About this course
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s Professional Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology / Certificate in Obstetrics & Gynaecology is a nine-month online programme, delivered in conjunction with iheed.
Drawing on the expertise of national and international experts, the programme aims to improve the standard of obstetric and gynaecological care in Ireland and abroad. It provides learners with the skills and advanced knowledge required to enhance healthcare for women, with particular emphasis on pregnancy, menopause, and disorders of reproductive organs.
What to expect
This 9 month programme blends self-directed learning with tutor-led team-based learning. The course material has been designed by RCPI and is delivered online by iheed.
Throughout the course, you'll engage in:
• Online self-guided content
• Weekly online live tutorials
• Tutor-moderated discussion forums
• Interactive case studies
• Reflective exercises
• Online assessments
Course format
Obstetrics modules and topics include:
• History taking, examination and communication
• Physiology and Embryology
• Anatomy
• Drugs in Pregnancy
• Early Pregnancy
• Routine Antenatal Care
• Antenatal complications
• High risk/maternal medicine care
• Labour and Birth
• Postnatal Care
Gynaecology modules and topics covered include:
• Disorders of menstruation
• Contraception
• Sexually Transmitted Infection, Vaginal discharge, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• HRT & menopause
• Infertility
• Incontinence
• Prolapse
• Cervical and Endometrial cancers
• Ovarian and vulval cancers
Human Factors modules and topics include:
• Introduction to Systems Thinking and Human Factors
• Patient Safety
• Person (Professional) Factors
• Work System Factors
• Patient Factors
• Work Process Factors
• Measurement, Adaptation and Improvement
• External Environment Factors
Time commitment
This is an 9 month programme which leads to a 30 ECTS qualitification on successful completion.
On completion of this programme, participants will be able to:
• Demonstrate expertise in the management of pre-pregnancy, antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care of obstetric patients with low levels of complexity
• Have recognition of moderate and high levels of complexity in pre-pregnancy, antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care of obstetric patients, acknowledging own clinical limitations and when referral to specialist care is required
• Demonstrate diagnostic and therapeutic skills for the delivery of ethical and effective obstetric and gynaecological healthcare to women
• Establish therapeutic relationships with women using effective and sensitive communication skills
• Demonstrate understanding of the relevant social and cultural issues that impact upon the provision of healthcare to women
• This programme will lead to the Professional Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for all learners.
• Irish-based learners can also opt for the additional QQI certificate in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which is accredited at QQI Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualification.
Award
All learners will receive the Professional Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology upon successful completion.
Irish-based learners with a PPSN may also opt to receive the QQI-accredited Certificate in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
Both awards support progression to MRCPI Part II examinations and differ only in the accrediting body.
Designed for
The programme is aimed at:
• General practitioners and family physicians
• Doctors at the beginning of specialty training
• Nurses and midwives working in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Minimum English Language Requirements
Applicatants must meet one of the following criteria:
A) Primary Qualification in English A primary degree (Level 8 or equivalent) awarded by a recognised higher education institution where the medium of instruction and assessment was English.
OR
B) Professional Experience in an English-Speaking Health Setting Evidence of current or recent (two years) employment in a health or clinical setting where English is the primary language of professional communication, documentation, and service delivery and where such employment is subject to English language verification by a state regulator.
OR
C) Standardised English Language Test An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band score below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the institution.
Equivalent tests may include OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or other recognised assessments, benchmarked against IELTS 6.5 using internationally accepted concordance tables.
Where English language testing is used to demonstrate proficiency, results must normally have been obtained within the previous two years.
Protection of Enrolled Learners
RCPI has procedures in place for the protection of enrolled learners. You can access the information on this through the policy and procedure linked below.
Dublin-headquartered iheed Health Training Limited is a successful medical education technology organisation that partners with medical universities and postgraduate training bodies to reach doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals all around the world. It delivers postgraduate medical qualifications for healthcare professionals that improve their ability to deliver healthcare while enhancing their career prospects and global mobility.
To register your interest, please visit the Professional Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology course page.
