Program Overview

Specialist Certificate in Disaster and Terror Medicine

Overview

The Specialist Certificate in Disaster and Terror Medicine is a graduate coursework program designed to provide an evidence-based introduction to the key elements of this specialty. This program is the first of its kind in Australia and is developed at the Department of Critical Care in consultation with industry. It draws on the deep knowledge and real-world experience of international experts in the field.

Course Details

• Course code: SC-DTM
• Duration: 6 months part-time
• Location: On campus (Parkville)
• Intake: January
• Fees: AUD $9,744 (2025 indicative first year fee)
• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available

Course Overview

The program aims to expand the scope of practice in disaster and terror medicine preparedness and response. It provides specialized expertise from international experts in the field and is designed for healthcare professionals, first responders, and policymakers. The course equips clinicians, first responders, health service managers, relevant agency staff, and policymakers with essential skills to effectively prepare for and manage a range of disaster and terror events.

Target Audience

The Specialist Certificate in Disaster and Terror Medicine is relevant to:

• Critical care clinicians (including doctors, nurses, clinical leaders)
• Emergency services (including paramedics, ambulance workers)
• Hospital administrators
• Government and policymakers
• Social workers
• The military

Why Study This Course

This course is designed to equip students with essential skills to prepare their health service, community, or hospital and trauma unit for natural disasters and terror events, and to effectively manage and recover from such events when they occur. By gaining specialized expertise from international experts in the field, students will be prepared to respond quickly and decisively to mitigate the impact of these events on communities.

Related Study Areas

• Health
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Social work

Career Outcomes

Credit obtained in some of these subjects can be used towards completion of the Master of Public Health, Master of Advanced Nursing Practice, Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health, Graduate Certificate in Disaster and Terror Medicine, and Graduate Diploma in Disaster and Terror Medicine, providing pathways for further study and career advancement.