Graduate Certificate in Clinical Toxicology

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Toxicology will provide and/or enhance career opportunities for Poisons Information Centre staff, acute medical care specialists, and staff in Emergency medical facilities. On completion of this program, graduates will be able to perform a risk assessment for acute toxic exposures; recommend appropriate treatment, critically assess evidence; and identify areas requiring further evidence.

The course was written by Clinical Toxicologists, all recognised experts in their field, who are working in this specialty. Most are Consultants to the Nation Poisons Centre network, advising on patient management. The course can provide an international perspective as the current tutors are based in Australia, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. The course co-ordinator trained in Clinical Toxicology in the United States. All teaching is done using a web-based interface that offers flexibility for students to study at their convenience.

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Toxicology will provide and/or enhance career opportunities for Poisons Information Centre staff, acute medical care specialists, and staff in Emergency medical facilities.

Bachelor Degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Health Science or other qualifications approved for this purpose by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health. In special circumstances an applicant holding other acceptable academic or professional qualifications and with relevant work experience may be admitted as a candidate.

Human physiology and pharmacotherapy

Graduates of the University of Wales, UK, Clinical Toxicology program, and those certified by the American Board of Toxicology will be eligible to seek credit for the EPID6610 Clinical Toxicology: Core Principles, and EPID6620 Clinical Toxicology of Pharmaceuticals courses.

As a University Post-Graduate Course the course qualifies for accreditation in the Maintenance of Profession Standards (MOPS) program by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM). Formal accreditation is being sought. Currently on individual application to the MOPS program of ACEM for Fellows of the College. Formal approval by the College will make this process automatic. Similar arrangements should be available via the Continuing Medical Education (CME) program of other professional medical organizations.

This program will be offered in distance learning mode only. There will be no full time on campus international students. However, international distance learning students often seek extra support relating to difficulties such as access to the Blackboard system (although these problems appear to have been resolved over time); tuition fee and invoicing problems, an area where administrative staff will act as a conduit on their behalf; assistance to obtain software and textbooks when difficulties arise. Again, staff endeavour to provide additional support whenever the need comes to their attention.

Under Academic Senate resolution (01:335) (28 November 2001), the Faculty accepts that it is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, which offers practical assistance and advice to students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty will seek advice from the Student Support Unit as to what constitutes "reasonable accommodations" under Anti-Discrimination legislation.

The program can be taken part time over one or two years. This program is offered online and is not accepting International on campus students. The program requires the completion of 40 units of prescribed coursework.