Clinical Primary Care (PDIP/CERT)

Course details

This programme is currently under review and applications for entry 2015 are on hold. If you are interested in Diabetes or Women's Health you may apply for a Professional Credit Award in these topics

The Clinical Primary Care collection is a suite of modules on clinical and related non-clinical topics. It has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind to meet the needs of busy health professionals. You can take a single module in a subject of your choice or you can construct your own course at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters levels by choosing a selection of modules that suit your needs. Modules can be accumulated over up to five years (or one year) as you wish.

The modules are delivered using an e-learning platform supported by dedicated skills training sessions at NUI Galway (usually two non-consecutive days per module). The distance education format allows you to engage in learning at a time and place that suit your lifestyle.

• Postgraduate Certificate = any 3 modules, at least 2 clinical.
• Postgraduate Diploma = any 6 modules, at least 3 clinical.

The course is recognised for external CPD by the Irish College of General Practitioners, and has received Category 2 approval from An Bord Altranais.

Key facts

Entry requirements

This course is open to qualified health professionals (doctor, midwife, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, speech & language therapist, other) currently registered with their relevant professional body and actively involved in community-based clinical practice in Ireland. Applicants from secondary care may also be considered. Parts of the programme are delivered in distance learning format and general computer literacy is essential for this.

Course outline

Programme content (Trimester 1 = Sept–Dec; Trimester 2 = Jan–Mar; Trimester 3 = Mar–Jun)

Clinical Modules

• Advanced Wound Care Management (trimester 2)
• Cardiovascular Disease in Primary Care (trimester 2)
• Diabetes in Primary Care (trimester 2)
• Infectious Disease in Primary Care (trimester 1)
• Mental Health in Primary Care (trimester 3)
• Minor Surgery and Related Dermatology (trimester 3)
• Respiratory Disease in Primary Care ‌(trimester 1)
• Women's Health in Primary Care (trimester 3)

Non-Clinical Modules

• Clinical Teaching Methodologies (trimester 2)
• Collaboration and Interagency Working (trimester 2)
• Concepts & Principles of Primary Care (trimester 1)
• Health Research Methods (trimester 1)
• Literature Based Research Skills (trimester 1)

Anyone interested in completing a Masters in Primary Care should note that the final three modules listed above are mandatory