UWA PLUS
Advanced Clinical Skills [PHCYM504]
Laboratory tests can be useful tools for identifying disease states and monitoring health outcomes, however, they can be challenging to use in practice. The Choosing Wisely campaign has highlighted the need to consider when and how laboratory tests are used. When laboratory tests are undertaken, they require interpretation.
Patient reported measures are defined as 'any report of the status of a patient's health condition that comes directly from the patient, without interpretation of the indidual's response by a clinician or anyone else'. This definition makes it sound easy to apply, and interpret patient reported measures in practice. They are tools are used to capture information directly from individuals to understand their health status, treatment outcomes and health related experiences. Individuals are supported to report these outcomes through the use of validated questionnaires.
Together, laboratory tests and patient reported measures complement each other for diagnosis and treatment outcomes to monitor health status.
This micro-credential will cover the skills to know when and how to use and apply laboratory tests and patient reported measures in practice. It will cover the interpretations and the limitation of these measures. The content in this micro-credential will greatly improve the practice of all clinicians.
Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive:
- 12 PD Points which can be converted to academic credit
- A Certificate of Achievement
- A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials
- Delivery mode
- This course will be delivered fully online, so it is suitable for professionals anywhere in Australia including in rural and remote areas and those who are working.
- Course dates
- Monday 4 August 2025- Friday 3 October 2025
Registrations will open soon.
- Commitment
- 300 hours over 8 weeks
Up to 1 hour per week of synchronous tutorials
Three days per week of asynchronous learning including reading, online lectures, assessments and personal study.
- Academic lead
- Dr Amy Page, Pharmacist of the Year 2024
- Cost
- $400 inc. GST
- Critical information summary
- Advanced Clinical Skills [PDF 243KB]
What you'll learn
Participants will be able to:
Apply patient reported measures and laboratory tests in practice
Identify limitations to interpreting patient reported measures and laboratory tests in clinical practice
Describe when patient reported measures and laboratory tests should be considered
Interpret patient reported measures and laboratory tests in practice including application to diagnosis and monitoring
Why study this course?
This micro-credential should be undertaken by anyone who wants to improve their clinical practice. It introduces when to use different measurements, how to apply them appropriately and the appropriate interpretation.
For pharmacists, this micro-credential is the first step towards completing both or either PHCYM505 Prescribing Skills for Pharmacists and PHCYM503 Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Pharmacists. These fundamental skills in interpreting laboratory tests and patient reported measures support and enhance clinical practice.
Who should study this course?
The skills taught in this micro-credential are important for anyone wanting to improve their clinical practice and upskill. Health professionals will learn when and how to use, apply and interpret these tools in practice.
Recommended prior knowledge?
This micro-credential is designed for practising health practitioners.
What's next after this course?
Career outcomes:
This micro-credential is essential for any health professional looking to develop their clinical skills.
Options for further study:
- All Health professionals
Students can also progress to enrol in the Master of Advanced Clinical Practice, which will require up to another 60 credit points of learning.
- Pharmacists
Once successfully completed, pharmacists will have met the skills component to prepare them to undertake micro-credentials PHCYM505 Prescribing Skills for Pharmacists and PHCYM503 Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Pharmacists.
Students can progress to complete the micro-credentials PHCYM503 Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Pharmacists or PHCYM505 Prescribing Skills for Pharmacists.
Other options for related study:
Students may want to explore the:
- Graduate Certificate in Advanced Medicines Management
- Graduate Certificate in Quality Use of Medicines and Prescribing
- Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Management and Education
- Doctor of Pharmacy Practice
Become a mentor or preceptor for future students:
Graduates will be given the opportunity to become preceptors or mentors for future students. This opportunity to remain involved in the course delivery and contribute to upskilling the pharmacist and allied health practitioner workforce to contribute to diabetes education is a valuable opportunity for practitioners.