Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermoscopy

Non-Award | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
On campus
Start date icon
Start date
February, August
Duration icon
Duration
0.25 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
PCCDE
Study as icon
Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
$2,500
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
None
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Evidence of current registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Enrolled Nurse (EN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Why Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermoscopy?

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.

What you'll learn

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.

Adelaide University 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.

Upon completing this short course, Registered Nurses can apply credit into a further postgraduate qualification, streamlining your learning and reducing your overall study time.

What courses you'll study

Complete 12 units comprising:

  • 12 units for all Core courses

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Clinical Dermoscopy
Course code
NURS8001
Units
12

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Full Year
Course name
Clinical Dermoscopy
Course code
NURS8001
Units
12

Ready to apply?

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026 are now open.

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources. 

 

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. 

 

Student services 

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including: 

  • Career advice and mentoring services 
  • Personal counselling 
  • LGBTQIA+ support 
  • Academic support 
  • Fees and finance help 
  • Security services 
  • Accommodation services 
  • Common rooms 
  • Prayer rooms. 

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.