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Professional Certificate of General Dermatology

Learn how to manage common skin, hair, and nail conditions in the primary care setting.

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Professional Certificate of General Dermatology

CPD

33.5 hrs Education
48 hrs Performance
8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

81.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Presented by noted dermatologists, this GP dermatology course will provide you with knowledge about the modes of presentation, relevant investigations, and management of all common skin conditions - from acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis through to drug rashes, hair loss, and common cosmetic complaints. 

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge on the diagnosis of various dermatological conditions.

  • Learn to choose appropriate treatment options.

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

  • 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 11.5 per cent of GP consults are for skin concerns.

  • Move beyond six-minute medicine by expanding the service range in your practice.

  • Manage more skin conditions in-house and reduce referrals.

  • Diversify your practice and improve patient outcomes through timely diagnosis of dermatological conditions.

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge on the diagnosis of various dermatological conditions in the early presentation stage.

  • Learn how to choose appropriate treatments for skin, hair and nail problems that commonly present in the primary care setting, with integrable knowledge that is immediately applicable in general practice.

Course contents

Common benign lesions, pigmentary conditions and cutaneous infections
The "Common Benign Lesions, Pigmentary Conditions, and Cutaneous Infections" course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of common dermatological conditions. This course covers the diagnosis, management, and treatment of benign skin lesions, pigmentary disorders, and cutaneous infections. Through practical case discussions, clinical images, and evidence-based strategies, participants will gain the skills needed to diagnose and manage these skin conditions effectively in a clinical setting.
Facial rashes, Systematic diseases and Fungal infections
The "Facial Rashes, Systemic Diseases, and Fungal Infections" course provides healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge on diagnosing and treating dermatological conditions that affect the face, systemic diseases with skin manifestations, and fungal infections. Participants will learn to differentiate between common facial rashes, recognize skin signs of systemic diseases, and accurately diagnose fungal infections using tools like KOH preparation. The course also covers evidence-based treatments, including topical and oral therapies, helping practitioners manage these conditions effectively in their practice.
Papulosquamous disorders: Psoriasis, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea
"Papulosquamous Disorders: Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, and Pityriasis Rosea" offers healthcare professionals a comprehensive understanding of these dermatological conditions. The course covers clinical presentations, diagnostic techniques, and evidence-based treatment strategies for each disorder. Presented by Prof. Richard Usatine, this course equips practitioners with the skills to differentiate, manage, and refer cases as needed, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in dermatological care.
Atopic dermatitis and Acne 1
The "Atopic Dermatitis and Acne 1" course is designed to enhance medical professionals' understanding of two common dermatological conditions: atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. This course provides comprehensive insights into the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management of these conditions across different age groups. Participants will explore treatment options ranging from topical therapies to systemic medications, as well as strategies for addressing complications. With clinical images, diagrams, and case discussions, this course offers practical and evidence-based approaches for managing dermatological conditions in a clinical setting.
Dermatopathology, Pruritus and Contact Dermatitis
The "Dermatopathology, Pruritus, and Contact Dermatitis" course provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of diagnosing and managing common skin conditions. The course covers dermatopathology, including biopsy methods, pruritus, and the different types of contact dermatitis. Through clinical cases and practical demonstrations, participants will gain the knowledge to assess skin lesions, manage chronic itching, and differentiate between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. This course offers evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes in dermatology practice.
Nail disorders and Hair loss
The "Nail Disorders and Hair Loss" course provides healthcare professionals with a detailed understanding of the diagnosis and management of common nail disorders and hair loss conditions. The course covers fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, and delves into non-cicatricial and cicatricial alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Through evidence-based guidelines, participants will learn to assess, diagnose, and treat these conditions, enhancing their clinical skills in dermatology.
Paediatric topics, Follicular disorders and Blistering disorders
The "Paediatric Topics, Follicular Disorders, and Blistering Disorders" course offers healthcare professionals a deep dive into the diagnosis and management of a range of dermatological conditions in paediatric patients and adults. Covering uncommon paediatric skin diseases, disorders of the hair follicles, and rare blistering disorders, the course provides valuable insights for medical practitioners looking to enhance their expertise in dermatology. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to treating various skin conditions, understanding their underlying causes, and improving patient outcomes.
General Dermatology cases
The "General Dermatology Cases" course provides an in-depth review of ten diverse dermatological cases, covering common and complex conditions encountered in clinical practice. Each case includes clinical images and explores history taking, examination, differential diagnosis, investigations, and treatment strategies. This course is designed for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their skills in diagnosing and managing dermatological conditions. Through evidence-based approaches, participants will gain insights into best practices for patient care and treatment planning in dermatology.

Meet your instructors

Dr Christopher Ross Dr Christopher Ross BSc (BiomedSc) (Hons) BMBS FACD
Professor Richard Usatine Professor Richard Usatine MD PhD
Professor Richard Usatine Professor Richard Usatine MD PhD
XL xA/Prof. Caterina Longo
Dr Christopher Ross Dr Christopher Ross BSc (BiomedSc) (Hons) BMBS FACD
Dr Zoe Apalla Dr Zoe Apalla MD PhD
Dr Jonathan Karnes Dr Jonathan Karnes MD
Dr Christopher Ross Dr Christopher Ross BSc (BiomedSc) (Hons) BMBS FACD

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
1431237 38967 Common benign lesions, pigmentary conditions and cutaneous infections 4.5 6.0
1431328 38969 Facial rashes, Systematic diseases and Fungal infections 4.5 6.0
404031 38970 Papulosquamous disorders: Psoriasis, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea 4.0 6.0
1431342 38971 Atopic dermatitis and Acne 1 3.5 6.0
1431361 38972 Dermatopathology, Pruritus and Contact Dermatitis 4.5 6.0
1431379 38973 Nail disorders and Hair loss 4.0 6.0
1431392 38974 Paediatric topics, Follicular disorders and Blistering disorders 4.5 6.0
1431400 38975 General Dermatology cases 4.0 6.0
Total hours 33.5 48.0

*When the optional outcome measurement activity (minimum 5 hours) is completed. See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities. 

Outcome measurement

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.

  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate of General Dermatology is tailored for general practitioner training and suitable for medical doctors, registered nurses, degree-qualified health professionals, pharmacists, and dermal therapists. The course assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field.

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 General Dermatology 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. 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. 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.

  • Qualifies for certified clinical attachments in General Dermatology in Austria at the University of Vienna.

  • Provides credit for Postgraduate Diploma in General Dermatology which is studied online at the Rila Institute of Health Sciences which in turn provides credit for a Master of Science in Dermatology awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).

  • 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 diploma pathway.  The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology, Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.

Postgraduate Pathway with the University of Plymouth

This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study. 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 General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3 of the Rila Institute/Plymouth University Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.

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

Upon completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, participants can complete a Dermatology Clinical Attachment to increase the safety and accuracy of their work. Clinical Attachments in Dermatology are currently available at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Professor Harald Kittler.

Course graduates may also join the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

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

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.

  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.

  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.

  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.

  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others."

Dr K. Abolarinwa

"Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained."

- Dr A. Tucker

"This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be"

- Dr S. Shinwari

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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Richard Silsby

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Campbell Elton

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Loretta Blackborough

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Adam De Barros

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Jules Wynyard

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