Certificate in Wound Debridement (Level 7)
Allied Health
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
New Zealand’s first and only qualification in wound debridement, designed for practising health professionals seeking practical and theoretical competency in conservative sharp wound debridement.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 6 months
This course requires 9 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Understand factors affecting wound healing
Develop comprehensive knowledge of the pathology, pathophysiology, aetiology, and factors influencing wound healing and how debridement benefits patients.
Select appropriate wound debridement modalities
Discuss and justify the use of different wound debridement approaches to promote optimal clinical outcomes.
Manage pain effectively during wound debridement
What You're Signing Up For
This Certificate provides competency in conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD) for registered health professionals performing wound care with adults. Study includes online learning, a two-day face-to-face practicum, and workplace learning under clinical mentorship. Content covers wound healing, debridement modalities, pain management, clinical assessment, and skills using Māori models of care. Entry requires relevant professional registration, workplace and mentor support, and focuses on practical mastery of wound debridement in the clinical context.
Course Content
- History and relevance of wound debridement
- Aetiology and pathophysiology of wounds
- Barriers to healing and wound infection
- Wound hygiene
- Debridement modalities: options, indications, and contraindications
- Referral criteria and scope of practice
- Multidisciplinary approaches to wound care
- Pain management concepts and pharmacology
- Clinical assessment of wounds (including lower limb, arterial, venous)
- Diabetic foot management and team-based care
- Māori models of care, including Te Whare Tapa Whā
- Practical skills in conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD)
- Face-to-face practicum and competency portfolio submission
What you need to know first
Currently registered Doctor with the Medical Council of New Zealand
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Allied Health
Nursing
Wound care
Future employment opportunities might be
Upskilled health professionals capable of performing conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD)
Enhanced career options for nurses, podiatrists, and other clinicians in wound care roles
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.