Foundation Certificate in Palliative Care | 12-Week Online Course | IIDL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 620 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Building a Foundation of Compassion: An Introduction to Palliative Care
In a world where medical advancements often focus on cure, the essential discipline of palliative care ensures that quality of life, dignity, and comfort remain at the forefront for patients with serious illnesses. The Foundation Certificate in Palliative Care - 1 is a pioneering 12-week online program designed to equip a diverse range of individuals with the core principles and skills needed to provide this vital, holistic support.
Offered by the International Institute of Distance Learning (IIDL), an initiative of the National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH & Integrative Medicine (NAPCAIM), this course bridges a critical gap in healthcare education. It empowers not just medical professionals, but also volunteers, caregivers, and students to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Learn from Renowned Pioneers in Palliative Medicine
This course is led by distinguished faculty who are trailblazers in the field, ensuring you learn from the very best.
Prof. Geeta Joshi, MBBS, DA, MD, PGDHHM
As the Director of IIDL-NAPCAIM and a Senior Physician specializing in Palliative Medicine, Prof. Joshi is a renowned academician who pioneered the establishment of Palliative Medicine at B.J. Medical College, Gujarat University. Her extensive experience, including her role as former Deputy Director of the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute and recipient of the International Award for “Excellence and Leadership in SAARC Countries,” brings unparalleled depth to the curriculum.
Prof. Piyush Gupta, BSc, PGDIRPM, MA, LLB, PhD
A Fellow of the National Cancer Institute-USA and Secretary of the Cancer Aid Society, Prof. Gupta brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective. His work at the interface of global health policy, law, and palliative care, including representation at UN bodies and the WHO, ensures the course content is both globally relevant and grounded in practical application.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This undergraduate-level, multidisciplinary program is structured over 12 weeks into four comprehensive modules, building a strong foundational knowledge base.
| Module | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | What is Palliative Care? Understanding its philosophy, principles, and integration with curative treatment. |
| Module 2 | Pain and Symptom Management: Core techniques for assessing and managing physical distress. |
| Module 3 | Communication and Psychological Aspects: Essential skills for sensitive communication, psychosocial, and spiritual support. |
| Module 4 | Community-Based Palliative Care: Delivering care in home and community settings, understanding support systems. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is uniquely designed for a wide audience, making palliative care education accessible to all who wish to contribute. The intended audience includes:
- Volunteers & Housewives seeking to support their communities
- Nurses & Paramedical Professionals aiming to enhance their clinical skills
- AYUSH and Allopathic Doctors looking to integrate palliative care into their practice
- Students from medical, nursing, paramedical, graduate, and postgraduate streams
Prerequisite: Only a Secondary School Certificate (10th Std) is required, making it highly inclusive.
Key Benefits and Recognition
- IAHPC Listed & Membership: This course is listed in the prestigious International Directory of Palliative Care Courses by the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC). Enrolled students receive a free one-year IAHPC membership (worth USD 37.5), connecting them to a global network of professionals. View the official listing here.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: The training is directly supported by and applicable to Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Private Clinics, NGOs, Home Care Services, and various Healthcare institutions.
- Academic Collaboration: Offered in coordination with IIT-Kanpur, ensuring a robust academic framework.
- Free Learning Resource: Participants get free download access to a Palliative Care Toolkit for ongoing reference.
- Mentorship Opportunity: Students and faculty can avail mentorship by selecting the IIDL-NAPCAIM local chapter in their profile.
Begin Your Journey in Compassionate Care
The Foundation Certificate in Palliative Care - 1 is more than just a course; it's the first step towards becoming a beacon of support for those navigating serious illness. By demystifying palliative care and providing practical, foundational knowledge, it empowers you to improve patient and family quality of life from the very beginning of a disease course.
Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking to expand your expertise, a volunteer with a passion for service, or a student charting your career path, this program provides the essential tools to make a meaningful impact. Enroll today and join a growing community dedicated to the art and science of compassionate, holistic care.
Enroll Now →