
Managing the Provision of Chronic Health Care
The "Managing the Provision of Chronic Health Care" course is designed for healthcare professionals to enhance their ability to manage patients with chronic illnesses. The course explores the definitions of chronic disease, the historical development of chronic disease management, and the importance of patient-centered care. It also introduces effective chronic disease management models and culminates in a practical case study. Through this comprehensive course, participants will learn evidence-based strategies for improving patient outcomes, coordinating care, and implementing chronic disease management plans in clinical practice.
Communication Skills in General Practice
Master the art of effective communication in general practice with this evidence-based course. Designed for medical professionals, the course provides actionable strategies to enhance patient understanding, satisfaction, and compliance. You’ll learn the ten essential steps for successful consultations, from preparation to patient follow-up, while improving outcomes through empathy and structured communication. Led by an experienced GP and educator, this course offers practical skills, case discussions, and interactive assessments to optimise your patient interactions and professional growth.
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 Hilton Koppe Dr Hilton Koppe MBBS
Dr Kate Moriarty Dr Kate Moriarty FRACGP
Dr Kate Moriarty Dr Kate Moriarty FRACGP
Assoc. Professor Debbie Kors Course Chair Assoc. Professor Debbie Kors MBBS (first class honours)
Dr Christine Ahern Dr Christine Ahern MBBS FRACGP
Dr Valia Francis Dr Valia Francis FRACGP MBBS BSci(Neuroscience) DCH DRCOG
Dr Sharon Sykes Dr Sharon Sykes MBBS BAppSc FRACGP
Dr Sharon Sykes Dr Sharon Sykes MBBS BAppSc FRACGP

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

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
441329 38220 Congestive Cardiac Failure 4.5 6.0
441343 38221 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 4.5 6.0
441352 38222 Diabetes Mellitus 4.5 6.0
441360 38223 Gastrointestinal complaints 5.5 6.0
441373 38224 Chronic kidney disease 4.0 6.0
441500 38227 Managing the Provision of Chronic Health Care 4.0 6.0
441312 38105 Communication Skills in General Practice 5.5 6.0
441450 38226 Osteoarthritis 4.0 6.0
Total hours 36.5 48.0

*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 Chronic Disease & Conditions is for degree-qualified medical professionals who wish to learn how to improve patient outcomes, especially those patients with chronic health issues commonly seen in general practice. This qualification is the first stage of the Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions.

This course is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals. There are no prerequisites.

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 course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is reviewed by Griffith University to comply with RACGP and ACRRM standards.

  • 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. 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

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the first stage of the three-part professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions, Advanced Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions, and Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions.

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