Palliative care and pain management for healthcare professionals

First-level Post-Graduate Programme

Applications open on: June 29, 2026, at 12:00

Applications close on: January 29, 2027, at 12:00

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Applications open on: June 29, 2026, at 12:00

Applications close on: January 29, 2027, at 12:00

Overview

The Postgraduate Programme in Palliative Care and Pain Management for Healthcare Professionals focuses on training palliative care nurses to meet the complexities of care in diverse settings, such as Primary Care Services, Hospices, and Hospitals. The role requires comprehensive training tailored to varying levels of responsibility and the complexity of patient needs.

The course aims to equip participants with:

Advanced skills in assessing, planning, and treating the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges faced by individuals with severe illnesses, to reduce suffering and enhance quality of life and functionality.
Specialised expertise in pain assessment and management.
Holistic care strategies that address the needs of patients and their families across various care settings.
Enhanced communication skills to effectively engage with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Teaching

The curriculum is delivered through thematic units using interactive theoretical lessons, workshops, seminars, and group activities. Key topics include:

Ensuring respect for the rights, beliefs, values, and wishes of patients and their families.
Conducting systematic assessments to identify the need for palliative care and associated symptoms.
Anticipating and interpreting care needs collaboratively as a team.
Addressing patient and family needs using evidence-based approaches.
Ensuring clinical judgments align with quality standards and best practices.
Promoting collaboration across professional disciplines and care settings for continuity of care.
Managing medications, therapies, and medical devices safely and effectively.
Providing compassionate support to patients and families during terminal phases, death, and bereavement.
Addressing ethical issues, such as communicating terminal diagnoses, decisions on treatment cessation, and managing differing opinions among stakeholders.

Internships

Internship activities will take place at facilities affiliated with the University of Parma and will include residential, hospital-based, and home-based palliative care services, as well as pain management services.

The internship schedule will be distributed throughout the entire course in accordance with the Master’s teaching plan, with activities structured into modules consistent with the programme’s professional objectives and the attainment of the required competencies.

PROJECT WORK

The project work will consist in the development of a research project (either group-based or individual) on topics related to the Master’s programme.

Attendance mode

1. Lessons are delivered synchronously online, with occasional in-person meetings that can also be attended remotely.

2. 75% attendance of online educational activities and 100% completion of internship hours are mandatory.

3. Classes will be held two days a week, on alternate weeks, except during July and August.

Lessons are delivered synchronously online, with occasional in-person meetings that can also be attended remotely.

75% attendance of online educational activities and 100% completion of internship hours are mandatory.

Classes will be held two days a week, on alternate weeks, except during July and August.

Entry Requirements

A selection test is scheduled for 10 February 2027, at 2:00 PM at the Department of Medicine and Surgery in Parma. Candidates may also interview online via the Microsoft Teams platform.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria by the application deadline:

A first-level degree in Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Physiotherapy, or Rehabilitation Therapy.
Diplomas obtained under previous healthcare professional regulations (DM 509/99), provided the applicant holds a five-year high school diploma or equivalent international qualification (minimum 12 years of schooling).
Registration with the relevant Italian professional register (or the corresponding Italian professional board) is required prior to the approval of the professional internship if admitted to the Master’s programme.

A maximum of 5 auditors is allowed. For additional information, consult the admission notice.

€ 2.516,00

Programme Cost: € 2,516.00, payable in two instalments:

First instalment: € 1,516.00 upon enrolment.
Second instalment: € 1,000.00 by June 30, 2027.

Fee for Auditors: € 2,000.00 (inclusive of legally required stamp duties).