Asthma Diploma (OCN NI Accredited) starting Jan/Feb 2026

This course is open to all Health Care Professionals. There will be a minimum number of funded places available for Practice Nurse places . These DOH funded places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please book your place and add DOH funding if available

Location: NI Hospice, Education Building, 74 Somerton Rd, Belfast BT15 3LH

Day 1 and Day 3 are being held on a face to face basis. Those students living outside Northern Ireland are to use the google classroom online link. Face to face teaching days will begin at 10.00am to allow for traffic congestion - tea/coffee/scones will be available on arrival. Lunch may be purchased at the NI Hospice onsite cafe or if you wish, bring your own pack lunch.

Asthma 12 week course. Open College Network (OCN) NI accredited.
12 Credit Value.
100 Guided Learning Hours.

Course Aim

Unit purpose and aim(s): This unit will enable the learner to understand the underlying pathophysiology and aetiology of Asthma, be able to accurately diagnose and optimally manage the condition as per the most up to date evidence and guidance.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the underlying pathophysiology and disease aetiology of asthma
2. Know how to use the diagnostic objective and subjective assessments required to accurately diagnose asthma in line with current guidelines
3. Understand the pharmacological pathways for the management of accurately diagnosed asthma
4. Understand the potential impact of inhaler technique and adherence
5. Be able to accurately demonstrate the correct use of inhalers
6. Understand how to recognise and manage deteriorating asthma
7. Be able to recognise severe, acute or life-threatening asthma
8. Understand how to manage current and avert potential asthma attacks
9. Reflect on current practice and its association with asthma deaths

Suitable for

For all registered Healthcare professionals caring for asthma patients in the primary, secondary or community care setting.

Mode of Delivery

This 12-week course comprises of:

• Four compulsory days – 3 full days – delivered via a hybrid approach using Google Classroom & face to face and 1 Assessment day
• 1 additional non-compulsory evening may also be offered at discretion of the tutors
• In order to gain OCN NI accreditation – written, practical and portfolio assessments must be successfully achieved

Assessment method

• Two reflective case studies – one at 6 weeks and the second at week 10. These will ask the learner to critically analyse an aspect of care that was historically provided, identifying areas for improvement as per relevant guidelines
• On the assessment day:
  • True/False Questions
  • Four short answer questions – where the learner will be asked to answer two questions out of the four
  • Practical assessment – Accurate demonstration of two inhaler devices selected by the assessor
• Portfolio of evidence demonstrating pharmacological management is mandatory for both asthma and COPD, submitted no later than the start of week 12

Course Dates

This course is covered over the following dates:

• Day 1: Wednesday- 28 January 2026 (f2f teaching day)
• Day 2: Wednesday - 18 February 2026 (online teaching )
• Day 3: Wednesday- 11 March 2026 (f2f teaching)
• Written and practical exams: Wednesday- 15 April 2026
• Revision evening: tbc
• Resit (if required) tbc

Registration from 9.45 am. All dates are compulsory without exception.

Due to encryption methods on devices in the workplace, you may need to use your personal computer to access this course and Google Classroom.