Wound Care - Graduate Diploma in Wound Care

48 points - 2 years part time

The Graduate Diploma in Wound Care builds on the foundation knowledge of the Graduate Certificate and offers health professionals an opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of different aspects of wound management. Students are able to expand their knowledge and skills in specific wound care specialties depending on their discipline or area of interest. Students are expected to attend a compulsory one-week, on-campus, study block where they will participate in a series of practical workshops and wound clinic observations. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Wound Care, students can choose to exit the program or articulate into the Master of Wound Care, if satisfactory marks are achieved.

Learning objectives

At the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Wound Care students will be able to:

• demonstrate high level problem solving skill for clients with complex wounds;
• utilise a systematic approach to perform an advanced assessment of a clients with a wound;
• develop an appropriate plan of wound care in collaboration with the client and the multidisciplinary team;
• utilise an evidential basis for clinical decision making in the management of people with wounds;
• demonstrate clinical competency in practical wound care techniques;
• evaluate the outcomes of care for clients with complex wounds.

Course structure

Students are required to complete a total of 48 points that consist of: eight core units (36 points), a range of elective units (6 points) and a compulsory on-campus study block (6 points).

Please note that places in VCW1127 are limited, so early enrolment is advisable.  

Core units

VCW1101 Biology of wound healing
VCW1102 Wound assessment
VCW1103 Wound dressings
VCW1104 Management of acute wounds
VCW1105 Management of chronic wounds
VCW1106 Systemic medication and wound healing
VCW1108 Nutrition and wound healing
VCW1127 Practical wound care training and assessment
VCG5011 Evidence based practice  

Elective units

VCW1109 Dermatology
VCW1111 Alternative therapies
VCW1112 Scar management
VCW1113 Palliative care and pain management
VCW1114 Reconstructive surgery
VCW1116 Diabetic foot
VCW1123 Management of burns
VCW1126 Clinical risk management and wound care

Assessment Methods

Assessment is by a combination of web-based tasks, written and oral assignments, online discussion group participation, case studies and reflective journals.