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Professional Diploma of Melanography

Round out your knowledge in clinical skin screening and gain an understanding of dermatopathology. Designed for Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and allied health professionals working in specialist skin clinics.

Professional Diploma of Melanography

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

82 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Round out your melanography skills with the knowledge to identify most suspicious skin lesions, including difficult, rare, and aggressive skin cancers, and gain a comprehensive understanding of dermatopathology.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Develop the skills to play a vital role in the early detection and management of melanoma, thereby helping to improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely intervention and comprehensive care.

  • Ideal advanced course for nurses and allied health professionals wishing to become a melanographer.

  • Presented by world-leading experts in dermoscopy.

  • Reviewed by the International Dermoscopy Society, and Registered Nurses have provided documentation on Scope of Practice for nurses to facilitate their CPD in this field.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

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Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

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Professional Diploma

Master complex cases and achieve high-level clinical proficiency.

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Learning outcomes

  • Gain the skills to screen the most advanced skin malignancies such as difficult melanomas and rare skin tumours, so you never miss an aggressive cancer.

  • Learn to confidently screen the majority of skin lesions for referral to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of dermatopathology to best assist doctors with diagnostic procedures.

  • Provide early intervention for your patients, including those requiring special considerations, such as those having had organ transplants or suffering from HIV.

Course contents

Dermoscopy for difficult melanomas (Nurses)
The "Dermoscopy for Difficult Melanomas" course provides in-depth training on identifying and diagnosing melanomas that may lack typical ABCD features. This course focuses on advanced dermoscopic techniques to detect challenging melanomas, such as nodular, desmoplastic, amelanotic, and verrucous types. By enhancing pattern recognition and understanding subtle dermoscopic clues, healthcare professionals will improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. This evidence-based course is essential for those managing patients at high risk for skin cancer.
Dermoscopy for rare skin tumours (Nurses)
Dermoscopy for Rare Skin Tumours is a specialised course for healthcare professionals aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy and management of uncommon skin tumours. This program explores the dermoscopic patterns of rare conditions such as Merkel cell carcinoma, angiosarcoma, adnexal tumours, and sebaceous carcinomas. Participants will learn how to recognise dermoscopic clues, differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and understand the significance of syndromic associations. With expert insights and case-based discussions, this course equips practitioners to navigate complex dermatological challenges using a multidisciplinary approach.
Merkel cell carcinoma and rare/aggressive melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (Nurses)
Explore the complexities of Merkel cell carcinoma and rare, aggressive skin cancers in this comprehensive course designed for medical professionals. Gain advanced knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these challenging malignancies, supported by evidence-based insights and real-life case studies. With guidance from leading experts, this course delves into histopathology, dermoscopy, and innovative treatment options for melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, and uncommon tumors. Enhance your diagnostic skills and patient outcomes with interactive discussions and practical assessments. Perfect for healthcare providers dedicated to mastering rare and aggressive skin conditions.
Introduction to dermatopathology correlation cases (Nurses)
Introduction to Dermatopathology Correlation Cases is a foundational course for healthcare professionals that bridges clinical dermatology with dermatopathology. The program explores the correlation between dermatoscopic findings and histopathological features, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for skin lesions. Participants will learn systematic methods for interpreting histological slides, identifying key features of common and malignant skin conditions, and integrating dermoscopic clues into clinical decision-making. With real-world case studies and expert guidance, this course equips participants with essential skills for comprehensive dermatological assessment and care.
Histopathology of melanocytic lesions Part 1 (Nurses)
"Melanocytic Lesions Part 1" is a specialised course designed for medical professionals to enhance their diagnostic accuracy in identifying melanocytic skin lesions. This comprehensive program delves into the clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions, with a focus on histopathology correlations and evidence-based decision-making. Participants will learn standardised classification systems, diagnostic algorithms, and essential techniques for distinguishing between benign nevi and melanoma. This course equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes through precise diagnosis and management.
Histopathology of melanocytic lesions Part 2 (Nurses)
"Melanocytic Lesions Part 2" is an advanced course focusing on the pathology, diagnosis, and management of melanocytic lesions, including complex cases of melanoma. Designed for medical professionals with foundational knowledge, this course integrates dermatoscopic techniques, histopathological features, and decision-making algorithms to evaluate pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions. Through real-world cases and evidence-based guidelines, participants gain proficiency in diagnosing and managing melanomas while refining their understanding of related prognostic factors.
Specimen processing: Does the type of biopsy make a difference? Correlation cases (Nurses)
"Specimen Processing: Does the Type of Biopsy Make a Difference? Correlation Cases" is a comprehensive course for healthcare professionals aiming to understand the impact of biopsy type on specimen processing and diagnostic accuracy. Presented by Prof. Cliff Rosendahl and Dr. Simon Clark, this course explores various biopsy techniques, specimen handling, and correlation with histopathology. Through practical case discussions, participants will learn the nuances of punch, shave, and elliptical biopsies and how these influence diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Management of special cases in skin cancer medicine (Nurses)
The "Management of Special Cases in Skin Cancer Medicine" course equips medical professionals with the expertise to address complex scenarios in skin cancer treatment. Topics include managing immunosuppressed patients, genetic predispositions, rare syndromes, and challenges posed by specific body locations. The course is evidence-based, featuring clinical images, research insights, and case studies. Participants will develop skills to evaluate unique patient risks and apply advanced strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and management of skin cancer. This course offers an interactive and practical learning experience to enhance clinical outcomes in challenging skin cancer cases.

Meet your instructors

Professor Ashfaq A. Marghoob Professor Ashfaq A. Marghoob Professor Ashfaq A. Marghoob

Attending Physician, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Skin Cancer Center, New York, USA

Professor Ashfaq A. Marghoob is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the skin. He is the director of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s regional skin cancer clinic in Long Island and consults and treats patients in the centre’s outpatient facility in Manhattan.

Although providing the best care possible for his patients remains his primary goal, Ashfaq also remains committed to education and clinical research, with the hope of educating physicians and the public about the importance of early skin cancer detection to save lives.

He is active in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical/dysplastic nevi, and congenital melanocytic nevi. Ashfaq’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as photography, dermoscopy, and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development.

Dr Elvira Moscarella Dr Elvira Moscarella MD Dr Elvira Moscarella

Dermatologist, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Dr Elvira Moscarella is a dermatologist at the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Reggio Emilia, Italy. She acquired her medical degree in 2005 at the Second University of Naples before completing her residency in dermatology and venereology at the University’s Department of Dermatology. In 2008, Elvira undertook further education in dermoscopy and confocal microscopy. She is a member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the International Dermoscopy Society, and is Editor in Chief of the latter’s newsletter and case of the month. Elvira’s main interests are in dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, and their use in skin cancer medicine.

Assoc. Professor John Pyne Assoc. Professor John Pyne MBBS BOptom(Hons 1) MMed PhD FSCCA Assoc. Professor John Pyne

Associate Professor Skin Cancer Medicine, The University of NSW

Associate Professor John Pyne was conferred with a Master of Medicine at The University of Queensland, then held a position of Program Director for The University of Queensland Skin Cancer Masters from 2007 until 2013. The thesis for John’s PhD was on the correlations between dermatoscopy and histopathology for BCC and SCC. He is also a past President and Fellow of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.

John has a main interest in the optical imaging of early primary non-lymphoid cutaneous malignancy and correlations with histopathology. He is currently investigating surgical margins in management of these cancers. John has teaching appointments at The Universities of Queensland, New South Wales and Western Sydney.

Professor Cliff Rosendahl Professor Cliff Rosendahl MBBS PhD Professor Cliff Rosendahl

Professor and Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer) Program School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Cliff Rosendahl currently works in Brisbane as a primary care practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer. He also has an interest in research as the clinical developer and Director of the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD). His other main area of research has been in evaluating dermatoscopic clues and artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of  skin malignancy in collaboration with colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Prof Rosendahl has published over 70 articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored/co- authored two textbooks. He has a busy schedule presenting to GPs in Australia and to GPs and dermatologists internationally.

Professor Cliff Rosendahl Professor Cliff Rosendahl MBBS PhD Professor Cliff Rosendahl

Professor and Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer) Program School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Cliff Rosendahl currently works in Brisbane as a primary care practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer. He also has an interest in research as the clinical developer and Director of the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD). His other main area of research has been in evaluating dermatoscopic clues and artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of  skin malignancy in collaboration with colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Prof Rosendahl has published over 70 articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored/co- authored two textbooks. He has a busy schedule presenting to GPs in Australia and to GPs and dermatologists internationally.

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 Cliff Rosendahl Professor Cliff Rosendahl MBBS PhD Professor Cliff Rosendahl

Professor and Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer) Program School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Cliff Rosendahl currently works in Brisbane as a primary care practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer. He also has an interest in research as the clinical developer and Director of the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD). His other main area of research has been in evaluating dermatoscopic clues and artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of  skin malignancy in collaboration with colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Prof Rosendahl has published over 70 articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored/co- authored two textbooks. He has a busy schedule presenting to GPs in Australia and to GPs and dermatologists internationally.

Professor Luc Thomas Professor Luc Thomas MD PhD Professor Luc Thomas

Professor and Chairman Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Lyon, France

Professor Luc Thomas was board-certified in dermatology in 1989 at Lyon 1 University. He was trained as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School in 1990 and 1991, and obtained his PhD degree at Lyon 1 University in 1993. He became full professor of dermatology in 1996, first class professor in dermatology in 2009, and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology of Lyon 1 University - Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud in 2003. He obtained his Board certification in Clinical Oncology in 2013.

Luc’s main research fields include skin oncology, early diagnosis of melanoma, dermoscopy, skin surgery and nail diseases. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals, is the co-editor of four books published in several languages and co-author of more than 25 books. He has lectured at many international meetings, is an associate editor of Dermatology, a member of the board of the International Dermoscopy Society, a past member of the board and treasurer of the French Society of Dermatology from 2000 to 2003, and treasurer of the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris in 2002.

Other ways to study this topic

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CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities
Activity Title Nurse Education Hours
Dermoscopy for difficult melanomas (Nurses) 5.0
Dermoscopy for rare skin tumours (Nurses) 5.0
Merkel cell carcinoma and rare/aggressive melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (Nurses) 5.5
Introduction to dermatopathology correlation cases (Nurses) 6.0
Histopathology of melanocytic lesions Part 1 (Nurses) 5.0
Histopathology of melanocytic lesions Part 2 (Nurses) 5.0
Specimen processing: Does the type of biopsy make a difference? Correlation cases (Nurses) 5.5
Management of special cases in skin cancer medicine (Nurses) 5.0
Total hours 42.0
Entry Requirements

HealthCert Education offers courses suitable for allied health professionals and all nurses, including Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners. Please read the course description carefully to select a course that is right for your nursing role.

The Professional Diploma of Melanography is suitable for allied health professionals, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners who work in specialist skin clinics and who are interested in primary care dermoscopy for the screening of skin conditions commonly seen in day-to-day primary care.

Participants must have successfully completed the HealthCert Advanced Certificate of Melanography (or a qualification deemed equivalent).

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)

Torrens University graduates who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies) and who are currently using dermoscopy in their clinical practice, are eligible to enrol in the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Melanography after completing the exams only of the Advanced Certificate of Melanography. HealthCert notes that the Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies) was previously called the Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics).

Further 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

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive the Professional Diploma of Melanography in recognition of your skills.

This certificate course:

  • Is recognised by the International Dermoscopy Society. Membership is worldwide and more than 100 countries are represented.

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

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

Pathways

Professional Diploma pathway

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

Clinical attachment in melanography, Burpengary

For nurses nearing completion of the pathway, a Clinical Attachment in Melanography will help you bridge the gap between theory and real-world clinical experience. This supervised 3- or 5-day placement in Burpengary (QLD) allows you to observe and assist experienced clinicians in a dedicated skin cancer clinic, gaining exposure to skin examinations, dermoscopy and imaging workflows, lesion triage, and patient communication. Learn more about the clinical attachment in melanography for nurses.

Postgraduate pathway

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Melanography qualify for a scholarship into the Master of Science: Dermatology in Clinical Practice.  This is an online course from our partners in the UK and awarded by the University of Buckingham. Please ask HealthCert Education Advisors for more details.

Clinical trials for melanography 

There are many clinical trials in Australia and overseas relating to skin cancer. To follow or join a clinical trial in Australia, please search here.

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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AMA
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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.

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