Microcredential
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Parkinson’s
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| 2025 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 15 January 2025 | 20 January 2025 | 3 February 2025 | 24 February 2025 | 30 March 2025 | 14 April 2025 |
| Term 2 | 9 April 2025 | 14 April 2025 | 28 April 2025 | 19 May 2025 | 22 June 2025 | 7 July 2025 |
| Term 3 | 2 July 2025 | 7 July 2025 | 21 July 2025 | 11 August 2025 | 14 September 2025 | 29 September 2025 |
| Term 4 | 24 September 2025 | 29 September 2025 | 13 October 2025 | 3 November 2025 | 7 December 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
| 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 |
Overview
This microcredential is designed for health professionals who care for people diagnosed with both typical and atypical Parkinson’s and provides students with the opportunity to extend their knowledge of this specialty area. In this microcredential, we will examine the pathophysiology and prevalence of Idiopathic Parkinson’s. Followed by analysing the symptoms and issues that need to be explored in assessing a person living with Parkinson’s.
This microcredential is the first in a series of three that corresponds to the unit of study 299 Parkinson’s Care.
Entry requirements
Applicable to all registered nurses regardless of the workplace setting.
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 microcredentials in the series allows you to apply for credit towards the unit 299 Parkinson’s Care (6 credit points) to build towards a full Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing at ACN.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- assess the therapeutic approaches to care for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their support network
- analyse evidence-based practice impacting the care outcomes for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: Physiology and pathophysiology of Idiopathic Parkinson’s
- Module 2: Epidemiology of Idiopathic Parkinson’s
- Module 3: Young onset of Idiopathic Parkinson’s
- Module 4: Diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson’s
- Module 5: Atypical Parkinson’s
- Module 6: Assessing motor symptoms
- Module 7: Assessing non-motor symptoms
- Module 8: Assessing cognitive symptoms
- Module 9: Assessing psychological symptoms
Assessment
- Reflective journal
Fees
Members: $1,005
Non-members: $1,116.50
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator

Jenat Sakayanathan, Nurse Educator Higher Education
RN, BHS & MN, MN (Critical Care)
e: jenat.sakayanathan@acn.edu.au
» About me
Jenat is a critical care nurse who is very passionate about nursing. Clinically, she has experience working in various setting including Emergency, ICU, Rehabilitation and Community in both public and private health sectors. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Nursing (USYD) and a Masters in Critical Care Nursing (UTAS). Jenat believes teaching is a process that facilitates acquisition and modification of knowledge that enables nurse to become critical thinkers. She thrives to create a supportive environment for nurses to learn and is passionate about empowering nurses to provide care that is of the highest quality.
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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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