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Do I become a Nurse first?

Dec 07, 2022
Do I become a Nurse first?

Becoming a nurse and then a diabetes educator is one option

Becoming a nurse and then a diabetes educator is one option for pursuing a career in diabetes education in Australia. By becoming a nurse, you can gain a strong foundation in patient care and the biological and behavioural sciences, which will be helpful in your future work as a diabetes educator. Additionally, nursing experience can provide valuable insights into the daily challenges faced by people with diabetes, which can inform your approach to diabetes education.

However, it's also possible to become a diabetes educator with a different health-related background, such as dietetics or pharmacy. The specific path you choose will depend on your interests, skills, and career goals.

Regardless of your background, it's important to complete specialized training in diabetes education and management and to obtain accreditation from the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) in order to practice as a Diabetes Educator in Australia.

Becoming a Diabetes Educator in Australia involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain a relevant degree or certification in a health-related field, such as nursing, dietetics, or pharmacy. A bachelor's degree in nursing, for example, provides a strong foundation in the biological and behavioural sciences, as well as in patient care.

  2. Gain experience in diabetes care and management through work experience in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, community health centre, or private practice.

  3. Complete specialized training in diabetes education and management through courses, workshops, or programs recognized by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA).

  4. Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and obtain accreditation from the ADEA. Accreditation is required in order to practice as a Diabetes Educator in Australia.

  5. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in diabetes care and management through ongoing professional development and continuing education.

It is important to check the latest information and requirements from AHPRA and the ADEA to ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications and standards to practice as a Diabetes Educator in Australia.