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PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

Child & Adolescent Health

Gain an introduction to managing common health conditions seen in children and adolescents.

Child & Adolescent Health course

Overview

Understand common medical presentations in your young patients, from mental health and child safety issues through to dermatological conditions and long-term health problems.

  • This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in this area.
  • Explore medical conditions and concerns pertinent to children and adolescents.
  • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.
  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1595
Special rates available

Study duration

78 hrs
Self-paced

*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

Quality assured by Bond University

Course benefits

  • Be better equipped to provide early identification and intervention of developmental, behavioural, and physical health issues in children to improve patient outcomes and reduce risk of more serious problems.
  • Provide holistic family health care.
  • Learn strategies to promote healthy development.
  • Prevent common medical problems arising in youths.
  • Coordinate care with paediatric specialists and learn when referral is appropriate for complex issues.
  • Manage common GP presentations such as neonatal care, asthma, vaccinations, Autism, ADHD, bites, and long-term conditions.

Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

Course contents

Care of the neonate

The module begins with the definition of neonate and outlines the importance of the neonatal period. The normal newborn behaviours such as feeding, weight gain, crying, sleeping, wet and dirty nappies are discussed. Common GP presentations in the post-partum period include the 6-week check, fever, respiratory symptoms, jaundice, rashes, DDH, umbilicus and head shape concerns. Feeding difficulties are discussed in detail. The module then focusses on supporting parents with newborn feeding and nutrition including breastfeeding, latch and milk transfer, infant sucking and tongue tie. Assessing adequacy of milk intake, signs of inadequate milk intake and ways to increase milk supply are covered in this module.

Assessment of the sick child

This module focuses on the fundamentals of assessing a sick child, and the presentation and management of some of the more common paediatric emergencies. The first unit details the initial assessment steps of a sick child including Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) – first impression, Primary Survey (ABCDE), Secondary survey (vital signs, focused history, detailed physical examination), and ongoing assessment. Unit two focuses on resuscitation and anaphylaxis including Basic Life Support and Advanced Paediatric Life Support. The causes of vomiting and dehydration, and the assessment of severity, management and treatment of dehydration are covered. Content covers the definition and classifications of fever including evaluation guides through history-taking, examination and investigations. The final unit focuses on the steps required when assessing and examining a child with head injury. The definite and relative indications for when neuroimaging is required are discussed.

Asthma and respiratory conditions

This module focuses on identifying and managing paediatric presentations of commonly seen respiratory symptoms. The first unit outlines the definition of asthma and asthma patterns including risk factors, common triggers and diagnosis. Unit two focuses on the management of asthma including assessing symptoms and triggers, discussing goals of management, choosing the initial treatment and periodically reviewing/adjusting treatment based on recent symptom control. The stepped approach to adjusting medication for children aged 1-5 years and 6-11 years, including how to manage acute asthma are discussed in detail. Information on croup and bronchiolitis conditions including clinical features, assessment, examination of severity, investigations, differential diagnoses and its management are covered in the following unit. The final unit outlines the definition and aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The diagnosis, investigations, management and possible indications for admission of this condition are discussed.

Immunisation and childhood vaccination

This module commences with an overview of vaccines focusing on active (natural or acquired) immunisation and includes passive immunisation. Vaccines contain antigens which stimulate an active immune response and mimics the host’s response to natural infection. Legal standards on testing, manufacture and vaccine production are mentioned. Vaccine components and the various types of antigens and how they work are outlined. The vaccine administration is discussed together with safety, efficacy, effectiveness, vaccine failure, adverse events and contraindications and includes recommendations for age and condition appropriate vaccines for children. Vaccines for BCG, Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal, rotavirus, MMR, varicella, meningococcal disease, HPV and influenza are discussed including dosage rates, delivery mode, contraindications and adverse effects. The module concludes with the principles for catch-up vaccinations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
This module focusses on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is introduced as an umbrella term for a range of pervasive developmental disorders. ASD is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others and experiences their environment. Definitions, causes and misunderstandings are discussed. The epidemiology and health burden of ASD are outlined before discussing the characteristics, signs, symptoms, red flag behaviours and diagnosis criteria. The GP role in detection, screening tools, diagnosis and working with the family as well as the patient are mentioned. GPs need to be prepared to educate and support families, as caring for a child with ASD is often emotionally exhausting. Comorbid conditions, genetic tests and physical health issues of patients with ASD are covered. Content includes the three levels and prognosis of ASD. Common interventions include behavioural, developmental, family-based and other options that may be considered. Treatment programs specifically tailored to individual needs usually include a multidisciplinary team focus.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
This module focusses on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a complex neuro-developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects a person’s ability to exert age-appropriate self-control. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattentive, impulsive, sometimes hyperactive behaviour and is frequently accompanied by emotional regulation challenges. Environmental, genetic and myths of ADHD are discussed including positive and negative characteristics of this disorder. The epidemiology and health burden of ADHD are outlined before discussing the three types of symptoms in detail: inattentive; hyperactive/impulsive; or a mixture of these characteristics. Diagnostic options are outlined. Pharmaceuticals, psychotherapy, good nutrition and supplements form part of the management plan. The approaches for children, teenagers and adults are discussed in detail. Comorbidities with ADHD are also mentioned. Specifically tailored management plans may incorporate a multidisciplinary team focus and the student’s school.
Bites: Animals, snakes and insects

This general dermatology module focuses on how to detect, assess and plan treatment for insect, spider and snake bites. Venomous and non-venomous bites and stings are discussed including defining the difference between a bite and a sting. Insect bite and sting reactions including managing bite allergies are detailed. Diseases transmitted by insect bites are outlined including treatment options. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the course. Identifying and managing snake bites including first aid measures are discussed.   

Managing long term childhood conditions

The primary burden of disease in children and young people has shifted from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. Definitions, demographic and incident data are discussed. Tooth decay is very common in children and information is provided for the medical practitioner encountering this issue. Primary, secondary and tertiary stages of care are listed. The GP role is to listen, support, diagnosis, communicate/educate, coordinate and advocate for the patient and their family. The role of allied health support for the clinician is recognised and discussed. Key consultation strategies and considerations are covered. These include aims, communication, curve balls, breaking bad news, family considerations, non-compliance, medico-legal, child protection, mental health, adolescence and palliation. Consultation frameworks are provided. Following the FAMILY guide, five case examples are provided in managing children with asthma, ASD, school and social media influence, food allergy and spina bifida. Information about the GP’s self-care is mentioned.

Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?

If you're not interested in pursuing a full certificate in this field but simply want to enhance your skills in specific topics covered in this course, you can access the content of this and other courses for a flat fee of $83 per month (paid annually) within HealthCert 365.

Meet your instructors

 
Staff Photos Circle (1)
 
Dr Jane Macleod
FRACGP
Course Chair

 

Dr Jane Macleod is the Course Chair for this course. Jane has expertise in child and adolescent health, including developmental paediatrics, care of young people living in out-of-home care, mental health and sexual and reproductive health, including gender medicine. Jane is highly skilled in inclusive care, gender care and trauma informed care

 
Prof_Caterina_Longo
 
A/Prof Caterina Longo
MD, PhD

 

Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
 
Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.

 
Dr Vaishali Bhalerao circle transp
 
Dr Vaishali Bhalerao
MBBS, MD, DGO, FRANZCOG

Doctor, Royal Hobart Hospital
 
Beginning her medical career in Mumbai, India, Dr Vaishali Bhalerao has 22 years of knowledge and experience to impart. She completed her master's degree and went on to establish her own private practice, which she ran successfully for 15 years. During this period she also worked as Associate Professor in a state government hospital.

Before coming to Australia, Dr Bhalerao worked in one of the NHS hospital in the UK and since arriving in Australia in 2011 she has worked in various hospitals in Tasmania and Victoria including Mercy Werribee Hospital and Sunshine Hospital.

 
Dr Evangelia Francis circle transp
 
Dr Evangelia Francis
FRACGP, MBBS, BSci, DCH, DRCOG
General practitioner
 
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.

Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.

When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.
 
kate_moriarty
 
Dr Kate Moriarty
FRACGP

 

Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.
 

Dr Kate Moriarty works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia, where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. She is a senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus. She has special interests in women’s health and medical education.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.

 
Edmond Ng _ edit
 
Dr Edmond Ng
FRACGP

 

Medical Educator

Dr Edmond Ng has over 30 years of international clinical practice and has published clinical research in a wide variety of medical fields. Dr Ng has been a Medical Educator-cum-Examiner for National University of Singapore, University of Melbourne, Monash University and Edith Cowan University. He is currently a Medical Educator for the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) to provide remedial training and education for doctors in Australia.

 
Simon Shingler
 
Dr Simon Shingler
MBChB (Hons), FRNZCGP

 

Dr Simon Shingler has been in general practice since 2013 and has a special interest in paediatrics. 

Study modes

Study 100% online

100% online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. Interactivity, discussion, and feedback opportunities are included.

  • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
  • Participate in online case discussions and interact with peers.
  • Attend or watch recordings of live tutorials with experts.
  • Ask questions and discuss clinical cases in live tutorials.
  • Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365 - a digital CPD library

HealthCert 365

Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month. 

  • Customise your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
  • Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.

Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health

$1595

 .
  • Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement*
  • 100% online
  • Flexible start and completion time

*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

 

Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.

Child & Adolescent Health certificate
This certificate meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement for medical practitioners

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

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
455749 31186 Family Planning 455749 31186 4 6 0
455726 31184 Menopause 455726 31184 4 6 0
455707 31182 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 455707 31182 4.5 6 0
455695 31181 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) 455695 31181 5 6 0
455717 31183 Pregnancy 455717 31183 4 6 0
455758 31187 Breastfeeding 455758 31187 4.5 6 0
455769 31188 Domestic Abuse 455769 31188 3.5 6 0
455734 31185 Menstrual Irregularities 455734 31185 3.5 6 0
802714 32991 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) Outcome Improvement Activity 802714 32991 0 0 8.5
Total hours 33 48 8.5

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.

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

This is an RACGP-approved CPD activity under the RACGP CPD program.

RACGP CPD Accredited activity
RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
992831 34605 Care of the Neonate 992831 34605 4 6 0
502648 31277 Immunity and Childhood Vaccination 502648 31277 4 6 0
992842 34606 Assessment of the Sick Child 992842 34606 4.5 6 0
992855 34607 Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions in Child and Adolescent 992855 34607 4 6 0
408259 28547 Bites: Animals, snakes and insects 408259 28547 4 6 0
788767 32785 Managing long-term childhood conditions in general practice 788767 32785 4.5 6 0
Total hours 25 36 0

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.

Pre- and post-course information

Entry requirements

The Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to improve patient outcomes by managing common child health issues in general practice. This qualification is stage one of the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health pathway.

The courses are suitable for physicians and degree-qualified medical practitioners, including registered nurses. 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 exam, course participants will receive a Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health, 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).
  • Qualifies for professional development recognition for recertification CPD towards the RANZCOG Certificate/Diploma/Advanced diplomate program
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points 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.
Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the first stage of the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health pathway. The education pathway is: Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health > Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health (coming soon) > and the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health (coming soon).

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

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

Quality assured by Bond University
RACGP Major Provider
ACRRM-2023-logo_200x100

Frequently asked questions

Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

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 78 hours, which 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.

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