- Seven theoretical modules ($1,732.50 inc. GST if all modules are purchased at the same time)
- Supervised clinical attachment ($1,188 inc. GST to be paid at the time of booking the clinical attachment) See Supervised Clinical Attachment tab for further information.
- Written assessments
Dates Offered
4th - 7th Feb 20258:30 am to 5:00 pm
19th - 22nd May 20258:30 am to 5:00 pm
18th - 21st Aug 20258:30 am to 5:00 pm
The Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Nursing) is for nurses and midwives wishing to develop detailed knowledge and specialist clinical skills in sexual and reproductive health.
Course overview
The course has a theory component and a supervised clinical attachment. The theory modules provide nurses with evidence-based information on a broad range of sexual and reproductive health topics. Nurses will explore the physiological, psychosocial, and environmental aspects of sexual and reproductive health using current research findings, clinical guidelines and the knowledge and experience of experts in the field.
Nurses who receive a Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health will have completed:
- Module 1: The Bare Essentials (one day face to face workshop at SHQ plus online learning of approximately 14 hours)
- Module 2: Cervical Screening (two days face to face workshop at SHQ plus online learning of approximately 14 hours)
- Module 3: STI Clinical Management (online only) approximately 4 – 6 hours
- Module 4: People and Sex (online only) approximately 4 – 6 hours
- Module 5: Andrology Matters (online only) approximately 4 – 6 hours
- Module 6 & 7: Contraception and Communication (one day face to face workshop at SHQ)
Please click on the registration links to view individual module prices.
Nurses can complete the theoretical modules in any order for the certificate as long as all seven are completed in the required timeframe. Alternately individual module(s) can be completed for your own learning needs, in this scenario you would not be undertaking a full certificate and would be issued statements of attendance/completion for each module attended/completed only. Nurses wanting the full certificate must complete all theory and supervised clinical attachment within two-years of starting the theory.
Entry Requirements/Eligibility
At least one-year post-registration experience is necessary for all nurses and midwives enrolling in the course.
Current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Previous experience in the area of women’s health, sexual and reproductive health or community health is an advantage but not a requirement.
Recognition of prior learning is available to nurses who seek credits for previous study and/or existing skills (fees apply). Some of the modules have pre course readings and/or activities. These are compulsory and make up the assessment for each module. When you have registered and paid for your modules you will receive information on how to access the online modules.
Before you start
Some modules have online work that must be completed before attending the Face to Face workshops. These are compulsory and make up the assessment for each module.
When you have completed registration and payment for the modules you will receive information on how to access the readings and pre course activities for the relevant modules.
| 1 | The Bare Essentials (one day face to face workshop at SHQ plus online learning of approximately 14 hours) | |
| 2 | Cervical Screening (two days face to face workshop at SHQ plus online learning of approximately 14 hours) | |
| 3 | STI Clinical Management (online only approximately 4- 6 hours) | |
| 4 | People and Sex (online only approximately 4-6 hours) | |
| 5 | Andrology Matters (online only approximately 4 – 6 hours) | |
| 6 & 7 | Contraception and Communication (one day face to face workshop at SHQ) |
Please click on the registration links to view costs.
Nurses completing the full certificate can complete the theoretical modules in any order. The requirements for the full certificate i.e. all theory modules and supervised clinical attachment must be completed within a two-year period.
Nurses not wanting a full certificate can enrol in individual modules of their choosing according to their learning requirements.
Module 1. The Bare Essentials
Nurses will explore and develop their personal knowledge on a range of fundamental and “of the moment” sexual and reproductive health topics, including:
- Concepts of sexuality and sexual health
- Values, attitudes, and beliefs
- Language of sex
- Sex and diversity
- Sex and gender
- Sex and the law
- Common STIs
- Contraceptive overview
- Sexual violence
- Unintended pregnancy
This module is designed to be challenging, expand your mind, and leave you with a desire to learn more. This is the perfect starting point for nurses wishing to build further skills in sexual and reproductive health education. This module requires online work and face-to-face attendance.
Date: 4 February 2025, 20 May 2025 or 19 August 2025
Time: 8.30am – 5.00pm
Module 2. Cervical Screening
This module meets the National Standards for Cervical Screening Providers. Also available as a standalone module.
Participants will become competent to provide cervical screening and preventative health checks to eligible women on behalf of a supporting doctor.
Topics include:
- Cervical screening
- Breast health
- Pelvic floor and continence
- Common gynaecological issues
- Taking a well women’s sexual health history
- Menopause
Date: 6 – 7 February 2025, 21 – 22 May 2025 or 20 – 21 August 2025
Time: 8.30am – 5.00pm
If this module is attended as part of the Certificate and not as a standalone module, you are not required to complete 15 supervised cervical screening tests in your workplace prior to attending the supervised clinical attachment.
Module 3. STI Clinical Management
This is a three-part introduction to STIs comprising of an eLearning package provided by Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine followed by an open book assignment. Consolidation of knowledge and skill development is achieved by attending clinical placement in the SHQ clinic.
Self-paced, please register using the registration form. Due date 3 months from enrolment
Module 4. People and Sex
This online module explores sexual function and dysfunction.
On completion of the training participants will be able to:
- Describe typical human sexual function and response
- Describe changes in sexuality and sexual function in the lifecycle
- Discuss common presentations of sexual concerns in health and illness
- Outline initial strategies for managing sexual problems
- Identify appropriate resources and referral agencies relating to sexual function
Assessment
The assessment is designed to encourage you to explore common sexual concerns in health and illness. These concerns may originate from a biological, lifecycle, socio-cultural and / or psychological sources. It is important to take into account the effect of illness and clinical treatment on sexuality.
Self-paced, please register using the registration form. Due date 3 months from enrolment.
Module 5. Andrology Matters
This short but comprehensive online module is designed to enable participants to understand common sexual health difficulties and outline initial strategies and appropriate referral for ongoing management particular to the male client.
On completion of the training participants will be able to:
- Discuss emotional, social and cultural issues associated with sexual health concerns and seeking health care for men
- Discuss strategies for working with men in the clinical context
- Review the anatomy and physiology of the male sexual and reproductive system
- Outline a systematic method for examining the male genitals and apply knowledge of the male reproductive system to identify non-typical presentations
- Elicit a history to recognise potential problems and disorders
- Discuss screening tests for prostate and testicular cancer, and their advantages and disadvantages
- Describe common sexual health problems and disorders in men, and discuss their causes, investigations, management options and appropriate referral.
Self-paced, please register using the registration form. Due date 3 months from enrolment
Modules 6 & 7. Contraception & Communication Skills
This module is a prerequisite for nurses and midwives planning to undertake further training in IUD insertion and/or contraceptive implants with SHQ.
Contraception
Participants completing this module will build the skills and knowledge to:
- Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of current methods of contraception.
- Understand the barriers to accessing contraception.
- Discuss contraception choices with patients of all ages.
- Dispel myths around non-proper/ineffective methods of contraception.
- Understand the efficacy of different methods of contraception.
- Undertake unintended pregnancy discussions with patients.
Communication
Participants will learn to develop language and communication strategies to create a safe and positive environment for patients in a sexual health consultation.
Motivational interviewing is a technique that can be learned by anyone. It is a method that works on facilitating and engaging intrinsic motivation within the client to change behaviour. Learn how to apply this to the sensitive area of sexual and reproductive health.
Date: 5 February 2025, 19 May 2025 or 18 August 2025
Time: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Assessment
All of the theoretical modules are subject to assessment. Nurses must submit all relevant assessments to the Nurse Educator in a timely manner and receive a pass mark for all modules to be eligible to attend the supervised clinical attachment.
Note: Theory course requirements must be completed prior to attending supervised clinical attachment. Supervised clinical attachment must be attended within two years of starting the theory work.
Supervised Clinical Attachment:
Twelve x 3.5 hour clinics at SHQ either in one block (usually takes Monday to Tuesday the following week to complete in a block) or can be spread out eg. 2 sessions or more per week until completed.
Participants are supervised at all times by experienced SHQ Registered Nurses who have been trained in clinical instruction. For further information regarding clinical supervision contact Nurse Educator Karen Bonte
Please note: Additional payment is required to attend the clinical attachment. Payment is required upon booking the supervised clinical attachment. Sessions are $99 inc GST each.
Participants develop specialist clinical skills in sexual and reproductive health nursing practice, including cervical screening. The program can be negotiated to take into account the existing skills of the participant. Details on booking the supervised clinical attachment will be discussed during the theory component of the course.
Supervised clinical attachment places are limited to 1-2 nurses per day. To discuss booking contact the Clinical Education Coordinator [email protected]
Cervical Screening Supervision by an SHQ Nurse in Trainee’s Own Workplace
SHQ instructing nurses may also be available to supervise nurses in their own workplace. The trainee’s workplace is responsible for organizing specific cervical screening clinics and booking all clients. Clinical services are conducted on behalf of a supervising doctor whose Provider Number is used for pathology purposes. This doctor is responsible for the overall care and follow-up of the clients.
Nurses wishing to choose this option must contact the Nurse Educator (email as above) to negotiate the number of hours. A minimum of five unassisted cervical screenings are required to meet competency.
Costs by negotiation.
Important Information
Venue
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SHQ Training Room
70 Roe St Northbridge WA - 08 9227 6177
Course Fees
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Purchasing all 7 modules in one transaction discounts the cost for the theory course to $1732.50 inc GST. Individual module prices vary click on the registration to check individual prices.
Supervised clinical attachment has an additional fee of $99 inc GST per clinical session. Payment for supervised clinical attachment is not required at the time of registering for the theory. Once all theory requirements have been completed supervised clinical attachment can be requested, payment is required once dates have been confirmed.
Scholarship
A scholarship is available annually to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse, follow the link below for further information.
SHQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurse Education Scholarship