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Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine

Gain the skills to diagnose and manage patients with musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries in primary care.

Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine

CPD

37.5 hrs Education 48 hrs Performance 8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online or
with practical
workshop

Duration

85.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Diagnose musculoskeletal pains and their underlying causes, including joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, neck injuries, lower limb and gait problems, back pain, and more.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Perfect for practitioners with no to little prior training in this area.

  • This course is for doctors and degree-qualified medical practitioners.

  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

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

  • Meet patient demand, as musculoskeletal conditions account for over 14 per cent of GP encounters and are the third most common reason for presentation.

  • Provide your patients with immediate care by addressing common ailments in general practice.

  • Assess and minimise risk of cervical spinal cord or nerve root damage. 

  • Provide long-term support for your patients with ongoing joint and musculoskeletal pains and sporting injuries.

  • Judge when to refer on a patient, and learn how to work collaboratively with specialists and physiotherapists.

Course contents

Musculoskeletal Pain
The Musculoskeletal Pain course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Led by Dr. Huddy Fuller, this evidence-based course covers the pathophysiology of muscle imbalances, joint instability, and overload, as well as radiological insights and treatment strategies. Through interactive case discussions and practical assessments, participants will develop skills to diagnose and manage common musculoskeletal conditions, enhancing patient care in general practice.
Neck injuries in sport
"Neck Injuries in Sport" is an essential course for healthcare professionals, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of neck injuries in athletes. Covering anatomy, clinical examination, imaging, and tailored management strategies, this course equips practitioners to address cervical spine injuries effectively. Led by Dr. Anoop Jalota, the course includes evidence-based techniques, practical scenarios, and guidelines for managing both emergency and uncomplicated cases, with special considerations for children and aging athletes.
GP Cases- Acute musculoskeletal and sports injuries
The "GP Cases: Acute Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries" course is designed for healthcare professionals to improve their diagnosis and management of acute musculoskeletal injuries. This course covers a range of common sports injuries, such as ankle sprains, MCL injuries, and concussions, providing evidence-based treatment strategies. Participants will learn effective approaches to initial assessment, classification, and management techniques to promote healing and prevent further injury. Through detailed case discussions and practical insights, this course enhances your ability to handle musculoskeletal issues in a clinical setting.
Physical and Biomechanical assessment of lower limb and gait problems
The "Physical and Biomechanical Assessment of Lower Limb and Gait Problems" course provides healthcare professionals with a deep understanding of diagnosing and managing lower limb and gait issues through biomechanical assessments. The course covers normal and abnormal gait, quick gait tests, and therapeutic interventions. Participants will learn efficient, hands-off assessment techniques suitable for time-constrained clinical environments. This course equips professionals with the skills to evaluate, treat, and refer patients with gait and lower limb problems effectively.
Degenerative joint diseases
The "Degenerative Joint Diseases" course provides healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge on assessing, diagnosing, and managing osteoarthritis (OA) and spondylosis. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to managing chronic joint pain, focusing on key areas such as epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment strategies. The course emphasises a holistic, patient-centred approach to care, integrating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. This course equips clinicians with the tools to improve outcomes for patients with degenerative joint diseases in primary care.
Low back pain
The "Low Back Pain" course is designed for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their understanding of diagnosing and managing low back pain. The course covers epidemiology, anatomy, red flags, imaging techniques, and the most effective treatment options, from conservative management to surgical interventions. Through evidence-based practices and case discussions, participants will learn to identify serious conditions requiring urgent care, perform appropriate investigations, and provide holistic, patient-centered care. This course is ideal for practitioners seeking to improve outcomes for patients suffering from acute and chronic low back pain.
GP Cases- Recurrent musculoskeletal and sports injuries
The "GP Cases: Recurrent Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries" course provides healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge on assessing, diagnosing, and managing common recurrent musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. Covering a range of conditions from plantar fasciitis to lumbar facet joint syndrome, this evidence-based course enhances the clinical decision-making process through practical case studies. Participants will learn to establish collaborative management plans with health professionals, ensuring optimal patient care and long-term rehabilitation.
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.

Meet your instructors

Dr Huddy Fuller Dr Huddy Fuller MBBS Dr Huddy Fuller

General practitioner

A native Queenslander, Dr Huddy Fuller graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2012, and spent his hospital years in Launceston then Hervey Bay. He went on to complete GP Fellowship in NSW, choosing general practice because he believes it is the most important medical speciality for the betterment of people’s lives.

Dr Fuller has a background as an exercise physiologist and enjoys bringing this knowledge to general practice. He is experienced in skin cancer screening and management, musculoskeletal medicine, and chronic disease management especially type 2 diabetes. Dr Fuller focuses on an education and shared decision making approach to general practice.

He is heavily involved in the team sport Ultimate Frisbee.

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 Anoop Jalota Dr Anoop Jalota FRACGP MBBS Dr Anoop Jalota

General practitioner

Dr Anoop Jalota is an experienced GP with international experience. He practises in Wollongong, since moving there from New Zealand, he is currently the Cluster Leader for the Central Illawarra area.

Dr David Pugh Dr David Pugh Dr David Pugh

Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales

Dr David Pugh is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology within the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales. His global research agenda focuses on how regular exercise and physical activity can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across the lifespan.

Mr Ronnie Bateman Mr Ronnie Bateman BPhysio BPodiatry Masters Musculoskeletal Physio Mr Ronnie Bateman

Podiatrist & physiotherapist

Ronnie Bateman attained his professional qualifications from LaTrobe University, Melbourne. In 1995, he graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and returned to study a Bachelor of Podiatry and a Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mr Bateman has worked in several sectors including elite sport, aged care and disability, occupational, public health, and private practice.

As a clinician, he promotes treatment pragmatism, and concedes that there are exceptions to most supported clinical and research-based beliefs.

As a podiatrist, he enjoys the challenge of complex foot/ankle conditions, in addition to assisting more proximal pathologies (such as knee pain) by altering distal biomechanics. Podiatric interventions he adopts can include one or more of the following: shoe alterations, insole alterations, over-the-counter orthotics, hand-made insoles/orthotics, strapping, padding, and off-loading. He continues to make devices from casting to fitting where necessary.

As a physiotherapist, Mr Bateman will consider evidence-based research and “old-school” manual therapy options in an attempt to make maximum improvement in the shortest timeframe.

As a lower-limb musculoskeletal practitioner, he can apply top-down (physiotherapy based) and bottom-up (podiatry based) approaches.

Principles and philosophies supported include:

  • Mechanical problems have mechanical solutions.

  • Maximal healing occurs in an environment of minimal symptoms.

  • Rather than “no pain, no gain”, the preference is “more brain, less brawn”.

  • Like bread, chronic soft-tissue scar invariably does well with a knead.

  • “Trial and error” in musculoskeletal therapy is valuable if risks are understood and mitigated. Results-based therapy is about assessing, intervening with low-risk and re-assessing effect.

  • The positive effect of braces in the acute phase are generally underrated and are invariably dispensed with too soon.

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 Anoop Jalota Dr Anoop Jalota FRACGP MBBS Dr Anoop Jalota

General practitioner

Dr Anoop Jalota is an experienced GP with international experience. He practises in Wollongong, since moving there from New Zealand, he is currently the Cluster Leader for the Central Illawarra area.

Dr David Pugh Dr David Pugh Dr David Pugh

Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales

Dr David Pugh is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology within the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales. His global research agenda focuses on how regular exercise and physical activity can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across the lifespan.

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. 

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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
448419 38146 Musculoskeletal Pain 4.5 6.0
448438 38524 Neck injuries in sport 3.5 6.0
448689 38536 GP Cases- Acute musculoskeletal and sports injuries 5.0 6.0
448692 38541 Physical and Biomechanical assessment of lower limb and gait problems 7.0 6.0
448705 38546 Degenerative joint diseases 4.5 6.0
448711 38549 Low back pain 4.0 6.0
448717 38551 GP Cases- Recurrent musculoskeletal and sports injuries 5.0 6.0
448427 38523 Rheumatoid arthritis 4.0 6.0
Total hours 37.5 48.0

Workshop CPD hours

The optional Musculoskeletal Medicine workshop is accredited for 11.5 CPD hours total.

  • Education hours: 5.5

  • Performance hours: 6

*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 Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine is for degree-qualified medical professionals who wish to learn how to improve patient outcomes, especially those patients with musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in general practice.

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

Participants do not need to complete the online course before they are eligible to attend the practical workshop.

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 Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine 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

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the first stage of the three-part professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, and Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

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

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ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
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University of South Wales
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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

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