Continuing Education is how the University of Otago shares the results of academic scholarship within and beyond the University community, fostering discussion on matters of public interest. It is non-credit and encompasses lectures, seminars, short courses, interest-only papers, professional development, and continued medical/executive education, all taught by University staff.
Professional development courses are designed to support ongoing learning and competency development for health and other professionals, with a mix of in-person, blended, and fully online delivery options. Many courses are endorsed for continuing professional development (CPD) or continuing medical education (CME) credits where applicable.
Continuing Education is for:
- University alumni
- Parents of current students
- The University community of staff and students
- The wider community of interested and/or professional people with access to Dunedin and other Otago campuses
Coming up – Professional Development
Spirometry courses
These courses aim to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to perform and interpret high-quality spirometry. A certification of competency is granted after successful completion of a workplace portfolio and is valid for three years.
- Spirometry Foundation Course – a two-day workshop for those new to spirometry
- Spirometry Update Course – a one-day workshop for those who have previously completed the Foundation Course
Course fees vary by participant type, with discounted rates for Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand employees.
Oral and Intravenous Vitamin C Use in Health Care
An online, self-paced course introducing evidence-based research on oral and intravenous vitamin C in acute and chronic health conditions. It is suitable both for clinicians new to vitamin C use and those seeking deeper understanding of its mechanisms of action.
- Format: online self-paced (six modules)
- CPD/CME: Registered with several professional organisations
- Cost: NZ$65 (including GST)
Palliative Care Online Modules
Ten-week, CME-endorsed advanced online modules for prescribing clinicians and clinical nurse specialists involved in palliative care. Coursework averages two hours per week and includes Zoom-based case learning and assessment.
Available modules include:
- Non-Malignant Disease Module (starts 23 February 2026 – registrations now closed)
- Opioids Module (starts 25 May 2026)
- Symptom Management Module (starts 21 September 2026)
Course fees vary by profession, and enrolments for some modules open later in the year.
RANZCOG SIMGs online course (MIHI 401)
This online course supports Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) by covering Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo Māori, and tikanga Māori. It is intended for RANZCOG SIMGs during the registration and preliminary assessment process. Access remains available until commencement of the MIHI 501 course.
- Format: online
- Cost: NZ$200 (including GST)
Hauora Māori in Clinical Practice (MIHI 501)
Professional development courses that build confidence in applying hauora Māori competencies in clinical practice. Participants gain practical frameworks to support Māori health equity and meaningful collaboration with patients and whānau.
- Format: fully online, or blended online and in-person
For policies and support relating to Continuing Education courses, including refunds, cancellations, and issue resolution, contact:
Tel +64 3 479 9181
Email continuing.education@otago.ac.nz
Further information