Type 1 Diabetes Educator Certificate Program
Overview:
The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre, in partnership with Continuous Learning at Ontario Tech University, brings you this unique Type 1 Diabetes Certificate Program that focusses on sharing expert knowledge and providing a base set of skills for clinicians to put into practice immediately. The full program consists of ten (10) modules designed to educate healthcare professionals about type 1 diabetes as well as the treatment, care and techniques specific to those with type 1 diabetes. These modules provide a solid foundation of what type 1 diabetes is, how its impact changes during various life stages (e.g. pregnancy), blood glucose management, various care plans/strategies and treatment technologies, insulin assessment and adjustment, the effects of nutrition and exercise, types of illnesses/complications and their treatment, and an overview of professional practice considerations.
This certificate program is provided in partnership with:

Since 1989, The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre specializes in caring for people living with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years. They created this course in response to the interest from the healthcare community at large with the goal of spreading type 1 knowledge across the globe.
Registration coming soon!
Who should attend?
You may use the knowledge and skills developed through this program to improve your care and understanding of those living with type 1 diabetes, such as:
- Any regulated healthcare professionals interested in learning about type 1 diabetes;
- Any regulated healthcare professionals caring for patients living with type 1 diabetes; and
- Certified Diabetes Educators interested in expanding their type 1 diabetes knowledge.
What you'll learn
In this program, you will learn:
- What type 1 diabetes is and how it is diagnosed;
- How type 1 diabetes care changes during various life stages (e.g. pregnancy);
- Blood glucose management;
- Various treatment technologies and care plans;
- Insulin assessment and adjustment;
- The importance of and effects of nutrition and exercise on type 1 diabetes;
- Potential complications and their treatment;
- Patients' perspectives and considerations in daily life; and
- Professional practice considerations.
Required elements
Successfully complete all ten (10) modules listed here along with the assessment requirements to receive a formal certificate:
Modules
-
Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes
Topics
- What is Diabetes?;
- Causes and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes;
- Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes; and
- Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.
-
Type 1 Diabetes Across the Lifespan
Topics
- Type 1 Diabetes in various life stages;
- Transition of care in various life stages; and
- Type 1 Diabetes in pregnancy and postpartum care.
-
Blood Glucose Management
Topics
- Blood Glucose, including targets, testing, factors affecting blood glucose;
- Signs, symptoms and treatment of low and high blood glucose; and
- Insulin treatment and injections.
-
Technology
Topics
- Continuous glucose monitoring; and
- Insulin pumps.
-
Insulin Adjustment and Care Planning
Topics
- Multiple daily injections across lifespan; and
- Insulin pumps across the lifespan.
-
Nutrition and Exercise
Topics
- Growth and Development in those living with Diabetes;
- Healthy eating and special diets for those living with Diabetes;
- Exercise for those living with Diabetes; and
- Alternative medicine.
-
Illness Management
Topics
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis; and
- Hypoglycemia during illness; and
- Pre/Post surgery management.
-
Type 1 Diabetes Complications
Topics
- Nephropathy;
- Diabetes Retinopathy;
- Cardiovascular Disease;
- Neuropathy; and
- Gastroparesis.
-
Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Topics
- Personal impact of Type 1 Diabetes;
- After diagnosis;
- Mental health;
- Family environment; and
- Considerations for those living with Type 1 Diabetes, including school, travel, driving, alcohol and career.
-
Professional Practice in a Type 1 Diabetes Team
Topics
- Working in a team; and
- Professional limits.
Assessments
-
Midterm examination
Information coming soon!
-
Final examination
Information coming soon!
- Schedule
- Admission requirements
- Online program design
- Technology and material requirements
- Fees and registration
- Successful completion
- Policies
Registration date: To be determined
This is a self-paced program.
Self-paced programs do not have specific start and end dates. Instead, you will be added to the course upon registration and will have twenty-four (24) months from the date you are added to the course to complete all content and assessments in the program.
You are strongly advised to only register for this program if you are a regulated healthcare professional.
There are no specific admission requirements for this program, however, this program is designed for regulated healthcare professionals with experience working in healthcare settings. It will be assumed that all registrants are regulated healthcare professionals.
COVID-19 update: All Continuous Learning sessions are being offered online until further notice. Online participation instructions will be emailed to registered learners before the start on their courses/workshops. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.
Catalog will be used for online delivery of this program. Assessments may be administered through Catalog or a different platform where appropriate.
This course includes, but is not limited to:
- Content presentations and/or videos;
- Case discussions and simulations;
- Individual work (assignments/quizzes);
- Concept and topic discussions with a facilitator;
- Midterm examination; and
- Final examination.
Technology requirements
Video conferencing
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access; and
- Stable internet or data connection.
The following may be required for examinations or other in-class meetings:
- Microphone;
- Webcam; and
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset).
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required for this program.
Fees
Information coming soon!
Registration
Registration coming soon!
You can register for this course through the secure online registration form. All course fees must be paid at the time of registration.
To obtain the University Certificate you must:
- Register and make full payment for the certificate option;
- Successfully complete each required module/element (see the course pages listed in the "Required elements" section above);
- Actively participate in all components of each module; and
- Successfully complete any assigned work and examinations.
This is an open enrolment course.
Those completing Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning open enrolment offerings (e.g. certificate programs, courses, workshops, microcertifications, etc.) are subject the policies of Ontario Tech University and Continuous Learning. Ontario Tech policies can be found in the Policy library. Continuous Learning policies can be found in the Regulations section of the Continuous Learning website. Specifically, those completing open enrolment offerings are expected to adhere to the General and Open enrolment regulations.
Time limit
Students must complete the Type 1 Diabetes certificate within twenty-four (24) calendar months from the day access to the course content is activated in Catalog.
Registration Status
Coming soon
Location
Online*
*All Continuous Learning sessions are being offered online until further notice. Online participation instructions will be emailed to registered learners before the start of their courses. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.
Date
TBD
Credential
Certificate
Fees
TBD
Contact Information: continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca