Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Operate effectively with and upon a body of knowledge of sufficient depth to begin professional practice as a Diabetes Educator.
2. Develop effective problem-solving skills, capable of applying logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems.
3. Develop an understanding of health practice informed by ethical and legal principles.
4. Demonstrate commitment to ethical action and social responsibility as a professional and citizen.
5. Practice as a Diabetes Educator with the knowledge and skills to be a valued member of the Diabetes team.
6. Embrace the multidisciplinary nature of diabetes management and seek to gain knowledge and skills in these areas.
7. Prepare for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal development and excellence in professional practice.
8. Communicate effectively both in written and oral form and in professional practice as a member of the community.
9. Apply skills to work both autonomously and collaboratively as a professional.
10. Embrace and respect multiculturalism and the diversity of Australian society, and international perspectives as a professional and as a citizen.

More than 1.2 million Australians are living with diabetes. Now in epidemic proportions, fighting this condition is one of the major challenges facing Australian and global healthcare systems.

Play your part in improving diabetes knowledge, awareness, and self-management with this specialised postgraduate program. This course is designed to qualify nurses, midwives, dietitians, pharmacists, medical practitioners, podiatrists, exercise physiologists and physiotherapists as diabetes educators. 

This important program links theory and practice, providing specialist knowledge about all aspects of diabetes, including its causes, complications, management and education strategies. A highlight is a professional placement flanked by a credentialled diabetes educator mentor.

Graduates can consider career opportunities offering diabetes-related services in private practice or other areas of the health industry.

Recommended study pattern

Term 1

HBIO5001 - Pathophysiology and Diabetes in a Global Context

Term 2

PBHL5001 - Managing Diabetes as a Chronic Condition

Term 3

PBHL5004 - Diabetes Self-management Education Theory and Practice

Term 4

PBHL6001 - Diabetes Management in Health Systems and Settings

Students gain knowledge and skills within the areas of primary health, chronic disease, teaching, management and leadership, research, client self-management and counselling. They gain an in-depth understanding of the diabetes disease process and management options, including medications for therapeutic effectiveness, problem-solving for high and low blood glucose levels and reducing the risks of chronic complications.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising all core units.

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Indicative total fee $4,500

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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All applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, and hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as either a Nurse, Midwife, Dietitian, Medical Practitioner, Pharmacist, Podiatrist, Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist, Optometrist or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

Overall Score: 7

• Reading: 7
• Writing: 7
• Listening: 7
• Speaking: 7.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

You are required to undertake 40 hours of clinical placement within a recognised diabetes service with, as a minimum, a credentialled diabetes educator as a mentor. The importance of linking theory to practice is fundamental to student learning and to ensure graduates have the confidence to apply their knowledge and skills with clients in professional settings. The 40 hours of placement is a mandatory component of the course. Clinical placement occurs following completion of three units and generally occurs in Term 4 for those undertaking the complete 8-month course. For those students who defer, placement may occur once three units have been successfully completed. Placements are organised by the Professional Experience Unit at Southern Cross University.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to contact your Course Coordinator or Student Access & Inclusion to discuss.