Professional Certificate of Dermatology

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1995
Special rates available

Study duration

81.5 hours
Self-paced

Common Benign Lesions, Pigmentary Conditions and Cutaneous Infections

This general dermatology course focuses on common benign lesions, pigmentary conditions and cutaneous infections. The first section focuses on common benign conditions including epidermal, melanocytic, vascular lesions, soft tissue and neural lesions, cysts, chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis and sebaceous hyperplasia. The course then focuses on pigmentary conditions. It outlines the diagnosis, investigations and management of pityriasis alba, pityriasis versicolor, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, vitiligo and melasma. The third section discusses cutaneous infections including staphylococcal and streptococcal, malassezia and corynebacterium, and then viral warts and scabies. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to identify differential diagnosis and management of these lesions. 

Facial Rashes, Systemic Diseases and Fungal Infections

This general dermatology course focuses on facial rashes, systemic diseases and fungal infections. The first section focuses on identifying the different types and causes of facial rashes, including seborrhea, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. It also explains the four subtypes of rosacea and outlines treatment options. The next topic focuses on detecting cutaneous clues for the diagnosis of systemic diseases including recognizing skin findings to distinguish between different types of neurocutaneous diseases. The eight most common systemic diseases are discussed including dermatomyositis, lupus, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and pyoderma gangrenosum. The course concludes with separating cutaneous fungal infections from other skin diseases and infections. It explains the use of KOH preparation with fungal stain and microscopy to identify fungal infections and when to use oral antifungal medications rather than topical preparations. Clinical images are featured throughout the course.

Papulosquamous Disorders: Psoriasis, Lichen Planus and Pityriasis Rosea

This general dermatology course focuses on the papulosquamous disorders of psoriasis, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea. The first section of the course focuses on identifying the different types of psoriasis and their distinguishing features. It also explains the nine categories of psoriasis, steps taken to make a diagnosis and outlines treatment options. The next topic focuses on recognising the different variations of lichen planus and pityriasis rosea. It explains the six Ps and skin variants of lichen planus, including selecting appropriate treatment options. The diagnosis, including when to biopsy, and the management of pityriasis rosea is outlined including treatment options. Clinical images are featured throughout the course. 

Atopic Dermatitis and Acne 1

This course focuses on atopic dermatitis and acne relating to general dermatology. The course begins with an overview of atopic dermatitis and discusses the diagnosis of this condition from infancy to adulthood. It then explains the pathogenesis, complications and contributing factors of this disease. The course also outlines different treatment options, including bleach baths, wet wrap therapy, phototherapy and the use of systemic drugs. The second part of the course focuses on the causes and diagnosis of acne vulgaris. It also outlines tips to treat and help patients with acne. The course concludes with therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of acne. Clinical images and diagrams are used throughout the course to assist with learning.

Dermatopathology, Pruritus and Contact Dermatitis

This general dermatology course focuses on dermatopathology, pruritus and contact dermatitis. The first section of this course focuses on dermatopathology. It outlines when and why to conduct a biopsy, including different biopsy methods and biopsy processing. It describes how to complete a pathology request form by providing essential information, including the site and method of biopsy, descriptive words describing distribution and morphology, and differential diagnosis. An overview of the pathological changes of skin and six tissue reaction patterns of inflammatory cells is discussed. The next section focuses on types of pruritus, including pruriceptive, neuropathic, neurogenic and psychogenic itch. It explains the initial and ongoing management of these conditions. The final section focuses on allergic versus irritant contact dermatitis. It outlines the different types of irritant contact dermatitis, the clinical features, pathology and ways to manage them. The course concludes with describing the clinical features of allergic contact dermatitis on various body parts, when to perform patch testing and management of this condition. Clinical images are featured throughout the course.

Nail Disorders and Hair Loss

This general dermatology course focuses on nail disorders and hair loss. The first section focuses on nail disorders and discusses the nail apparatus and onychomycosis of the nail, including dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic infections. It explains the predisposing factors and five clinical patterns of onychomycosis, including distal/lateral subungual, the superficial white, the proximal subungual, the endonyx and candidal onychomycosis. The main differential diagnosis, a step-by-step specimen collection, treatment options, preventive measures and complications are discussed in detail. The next section focuses on the dermatologic entities that induce hair loss. It briefly outlines the classifications and presentations of the most common non-cicatricial and cicatricial alopecia. Conditions include androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to identify differential diagnosis, work-up and management of these conditions.  

Paediatric Topics, Follicular Disorders and Blistering Disorders

This general dermatology course focuses on paediatric topics, follicular disorders and blistering disorders. The first section focuses on paediatric dermatology conditions including cutaneous mastocytosis, acrodermatitis enteropathica, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, 5th disease or erythema infectiosum, viral exanthems, drug rash, impetigo, infantile acropustulosis, erythema toxicum neonatorum, hand foot and mouth disease, scabies, linear epidermal nevus, nevus sebaceous and infantile hemangiomas. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. The second section focuses on hair follicle disorders including superficial folliculitis, keratin disorders and deep folliculitis. The treatment of these conditions is discussed in detail. The last section focuses on a rare blistering disorder called vesicobullous disease that causes vesicles and bullae eruptions on the skin and mucosal surfaces. The five variants of the blistering disorder including clinical images are discussed in detail.   

General Dermatology Cases

This course focuses on reviewing ten case studies across various general dermatology conditions. Each case is supported by clinical images. History taking, identifying differential diagnosis, examination, investigations and management strategies are discussed in each of these case studies.   

Prof Richard Usatine
MD PhD

Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas, USA

Founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio, USA

Professor Richard Usatine is the Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas. He is the author of nine books and over 120 papers, founder of the Interactive Dermatology Atlas on the web, and is the most recognised skin cancer presenter in the USA. Since 2000, he has been chosen yearly by his peers to be included in The Best Doctors in America. He is also the national chair of the yearly Skin Course put on by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and is the founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio.

Richard has been involved in Global Health through his work in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Ethiopia. In 2000, Richard Usatine was recognised as the national recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award, by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

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 Zoe Apalla
MD PhD

Consultant Dermatologist at State Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr Zoe Apalla was board certified in dermatology in 2008 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She was trained in dermatopathology at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in 2010 and obtained her PhD degree at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2013.

Zoe has worked as a consultant in the First Dermatology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki since 2010. She oversees the Supportive Oncology Outpatient Clinic and the Skin Cancer Outpatient Clinic, and the department’s dermatopathology laboratory. She also holds General Dermatology and Inflammatory Dermatoses Outpatient Clinics.

Zoe’s main research fields include skin oncology, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, topical treatments, photodynamic therapy and dermatoscopy. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals and has lectured at many international and national congresses and meetings.

Dr Jonathan Karnes

Dr Jonathan B. Karnes is a family medicine physician with special fellowship training in dermatology. He is employed by MDFMR Dermatology Services and is a member of Maine General Medical Center's active staff. He is also a faculty member in the Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency program.

Jonathan’s special interest areas include:

Advancement flaps
Burn therapy (excluding burns requiring grafting)
Cryotherapy of skin lesions
Destruction of malignant skin lesions by electrosurgery or cryosurgery
Excision/biopsy of skin lesions without grafting
Fricke graft for small skin defects
Incision and drainage of superficial abscesses and haematomas
Intermediate and complex facial repairs
Local infiltration anaesthesia with minor nerve blocks
Patch tests for allergy diagnosis
Phototherapy

Dr Christopher Ross
BSc (BiomedSc) (Hons)

BMBS FACD

Dermatologist

Dr Christopher Ross is an Adelaide-based Dermatologist who completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with Honours at Adelaide University in 2004, before completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in 2008. Dermatology training was conducted at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Royal Adelaide Hospital; he was awarded Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD) in 2016. Dr Ross has published multiple articles in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and has written and presented several courses in General Dermatology with HealthCert for teaching purposes. Dr Ross has a keen interest in rural dermatology, providing outreach services to Darwin and rural South Australia. He also holds the position of Visiting Medical Specialist at Flinders Medical Centre, providing care and teaching to Dermatology registrars. Dr Ross has an interest in all general dermatology including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss. Dr Ross become a founding member of DermoDirect, which is an online teledermatology service that provides a valuable expert service to rural areas of Australia. He also is a founder of Diagnode, the telehealth platform behind Dermodirect.

Professional Certificate of General Dermatology

$1995

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

ENROL NOW

Easy to undertake in your free time with short lectures and reading materials. The course covered a fantastic range of conditions with evidence-based treatment options.

Dr A. Gillie

I have found this course extremely helpful in giving me a safe and structured framework by which to evaluate a variety of dermatological presentations. I especially liked the ease of access to good and comprehensive course material.

Dr M. Tran

A good working knowledge of dermatology builds confidence in any GP. Thank you to all lecturers and HealthCert staff for preparing such an excellent course.

Dr A. Botha

Everything was very relevant and easy to understand. Certainly in a very different league to all the other courses I have attended.

Dr M. Kaur

I wish I had completed this course two years ago. My time in general practice so far has not enhanced my diagnostic or surgical skills and I have been scared about skin checks! I actually feel not only confident but empowered. A fantastic course! Thank you!

Dr A. Mooney

RACGP Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Total Hours
404052	Dermatology cases	404052	4	6	10
397797	Common benign conditions, pigmentary conditions and cutaneous infections	397797	4.5	6	10.5
404036	Dermatopathology	404036	4.5	6	10.5
404044	Paediatric topics, Follicular disorders and Blistering disorders	404044	4.5	6	10.5
404042	Nail disorders and Hair loss	404042	4	6	10
404034	Atopic dermatitis and Acne 1	404034	3.5	6	9.5
404031	Papulosquamous disorders	404031	4	6	10
404025	Facial rashes, Systematic diseases and Fungal infections	404025	4.5	6	10.5
			Grand Total	81.5

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our professional and advanced certificates. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

HealthCert provides several options to meet your outcome measurement hours requirement. These options are self-submitted activities and hours may vary depending on your focus area.

Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic.
Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) on your identified area. A generic template is provided.
Outcome Improvement Activity relating to specific topics within the course.

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. The outcome improvement activities are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards and identify opportunities for improvement.

Entry requirements

The Professional Certificate of General Dermatology is tailored for medical professionals seeking comprehensive knowledge on the diagnosis of various dermatological conditions in the early presentation stage. Participants will 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. This course is tailored for general practitioner training and suitable for medical doctors and for degree-qualified nurses, pharmacists and dermal therapists who work under their supervision. 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 certificate.

This certificate course:

Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian Council 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. 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.
Is quality-assured by Bond University.
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 Darwin Dermatology and at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Professor Harald Kittler.

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

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 81.5 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 Council 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.