Graduate Certificate in Clinical Simulation

Course code: 3973 + Course abbreviation: GradCertClinSim + Total credit points required: 24 + 1 semester full-time, 2 semesters part-time

Course coordinator:  Debra Kiegaldie

This course is offered in Melbourne over one year between February and November. Enrolments are open to teaching staff within the Faculty and to external applicants. Applicants are welcome from all health professions, including doctors, nurses, ambulance officers and other allied health professionals. The objectives of the course are to enable clinical simulation educators to:

• Differentiate between simulation-based learning and more traditional educational approaches;
• Demonstrate an ability to develop effective teaching practices in relation to simulation-based activities;
• Apply their understanding of the learning theories that underpin simulation learning and teaching;
• Plan effective learning environments using a range of simulation resources and communication activities;
• Demonstrate competence in using simulation-related tools and technologies;
• Design, implement and evaluate effective simulation-based educational sessions;
• Identify the legal, professional and ethical responsibilities of teachers in diverse educational settings;
• Source and critically appraise the literature related to their simulation based activities;
• Plan and conduct appropriate educational research in relation to simulation teaching and learning.

Course structure

Successful completion of the course involves the study of three core units (see table below). The course is normally undertaken on a part-time basis over one year and is offered as an off-campus program with compulsory study days for each of the three units.

Completion of the course provides the opportunity to articulate to the Master of Health Professional Education (MHPE) programme. In this case the completed Graduate Certificate course will contribute one third of the 72 credit points required for completion of the MHPE.