Online Postgraduate Medical Courses and Classes

Doctors, nurses and medical technology specialists can use online postgraduate classes to satisfy some advanced degree requirements or obtain continuing medical education (CME) units. Online classes may be instructor-led or self-directed home study based on a specific book or article. Hybrid programs exist that require both online and on-campus classes.

Overview of Postgraduate Medical Courses

Possible advanced degrees include a Master of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Forensic Nursing. Master of Science in Clinical Research for Health Professionals, Master of Science in Biotechnology and Master of Science in Gerontology in Management of Aging Services are also available. Doctors may pursue CME credits through online courses in various areas, including neurology, medicine and radiology.

General Requirements for Online Courses

Class descriptions list the computer requirements and prerequisites, which vary by degree and subject. Licensed doctors qualify for online CME courses, and many graduate programs in nursing require students to be registered nurses. If the class requires participation in online laboratories or grand rounds presentations, students need high-speed connections, instant messaging and Internet phone applications.

List of Online Postgraduate Medical Courses

Grand Rounds Course

This course replaces the traditional, in-person grand rounds sessions with a web-based model. Students review and discuss patients' cases with experienced doctors via online presentations, webcams, Internet phone and instant messaging.

Topics in Advanced Mental Health Course

Students learn treatment techniques for depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, addiction and delirium. They discuss healthy brain development and aging. The perceived benefits of pediatric mental health pharmacology treatments and geriatric behavior issues are also examined.

Ethical Issues Course

Instructors present the various legal, moral and ethical concerns in pain management and palliative care. Students contemplate medical treatment concerns for both victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. Balance between privacy rights and public health in crises, emergency care in disaster situations and end-of-life planning are covered.

Drug Therapies and Clinical Trials Course

This course teaches students ethical business guidelines between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. Students understand compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. They also explore the nature of clinical product research, development and results reporting from clinical trials.

Radiology Practicum Course

The course directs student's attention to the structure and pathology shown in ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and CAT scan images. Special concepts in pediatric and geriatric imaging are also discussed.