Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicLevel of Study
Certificate
Are you a health professional who wants to upskill in wound debridement procedures?
Non-healing wounds greatly affect a person’s quality of life and present an economic healthcare issue. Chronic wounds are estimated to cost first-world countries between 3-5% of total healthcare expenditure.
This is New Zealand’s first and only qualification in wound debridement and provides competency in conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD).
To apply for this Certificate, you’ll need to be an existing health professional (RN, Nurse Practitioner, EN, Podiatrist or Doctor) working with adults and performing wound care procedures (at least weekly). You’ll need organisational support from your employer to undertake mentor supervised CSWD procedures within your health care setting.
You need to provide a mentor(s) who can assist with your competencies, in clinical practice, after you have attended the two-day practicum. Your mentor must be performing CSWD competently in practice and a registered health care professional (e.g. RN, NP, Podiatrist, Doctor). If you are unable to find a mentor, we can assist with this, but you may have to travel to the mentor's organisation to complete your competencies.
BenefitsThis programme is delivered by the New Zealand Wound Care Society and Wendy White in collaboration with Otago Polytechnic. It runs from 7 April 2025 - 7 October 2025. There is one, face-to-face, two-day practicum as part of your study. There are two locations for this practicum:
A maximum of 20 learners can be accommodated at each site (either Dunedin or Auckland). We will contact you to book your preferred site.
Please note: An early application will secure your preferred site.
You must currently be, or be equivalent to, one of the following:
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Other requirementsThe above is to ensure that, while on work placement, you comply with workplace obligations for the protection for vulnerable adults under the Crimes Act 2012. See sections 151, 195, and 195A.
If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.
Recognition of prior learningSome learners may come to this Certificate with prior knowledge and work experience. This programme has been structured as a group of smaller courses to allow provision for this. Provided learners can pass the assessments for the relevant course, recognition of prior learning will be allowed.
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