Overview
Gain a comprehensive understanding of women’s health issues commonly seen in primary care.
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.
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.
Study Modes
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
Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.
- Customized 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.
Outcome Measurement
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.
Recognized 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
Providers Terms
Course Transfers
Face to Face Courses
Course transfers for Face to Face practical workshops are available, subject to requests being received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to workshop commencement. Transfer requests received after 10 business days prior to workshop commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Transfers will be subject to availability in the future workshops. If the future workshop has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the transfer request.
One workshop transfer, per course is allowed. Further transfers will be considered upon application and may be charged at 25% of a full new workshop booking rate.
Online Courses
Transfers for Online courses are available subject to requests being received, in writing, within 7 days of enrolment. Transfer requests received after the 7 days post enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $200. One course transfer request, per course is allowed.
If the future course being transferred to, has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the course transfer request.
Online Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and a full refund of the course fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Upon cancellation and full refund of the course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points.
Bundle Courses
Courses purchased as part of a bundle attract a discount. This discount is apportioned to the final course in the bundle in the cases of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, cancellation and refund requests of a course that have been purchased as part of a bundle are refunded based on the first and/or second course being charged at the full price rate. Any courses remaining in the bundle can be refunded provided the request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Tickets:
Course Fee$980| Contact Hours: | 81.0 hrs |
| Format: | Online Lectures |
| Duration: | Multiple Days |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | Not Available |
| Provider: | HealthCert Education |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | Dr. Sharon SykesMBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP |
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.
 | A/Prof. Debbie KorsMBBS (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.
 | Dr. Christine AhernMBBS, 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.
 | Dr. Kate MoriartyFRACGP, 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.
