Adult Chronic Disease Management Specialist 2 - NUR1145

NFQ level: 9

ECTS credits: 10

Commencing: January 2026

Cost: The fee for this module is €1,250.

The University does not refund application or registration fees for professional development courses, however, students can defer their registration to the next available sitting, except in the case of micro-credential courses where there is no availability for a deferred entry.

Closing date: 1st December 2025, or earlier if this course is oversubscribed.

Module aim

The aim of this module is to support advancement of clinical competence and knowledge related to Chronic Disease Management. The module will provide the student with an in-depth view of the needs of people living with chronic disease. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to develop and implement comprehensive assessment tools, and engage in comprehensive assessment and complex care planning for the prevention and management of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Who should apply?

Registered nurses and midwives.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

1. Examine the pathophysiology of prominent chronic diseases, and their relationship with altered health, multi-morbidity and co-morbidity.
2. Apply the principles of comprehensive assessment to the prevention and management of chronic disease.
3. Organise a comprehensive, integrated plan of care to address the key needs of people living with chronic diseases, underpinned by the principles of chronic disease management, supportive care and palliative care.
4. Critically evaluate contemporary non-pharmacological and pharmacological and approaches to managing chronic disease.
5. Identify a range of evidence-based interventions to support family/non-professional caregivers.
6. Evaluate the appropriateness of care delivery methods and plans in the context of chronic disease management, and their application within specific cohorts of the Irish population.

Online delivery

Online delivery over a 12-week semester. 

Entry requirements

Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.2 or equivalent. Candidates will generally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline.

In addition, candidates must:

• be currently registered in one of the following four divisions of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI: General Nursing; Psychiatric Nursing; Intellectual Disability Nursing or Children’s Nursing.
• have a minimum of 12 months post registration experience, which should be 12 months full-time experience OR 24 months at minimum of 19.5 FTE.
• Applicants must be employed for a minimum of 19.5 hours per week or 0.5 FTE.

In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.

Prior learning may be formal accredited learning or experiential/uncertified learning which includes the knowledge, skills and personal qualities acquired through life, work experience and study which are not formally attested. Prospective students may apply through the RPL route if they meet one or more of the following entry 4 requirements:

• Relevant learning, qualifications and experience within their RPL application
• Holding a position or role related to health or social care, health and social inclusion promotion, or a related area
• Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
• Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain

Please Note: Applicants may not apply to take more than 30 credits of micro-credentials.

How to apply

For information on how to apply for this micro-credential, please visit our Application Guide.

Click on this link to apply via the DCU Application Portal. 

For further details, contact: snpchenquiries@dcu.ie