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Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine

Learn the knowledge required to safely and confidently diagnose and treat commonly encountered skin lesions.

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Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine

CPD

30.5 hrs Education 40 hrs Performance 34 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online or
with practical
workshop

Duration

70.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Skin cancer is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen in general practice – and it is not overly complex to manage if you have the right skill set. This course is the ideal starting point for practitioners who wish to build core knowledge in skin cancer medicine, acquire vital diagnostic skills, and learn basic management techniques to provide effective care to patients with skin cancer concerns.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in skin cancer.

  • Learn various techniques allowing basic treatment of skin cancer cases in the primary care setting.

  • This course is for physicians (including GPs and International Medical Graduates), nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses.

  • 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

  • Diagnose benign and malignant lesions with dermoscopy.

  • Manage skin cancer cases in-house and reduce referrals.

  • Perform punch and shave biopsies, elliptical excisions, suturing, and topical treatments for various skin cancers.

  • Increase clinic revenue by adding skin cancer checks and treatments to your practice.

  • Streamline billing and workflow using Medicare guidelines and best practices.

  • Learn proven techniques to independently and confidently diagnose and treat skin lesions.

Course contents

The foundations of skin cancer medicine

Details for this module are being finalised.

An approach to pigmented skin lesions

Master the diagnosis and treatment of pigmented skin lesions with our comprehensive course on skin cancer medicine. Ideal for building foundational knowledge, you'll learn to identify and manage common lesions with confidence. Unit one covers benign lesions such as freckles, seborrheic keratosis, and blue nevi, with detailed clinical and dermoscopic images to aid analysis. Unit two delves into dermoscopy techniques and the 3-point checklist for identifying suspicious lesions, including dysplastic nevi and melanoma. Supported by real case studies, this evidence-based course ensures you stay updated with best practices in skin cancer management, enhancing your diagnostic and treatment skills.

An approach to non-pigmented skin lesions
Enhance your expertise in skin cancer medicine with our course on non-pigmented skin lesions. Gain essential skills to diagnose and treat common lesions confidently. Begin with an in-depth look at solar keratosis and Bowen's disease, supported by clinical and dermoscopic images. Learn about keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma, including diagnosis and treatment options such as surgery and radiation therapy. Finally, explore basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, with detailed images and management strategies. This evidence-based, regularly updated course is ideal for building your core knowledge and providing effective patient care.
Dermatopathology
The "Dermatopathology" course offers comprehensive training for medical professionals focused on the pathology of skin conditions, particularly in the context of skin cancer medicine. Participants will learn how to accurately request, interpret, and understand pathology reports, including biopsy techniques and error reconciliation. Through detailed discussions and case studies, the course enhances clinical decision-making when dealing with dermatological specimens, ensuring best practices in patient care. This course is ideal for those in dermatology, general practice, and pathology, equipping participants with essential skills in diagnosing and managing skin conditions.
Topical treatment and medico-legal issues for skin cancer medicine
The "Topical Treatment and Medico-Legal Issues for Skin Cancer Medicine" course is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of non-surgical treatments for skin cancer and essential medico-legal practices. The course covers the application and effectiveness of topical treatments, such as Imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil, for conditions like superficial basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. Additionally, it provides crucial insights into medico-legal aspects of skin cancer treatment, including documentation, patient consent, and risk management. This course is essential for practitioners aiming to enhance both patient care and legal compliance in skin cancer medicine.
Preparation for surgical treatment
The "Preparation for Surgical Treatment" course is designed for healthcare professionals performing skin cancer surgery. This course covers the essential principles of surgical preparation, including aseptic techniques, use of local anaesthetics, wound closure, and suture removal. Participants will also learn proper biopsy techniques, such as punch and shave biopsies, to ensure accurate diagnoses. Through case studies and practical demonstrations, the course equips clinicians with the knowledge to confidently manage surgical excisions and biopsies in a primary care setting.
Excision and repair for skin cancer medicine
The "Excision and Repair for Skin Cancer Medicine" course provides healthcare professionals with practical skills for excising skin cancers and performing effective wound repairs. Through detailed instruction and demonstrations, participants will learn the techniques for suturing, buried dermal sutures, and elliptical excisions. The course emphasises optimal cosmetic outcomes while ensuring the complete removal of cancerous tissue. With hands-on practice, participants can refine their skills in skin cancer surgery, ensuring precise excision and repair for better patient outcomes.
Medicare billing for skin cancer medicine
The "Medicare Billing for Skin Cancer Medicine" course is designed for healthcare professionals to navigate the complexities of Medicare billing in skin cancer medicine. This comprehensive course provides a clear understanding of item numbers, procedural billing, and aftercare regulations. Participants will explore case-based scenarios and best practices to optimize reimbursement while adhering to Medicare guidelines. Covering everything from consultations to excisions and non-surgical treatments, the course equips practitioners with the tools to efficiently bill for skin cancer procedures, improving both workflow and patient care.
Skin Cancer Business Management

Details for this module are being finalised.

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

Meet your instructors

Professor David Wilkinson Professor David Wilkinson MBChB PhD DSc FRACGP Professor David Wilkinson

Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres

Professor David Wilkinson is a registered general practitioner and public health medicine expert. Prior to taking up the role as Chief Medical Officer with National Skin Cancer Centres, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Macquarie University, Sydney for eight years, and before that was Dean of Medicine at The University of Queensland for nine years.

Since 2004, David’s clinical work has focused on skin cancer medicine in primary care. He has published research papers on the topic, designed and led development of the only Master of Medicine degree in skin cancer, and helped develop and present a suite of skin cancer short courses delivered by HealthCert. He has taught almost 7,000 GPs the basics of skin cancer medicine in primary care.
Professor David Wilkinson Professor David Wilkinson MBChB PhD DSc FRACGP Professor David Wilkinson

Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres

Professor David Wilkinson is a registered general practitioner and public health medicine expert. Prior to taking up the role as Chief Medical Officer with National Skin Cancer Centres, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Macquarie University, Sydney for eight years, and before that was Dean of Medicine at The University of Queensland for nine years.

Since 2004, David’s clinical work has focused on skin cancer medicine in primary care. He has published research papers on the topic, designed and led development of the only Master of Medicine degree in skin cancer, and helped develop and present a suite of skin cancer short courses delivered by HealthCert. He has taught almost 7,000 GPs the basics of skin cancer medicine in primary care.
Professor David Wilkinson Professor David Wilkinson MBChB PhD DSc FRACGP Professor David Wilkinson

Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres

Professor David Wilkinson is a registered general practitioner and public health medicine expert. Prior to taking up the role as Chief Medical Officer with National Skin Cancer Centres, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Macquarie University, Sydney for eight years, and before that was Dean of Medicine at The University of Queensland for nine years.

Since 2004, David’s clinical work has focused on skin cancer medicine in primary care. He has published research papers on the topic, designed and led development of the only Master of Medicine degree in skin cancer, and helped develop and present a suite of skin cancer short courses delivered by HealthCert. He has taught almost 7,000 GPs the basics of skin cancer medicine in primary care.
Dr Simon Clark Dr Simon Clark MBChB FRCPA Dr Simon Clark

Honorary Lecturer in Pathology, The University of Queensland
 
Dr Simon Clark runs the pathology component of the postgraduate certificate courses in skin cancer medicine at The University of Queensland and lectures in the Masters of Medicine course. He has been involved in dermatopathology education for more than 20 years, training registrars in dermatology, pathology and plastic surgery. More recently he has been active in GP education. One of the best known dermatopathologists in Australia, Simon was recently appointed a visiting professor in dermatology at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Professor David Wilkinson Professor David Wilkinson MBChB PhD DSc FRACGP Professor David Wilkinson

Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres

Professor David Wilkinson is a registered general practitioner and public health medicine expert. Prior to taking up the role as Chief Medical Officer with National Skin Cancer Centres, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Macquarie University, Sydney for eight years, and before that was Dean of Medicine at The University of Queensland for nine years.

Since 2004, David’s clinical work has focused on skin cancer medicine in primary care. He has published research papers on the topic, designed and led development of the only Master of Medicine degree in skin cancer, and helped develop and present a suite of skin cancer short courses delivered by HealthCert. He has taught almost 7,000 GPs the basics of skin cancer medicine in primary care.
Professor David Wilkinson Professor David Wilkinson MBChB PhD DSc FRACGP Professor David Wilkinson

Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres

Professor David Wilkinson is a registered general practitioner and public health medicine expert. Prior to taking up the role as Chief Medical Officer with National Skin Cancer Centres, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Macquarie University, Sydney for eight years, and before that was Dean of Medicine at The University of Queensland for nine years.

Since 2004, David’s clinical work has focused on skin cancer medicine in primary care. He has published research papers on the topic, designed and led development of the only Master of Medicine degree in skin cancer, and helped develop and present a suite of skin cancer short courses delivered by HealthCert. He has taught almost 7,000 GPs the basics of skin cancer medicine in primary care.
Professor David Wilkinson Professor David Wilkinson MBChB PhD DSc FRACGP Professor David Wilkinson

Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres

Professor David Wilkinson is a registered general practitioner and public health medicine expert. Prior to taking up the role as Chief Medical Officer with National Skin Cancer Centres, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Macquarie University, Sydney for eight years, and before that was Dean of Medicine at The University of Queensland for nine years.

Since 2004, David’s clinical work has focused on skin cancer medicine in primary care. He has published research papers on the topic, designed and led development of the only Master of Medicine degree in skin cancer, and helped develop and present a suite of skin cancer short courses delivered by HealthCert. He has taught almost 7,000 GPs the basics of skin cancer medicine in primary care.
Mr Matt Woollard Mr Matt Woollard Mr Matt Woollard

Healthcare Entrepreneur & Business Development Consultant

Born and educated in Adelaide, Matt Woollard is a seasoned healthcare entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building, scaling, and transforming healthcare businesses across Australia.

Matt began his healthcare career in 2000 as the second employee of Skin Alert Skin Cancer Clinics, where he worked alongside founder Paul Elmslie to grow the business from the ground up to a network of 14 clinics nationwide over seven years.

As Chief Executive Officer of National Skin Cancer Centres (NSCC), established in 2016, Matt led the business through a period of significant expansion before its successful acquisition by Sonic Clinic Services, a milestone that reflects both the quality of the business he built and the strength of his commercial execution.

With a deep knowledge of skin cancer medicine, Medicare frameworks, and the operational realities of primary care, Matt's core expertise lies in business development, identifying, structuring, and growing healthcare assets in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.

Today, Matt consults across the broader healthcare sector, partnering with large corporates and private equity firms to develop and de-risk healthcare assets. He remains active in skin cancer medicine and brings the same sharp commercial lens to emerging opportunities in women's health and mental health.
Mr Paul Elmslie Mr Paul Elmslie Mr Paul Elmslie

Founder CEO of HealthCert Education & National Skin Cancer Centres

Paul Elmslie has over 20 years' work experience with a focus on skin cancer. An early pioneer in the development of skin cancer clinics, Paul operates Australia's leading network of dedicated skin cancer facilities and continues to lead the industry through HealthCert Education, the world's first integrated university-assured education provider for medical professionals. Paul has authored books and speaks at conferences all over the world. He has completed business programs with Harvard, MIT and London School of Business, and holds an MBA.

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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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
1409236 39003 The foundations of skin cancer medicine 4.0 5.0
1409263 39004 An approach to pigmented skin lesions 4.0 5.0
1409342 39005 An approach to non-pigmented skin lesions 4.0 5.0
401610 39006 Dermatopathology 4.0 5.0
1412299 39007 Topical treatment and medico-legal issues for skin cancer medicine 4.0 5.0
1412324 39008 Preparation for surgical treatment 3.5 5.0
1412341 39009 Excision and repair for skin cancer medicine 3.5 5.0
401623 39010 Medicare billing for skin cancer medicine 3.5 5.0
— — Skin Cancer Business Management 0.0 0.0
Total hours 30.5 40.0

Workshop CPD hours

Workshop CPD hours

The optional Skin Cancer Medicine Practical Workshop is accredited for 8.5 CPD hours total.

  • Education hours: 3.5

  • Performance hours: 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 Skin Cancer Medicine is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. It assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field, although HealthCert recommends participants have some exposure to skin cancer before enrolling in this course.

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 of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer 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 Skin Cancer Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine. 

RPL with The University of Queensland

The Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine provides RPL for the unit IMED7010, part of the Graduate Certificate of Medicine (Skin Cancer) which is the first step in the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) at The University of Queensland and provides a saving on fees. View The University of Queensland, Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) program. 

Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer)
Doctors who complete the HealthCert Professional Diploma programs in Dermoscopy, Skin Cancer Medicine and Skin Cancer Surgery can receive RPL for the units IMED7002, IMED7010, and IMED7011, which are high-level subjects in the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) at The University of Queensland. The Master of Medicine is open only to registered medical practitioners with at least two years' postgraduate experience. IMED7010 is also a part of the Graduate Certificate Medicine (Skin Cancer); if a student (with two years' postgraduate clinical experience) who isn’t a registered medical practitioner has completed the HealthCert Skin Cancer Medicine pathway and the UQ units IMED7001, IMED7002, and IMED7003, they can receive the Graduate Certificate. View The University of Queensland, Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) program.

Please note, only HealthCert Education qualifications completed within the last ten years can be recognised. Credit is assessed on an individual basis and is not guaranteed. If you are considering continuing your studies at UQ, we encourage you to speak with a HealthCert Education Advisor before enrolling. They can explain the current RPL process and help you understand the available credit pathways.

RPL with Torrens University

This postgraduate pathway is for General Practitioners and degree-qualified medical practitioners who have successfully completed a HealthCert Professional Diploma (all three levels) in Skin Cancer Medicine, Skin Cancer Surgery or Dermoscopy. The following postgraduate course is offered entirely online through Torrens University: Master of Business Administration (MBA). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for two general electives for any HealthCert Professional Diploma. In cases where a HealthCert alumni has completed two Professional Diplomas, they will be able to apply for four general electives towards the MBA. This will be helpful to further develop business, management and leadership capabilities. Please apply directly to Torrens University.

Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology (UK)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology 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 Skin Cancer Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3.

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, medical professionals can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth.

Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

Doctors participating the Skin Cancer Medicine program can attend a HealthCert Clinical Attachment at a clinic or university teaching hospital to further refine and enhance their professional knowledge. A HealthCert Australian Clinical Attachment is recommended as the first clinical attachment and a HealthCert International Clinical Attachment is recommended for subsequent clinical attachments.

Practising in the U.S. or Canada?

Explore the MoleScan Skin Cancer Medicine Accelerator Program for International Doctors. 

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
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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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