A new postgraduate certificate program on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care is being offered by the University of Melbourne in 2011, developed by the Centre for Adolescent Health and the onTrac@PeterMac Victorian AYA Cancer Service as a result of funding provided through the federal government’s Youth Cancer Networks Program. The course is the first of its kind in Australia and one of only two in the world. Offered part-time by distance and online learning, the course is designed to enhance the practice of anyone working with young people with cancer, including oncologists, doctors, nurses, social workers, allied health workers, counsellors and teachers. Topic areas covered include theories and concepts relating to the specific developmental context of young people, AYA cancer care within the Australian context and issues surrounding professional practice, healthcare reform and service development.
Post graduate enrolments have boosted this year with the first intake of the oncology stream for 2011. Twenty students from across Australia, from a range of professions working with adolescents and young adults with cancer, have been supported by CanTeen to build the expertise within the sector. Picture here are some of the student’s during the orientation in February

More information on this exciting study opportunity can be found at www.rch.org.au/cah/courses