Hospice Africa Uganda Diploma in Clinical Palliative Care

ii.    Diploma in Clinical Palliative Care
The diploma in clinical palliative care is a one year course that provides clinical officers and nurses with the skill set needed to prescribe morphine and provide palliative care. This course combines theoretical course work with in the field training. This course is a key to educating experienced health workers in the field of palliative care that they become focal persons for the provision of this vital care in their communities.

1.    Programme Content
The one year course based at IHPCA with students gaining extensive practical experience in assessing and managing pain, symptom management and providing psychosocial support. This experience includes time spent at HAU hospices, which are in both urban and rural settings. The last two months of this course are students return to their districts to conduct palliative care using their newly acquired skills. This includes advocating within their communities, informing and educating colleagues on palliative care, conducting an approved research project. At the end of this two month period students will have created a plan for the continuation and expansion of palliative care provision in their area. Upon completion of the required elements students will graduate as accredited palliative care providers able to offer holistic care, including the prescription of needed medications.

2.    Admission requirements
Diploma holders including Clinical Officers, Clinical Ophthalmic Officers, Clinical Dental Officers, Psychiatry Clinical Officers, Pharmacy Technicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Medical Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Midwives, Comprehensive Nurses and other relevant and related health science diplomas are welcome to apply.

Applicants must:
•    Provide certified copies of required professional and academic qualifications.
•    Have a minimum of two years post professional qualification.
•    Possess a Uganda Certificate of Education O level or equivalent with at least five passes obtained at the same sitting.
•    Possess a Uganda Certificate of Education A level or equivalent with at least one principal pass and two subsidiary passes obtained at the same sitting.
•    Provide two recommendations, one of which should be a current supervisor.
•    Be committed to palliative care for two years post graduation.
•    Provide a letter from employer stating agreement for a student to commence course. A four week study leave is required during the recess term for a clinical placement. During the two semesters it is suggested one to two days a month of study leave.

3.    Tuition
The tuition for this one year course is $4,500 and covers:
•    Registration
•    Tuition
•    Examination fees
•    Accommodation and meals during residence

Students are encouraged to seek for support to secure funds for tuition where possible. There are scholarships available through IHPCA for students in need of financial support. More information on financial support can be found in the scholarship section here.