Adult Chronic Disease Management Specialist 1

Module code: NUR1144

NFQ level: 9

ECTS credits: 10

Commencing: September 2025

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: August 30th 2025, or earlier if this course is oversubscribed.

Module aim

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Pathway. The module will provide the student with a detailed understanding of the theories and concepts underpinning practice relating to chronic disease management, including epidemiology, policy perspectives, research methodologies, and empirical findings, and legal and moral issues related to care for the individual with chronic disease management.

Who should apply?

Registered nurses and midwives.

This module prepares nurses and midwives, practicing in diverse settings with diverse populations dealing with a variety of chronic diseases and the challenges that brings, to effectively address current and future healthcare and societal needs in these areas.

Learning outcomes

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

Analyse the epidemiological trends and risk factors for chronic disease in the Irish population in the context of population ageing.
Discuss and define concepts related to chronic disease prevention and management, including person-centred care, empowerment, health literacy, and self-management support.
Examine theoretical and socio-cultural perspectives on chronic disease, including the disease model, behavioural models, disability perspectives, and human experiences, and evaluate their implications for clinical practice.
Critically appraise Irish and international social and health policies as they relate to chronic disease prevention and management.
Critically discuss the impact of chronic disease on the individual, the family, on caregivers, and on society.

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.