Microcredential
Introduction to Dermatology Nursing
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| 2026 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 14 January 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 2 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 | 29 March 2026 | 13 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | 8 April 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 27 April 2026 | 18 May 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | 1 July 2026 | 6 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 10 August 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | 23 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 | 6 December 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
| 2027 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 13 January 2027 | 18 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 | 28 March 2027 | 12 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | 7 April 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 26 April 2027 | 17 May 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | 30 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 | 19 July 2027 | 9 August 2027 | 12 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | 22 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 | 11 October 2027 | 1 November 2027 | 5 December 2027 | 4 January 2028 |
| 2028 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 12 January 2028 | 17 January 2028 | 31 January 2028 | 21 February 2028 | 26 March 2028 | 10 April 2028 |
| Term 2 | 5 April 2028 | 10 April 2028 | 24 April 2028 | 15 May 2028 | 18 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 |
| Term 3 | 28 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 | 17 July 2028 | 7 August 2028 | 10 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 |
| Term 4 | 20 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 | 9 October 2028 | 30 October 2028 | 3 December 2028 | 2 January 2029 |
Overview
This microcredential is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who work in various environments. It is the first in the Dermatology microcredential series and is equivalent to 2 credit points for a postgraduate unit of study. You are required to attend 50 hours of study. The purpose of this microcredential is to explore legal and ethical issues in dermatology nursing as well as anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. The first module discusses the nurses’ roles and the specific ethical and legal issues that might arise in dermatology nursing. Students will then move on to the following modules which focus on the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. This knowledge can be applied to nursing practice through various activities and assessments.
This microcredential is the first in a series of three that corresponds to the unit of study 308 Applied Dermatological Anatomy and Physiology.
Entry requirements
Available to all registered nurses
Pre-requisite
Not applicable
Scope of future study
This microcredential can be completed to receive a standalone credential or stacked together in a series of three microcredentials. Completing all three in the series allows you to apply for credit towards the unit 308 Applied Dermatological Anatomy and Physiology (6 credit points) to build towards a full Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Nursing or the Graduate Certificate in Dermatology Nursing at ACN.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- reflect upon the legal and ethical issues that affect dermatology and cosmetic nursing practiceidentify various types of pain and discuss the underlying pathophysiology in infants, children, and young people
- apply an advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the assessment and of people undergoing dermatological and cosmetic treatment
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: Legal and ethical issues in dermatology and cosmetic nursing
- Module 2: Anatomy of the integumentary system
- Module 3: Functionality of the skin
- Module 4: Skin accessory structures
Assessment
- Reflective journal
Prescribed text
Nicol, N. H. (2016). Dermatological nursing essentials: A core curriculum (3rd ed.). Dermatology Nurses Association & Wolters Kluwer.
Fees
Members: $881
Non-members: $979
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator

Sharron Smyth-Demmon, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, MCN, B.Ed (Prof. Hons), DPSN, Cert IV TAE, MACN, MACORN, NSWOTA, ACPAN
e: sharron.smyth-demmon@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sharron coordinates our Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing. She began her nursing career in the United Kingdom where she worked in primarily in the field of women’s health, both in an acute gynaecological setting and in primary health as a qualified family planning nurse. Sharron has several years of experience within the perioperative setting, mainly in anaesthetics and recovery. She also has extensive experience in the day surgery environment. Sharron has 30 years of nursing experience and sees nursing as not only a science but also an art, with compassion, humanity and empathy at its core.
» Collapse
Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Application will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
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How microcredentials work
Start with a single course, build practical skills you can use immediately, and stack credits towards a graduate certificate when you’re ready.
1
Choose your first course
Start with any microcredential that fits your goals and interests. Each course is online, self-paced, and designed to make an impact in your practice right away.

2
Build your expertise
As you complete more courses, you build expertise in essential areas. Each microcredential you complete adds to your skills and prepares you for greater responsibility.

3
Stack towards a Graduate Certificate
Combine your completed courses to work towards a graduate certificate, creating a pathway to formal qualifications on your own schedule.

Why study with ACN
*The ACN Member discount cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry).
Discover more course options from ACN
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For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
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