Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury
A new nationally recognised qualification is launching later this month to ensure New Zealand’s primary health professionals, from osteopaths to nurses, are better equipped to treat the country’s youngest patients.
The Child Health and Development Microcredential, developed by Ara Institute of Canterbury, received New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approval last month. It was sparked by a move from the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand to modernise child health training for the profession.
“Treating a child isn’t just about scaling down an adult treatment,” said Emma Fairs, Programme Leader for Ara’s Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health and developer of the micro-credential. “It’s about understanding developmental milestones, communicating with whānau, and recognising ‘red flags’ unique to childhood. Many clinicians are brilliant with adults but want more confidence when a child is on the treatment table.”
The course is fully online and competency-based, meaning there are no traditional exams. Instead, health professionals prove their skills through real-world clinical scenarios.
While mandatory for osteopaths undertaking the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand’s recertification programme, the course is open to physiotherapists, chiropractors, nurses and other health professionals across Aotearoa.
We know our healthcare workforce is under massive pressure,” said Fairs. “This is about giving them a flexible, 100% online way to upskill without having to leave their clinics or their communities.”
The first intake begins on 20 July.