Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermoscopy
COURSE INFORMATION
DATES AVAILABLE
July – November 2025
CONTACT HOURS
9 hours per week
MODE
Online with face-to-face seminars
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Evidence of current registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Enrolled Nurse (EN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
FEES
$2,500 per student
Course overview
This 13-week short course is for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Enrolled Nurses (ENs) interested in learning practical skills in dermoscopy and developing a greater understanding of skin cancer in Australia.
This course is applicable for nurses working in all healthcare settings and is designed to be completed part-time alongside your existing clinical practice. Combining practical and theory-based learning, the course is based off successful primary healthcare initiatives in the early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
Delivered by multidisciplinary experts in healthcare and research at the University of South Australia’s Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, you’ll graduate confident to perform skin cancer checks. You’ll learn valuable skills such as:
- Practical dermoscopy using hands-on skills and digital imaging software
- Understanding the latest theory and research on skin cancer in Australia
- Patient-centred care including education, referrals and pathways.
Why the Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermoscopy?
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with at least 2 in every 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. However, with early detection and treatment, patient survival rates are high.
This short course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to conduct person-centred, high-quality skin checks. You’ll use industry-relevant technologies, become confident in educating patients on how to prevent skin cancer, and understand referral pathways to General Practitioners and other specialists for continuity of care.
You’ll be able to meet the needs of people who might otherwise be unable to regularly access a skin check and increase the number of Australians who detect their skin cancer early – making it easier to treat, cure and ultimately save their life.
This course is completed mostly online and can be undertaken alongside your existing work commitments. You’ll benefit from flexible online study environments, as well as a two-day, face-to-face workshop where you’ll gain essential practical experience in performing skin checks under the guidance of experienced dermoscopists.
The University of South Australia is home to the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, a leading research centre that focuses on nurses and midwives to improve care. Our curriculum is industry-aligned and forward-thinking – we regularly collaborate with local health networks and private providers to ensure nurses and midwives can engage with lifelong learning that translates into real-world practice.
Individual benefits
By studying this course, you will be able to:
- Examine skin with a dermatoscope to identify skin conditions
- Apply digital learning algorithms to recognise atypical features in skin lesions
- Evaluate patterns and structures within skin that can indicate disease
- Analyse different skin lesions, as well as benign and malignant growths
- Deliver person-centred education regarding skin cancer prevention and detection, as well as referral and follow-up pathways
- Synthesise research to evaluate skin cancer incidence and prevalence in Australia
- As a RN, confidently continue into further postgraduate study or a Higher Degree by Research.
Course structure
The Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermoscopy is offered over 13 weeks of teaching. It is a 9-unit course, equivalent to a full semester of part-time learning.
Your studies include a mix of collaborative and independent online learning, as well as a two-day, in-person workshop at our City East campus. You’ll learn alongside likeminded peers and from industry-aligned clinicians and academics.
Upon completing this short course, Registered Nurses can apply credit into a further postgraduate qualification, streamlining your learning and reducing your overall study time.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- Online quizzes
- Written examination
- Practical examination.
How to apply
Applications will open on 1 May. Please download and complete the application form to apply.
Additional information
For more course information and course related queries please contact the UniSA Clinical and Health Services CHS-TeachingLearning@unisa.edu.au
Cancellation Policy
The University of South Australia reserves the right to cancel the delivery of this short course and issue refunds. In the event that an attendee cannot attend, a substitute is welcome to attend in their place. No refunds will be given unless 21 days notice is given in writing prior to the date of the course.
Refunds
Refunds are only applicable prior to the course delivery starting.
Withdrawal policy
Students wishing to withdraw from the professional certificate must notify UniSA by the end of the third week of commencement. Find out more about our withdrawal policy here.
