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PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

Women's Health

Gain a comprehensive understanding of women’s health issues commonly seen in primary care.

Old woman consulting with a doctor

Overview

Delivered by leading experts in the field, this course will enable you to provide high-demand women's health services and better meet the needs of your female patients.

  • This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in this area.
  • Explore medical conditions and concerns pertinent to female patients such as family planning, breastfeeding, menopause, pregnancy, and more.
  • 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

$1495
Special rates available

Study duration

81 hrs
Self-paced

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

Quality assured by Bond University

Course benefits

  • Upskill in cervical screening to improve patient care.
  • Diagnose and manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
  • Assist your female patients with pregnancy-related issues, family planning, breastfeeding, and more.
  • Offer expert advice for patients struggling with menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms.

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

Course contents

Cervical screening

Unit One: Sexually Transmitted Infections
This unit identifies several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other conditions that may not fall under that classification but are associated with sexual activity. It outlines common features and symptoms, routes of transmission, key risk factors for infection, and the prevalence of infection among various demographics and regions. The unit emphasizes the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs by detailing the natural progression of each condition if left untreated. Comprehensive information about tools and procedures for screening, examinations and testing that may be used to detect STIs in individual patients are covered, together with detailed treatment plans. Contact tracing, notification of proper authorities if applicable, and opportunistic counselling of patients about options for the prevention of STIs are included.

Unit Two: Cervical Screening
This unit begins with a thorough explanation of the anatomy and functions of the cervix and identifies underlying causes and risk factors for cervical health issues including HPV, cervical dysplasia, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. It covers indications for further investigation and offers information about cervical cancer and HPV, including updates about presenting symptoms, risk factors, and potential impacts. This unit summarizes the history and impact of cervical screening programs in Australia and acknowledges key differences in the current National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP). It offers comprehensive information about current Cervical Screening Tests, focusing on ethical considerations related to patient experience and consent, Possible results of these tests are discussed before counseling physicians on the appropriate procedures to follow in different scenarios. Important updates in administrative processes, terminology for reporting and models for cervical screening results pathways are explained. In conclusion, the unit reviews the inherent limitations of these tests and emphasizes their role as one part of the diagnostic process.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This module examines the prevalence, presenting symptoms, contributing factors and underlying problems associated with PCOS. Common features, risk factors and indications for further investigation to diagnose this condition are outlined. The module offers a framework for applying the diagnostic criteria for PCOS including presenting symptoms, specific criteria for diagnosis and the process for eliminating other potential causes and conditions to optimize the health of women undergoing treatment for PCOS. Tools and resources for screening and management of the condition are also included. The module concludes by outlining symptoms of complications to look for and provides instructions for detection and management of these symptoms.

Pregnancy

This module describes guidelines to optimize maternal and foetal health throughout each stage of an uncomplicated pregnancy and creates a detailed model for routine screenings and counseling throughout the timeline of pregnancy. It outlines the three stages of pregnancy care: preconception care, antenatal care and postnatal care. Considerations and procedures for screening are detailed for each stage including counseling, and other factors to discuss or monitor with individual cases. After outlining a typical regimen for routine screenings and indications for further investigation or monitoring, it discusses different options and approaches for treatment and the criteria for optimal decisions about care for individual patients at each stage. Finally, the module identifies several common symptoms and complications during the antenatal and postnatal stage of pregnancy and considers risk factors, typical presentation, potential maternal and foetal impact, and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for the management of specific conditions.

Menopause

This module gives comprehensive information about the definitions, features and underlying causes of menopause and discusses the typical process and duration for each of the four stages: perimenopausal, menopausal, early postmenopausal and late postmenopausal. Methods for assessment and differential diagnosis of menopausal symptoms are outlined, including indications for further investigation. Four management options are addressed: lifestyle modifications, “natural” or complementary therapies, non-hormone pharmaceutical options and menopause hormone therapy (MHT). It covers existing research for complementary therapies and identifies potential benefits and limitations. Different types of MHT are reviewed including potential benefits and risks, safety considerations, and testing methods based on current evidence. It also acknowledges potential contraindications for MHT and statistics that suggest a lack of observable effectiveness in treating certain health conditions. In conclusion, the module outlines effective courses of action for adjusting treatment and managing complications.

Menstrual irregularities

This module defines the common menstrual problems of abnormal menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual dysphoria and includes classification systems, diagnostic criteria, and clinical guidelines for management and treatment for each condition. It offers resources and guidance for clinicians in treating individual women who present with associated symptoms or meet the diagnostic criteria for these disorders. Each condition is broken down to subdivisions and outlines specific guidelines and aims of treatment for each case. The module provides information about screening tools, indications for additional investigation, and which examinations are recommended for diagnosis of each condition. Finally, the module discusses prevalence, common symptoms, and potential patient impacts, and details treatment options along with advice and supporting evidence for the effectiveness of each treatment approach.

Family planning

This module discusses the uses, effectiveness, and available options for contraception and expands on the role of general practitioners in this area of healthcare. It creates a detailed framework for making decisions about contraceptives. How to counsel patients about contraceptive options, recommended examinations, information gathering, patient preferences and other factors to consider as part of this process are outlined. The module then describes multiple options for contraception, comparing them to one another in terms of efficacy, delay in return to fertility and STI protection. Referring the MEC guidelines, it delineates precautions and contradictions to consider when determining the suitability of contraceptive methods for individual patients. It distinguishes between combined hormone contraceptives and progesterone-only pills and expands on the risks, side effects, benefits, contraindications, and implementation procedures for each approach. Finally, the module provides guidance for contraception at menopause and emergency contraception, including risks and special considerations for each case.

Breastfeeding

The module offers a broad definition of “normal” breastfeeding and considers the factors that make up healthy breastfeeding practices. It assesses the role of general practitioners in supporting women to continue to breastfeed. It examines evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, current rates for breastfeeding, and influences on breastfeeding practices. Furthermore, the module offers detailed information about breast anatomy, changes during and after pregnancy, the physiology of lactation including processes that activate lactation, and the practices that allow the cycle of breastfeeding to continue. It acknowledges risk factors and common problems associated with the breastfeeding cycle. In addition to listing indications for assessing the adequacy of milk intake and clarifying misunderstandings about signs of inadequate milk intake, the module offers recommendations for maternal lifestyle to ensure optimal breastfeeding conditions. Finally, it advises physicians on the recognition and management of common breastfeeding complications and discusses indications for supplementation and weaning.

Domestic abuse

This module reviews the definition and support mechanisms when patients present who are in a domestic abuse relationship. Statistics related to its prevalence and impact both worldwide and in Australia are listed. It discusses the role of general practitioners in responding, supporting and treating women who disclose experiences of domestic violence in a supportive, non-judgmental manner. The module covers signs and symptoms for identification of domestic violence including psychological and behavioural symptoms. Screening information is a key tool in addition to understanding reasons why a woman does not find it easy to leave an abusive relationship. Techniques to provide a safe environment and how to respond to disclosures including follow up care and responsibilities are addressed. Finally, it gives advice about the most effective response to patient disclosure both immediately and as part of a long-term plan for follow up and continuing care, including information about available resources and support services.

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

 
debbie_kors
 
A/Prof Debbie Kors
MBBS (first class honours)

 

General practitioner and GP supervisor

Associate Professor Debbie Kors is the founder and joint owner of a private teaching general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia. She works there as a general practitioner and GP supervisor of GP registrars and medical students.

A/Prof Kors is a passionate advocate for the profession of general practice. She is a Conjoint Associate Professor in Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus and has previously worked as a senior medical educator with North Coast GP Training. In 2010, she was nominated for and won the General Practice Education and Training GP Supervisor of the Year award.

A/Prof Kors holds a MBBS (first class honours), Fellowship of the RACGP, Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education and a Certificate of Family Planning.

 
Christine Ahern
 
Dr Christine Ahern
MBBS, FRACGP

 

Senior lecturer at Sydney University

Dr Christine Ahern has worked as a general practitioner in rural NSW since 1983, often with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her special interests include women’s health and education.

Dr Ahern is a senior lecturer at Sydney University and has previously been the Director of Training for North Coast GP Training. In 2011 she was named the General Practice Education and Training Medical Educator of the Year, a prestigious national award. Dr Ahern holds a MBBS and FRACGP.

 
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.

 
sharon_sykes
 
Dr Sharon Sykes
MBBS

 

Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP
 

Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.

She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.

Study modes

Study 100% online

100% online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. 

  • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
  • Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
  • Participate in two webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions of an expert in Women's Health.
  • 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 Women's Health

$1495 

 .
  • 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.

Example of Professional Certificate of Women's Health
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

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

RACGP CPD Accredited activity
RACGP Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Total Hours
455749 Family Planning 455749 4 6 10
455726 Menopause 455726 4 6 10
455707 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 455707 4.5 6 10.5
455695 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) 455695 5 6 11
455717 Pregnancy 455717 4 6 10
455758 Breastfeeding 455758 4.5 6 10.5
455769 Domestic Abuse 455769 3.5 6 9.5
455734 Menstrual Irregularities 455734 3.5 6 9.5
802714 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) Outcome Improvement Activity 802714 0 0 0
Grand Total 81

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.

Pre- and post-course information

Entry requirements

The Professional Certificate of Women's Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to improve patient outcomes by managing common women's health issues in general practice. This qualification is stage one of the Professional Diploma of Women’s Health.

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)

If you have completed the Foundation Certificate of Women's Health (now defunct), please get in touch with a HealthCert Education Advisor to receive significant savings on course fees + RPL towards the Professional Certificate course.

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

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 Women's 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 Women's Health. The education pathway is: Professional Certificate of Women's Health, Advanced Certificate of Women's Health, and Professional Diploma of Women's Health

You might also be interested in the HealthCert Advanced Workshop of Intrauterine Systems or the Primary Certificate of Menopause and Women's Health.

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 81 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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