Advanced Paediatric Health Assessment
Growth, Development and Major Systems
This 10-week course will focus on the development of advanced knowledge and skills in the conduct of health assessments for the paediatric population. The course is designed for Nurse Practitioners or 2nd year NP students with limited paediatric experience, who may be entering or transitioning into practice with a paediatric population. This course builds advanced skills and confidence in paediatric health assessment across settings for children of all ages.
What to Expect in This Course
Over ten weeks, you’ll explore practical strategies and expert tips for conducting thorough health histories and physical exams for children of all ages. You’ll discover trusted tools and resources that make assessing growth, development, and overall health both accurate and efficient. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to care for children and families across diverse settings—whether in primary care, community health, acute or other environments. This course is designed to build confidence and promote competency development, helping you feel prepared for the unique challenges of paediatric practice.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based approaches to paediatric health assessment, including the
use of validated tools and methods to assess growth and development. - Distinguish normal from abnormal findings across paediatric ages, developmental
stages, and major health systems. - Demonstrate proficiency and emerging confidence in conducting paediatric health
histories, developmental assessments, and physical assessments. - Integrate best practices in the administration of childhood immunizations and the
delivery of child health and safety anticipatory guidance. - Analyze factors that facilitate or hinder inclusive, child- and family-centred,
culturally sensitive paediatric health assessment. - Articulate on personal transition needs and professional growth as an advanced
paediatric provider.
Audience
Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Practitioner students in their second year, seeking professional development to support entry or transition to advanced practice with the paediatric population.
*Students may complement their learning with an optional in-person competency-based
simulation workshop or other culminating assignment that will promote achievement of
course objectives. (6-8h day held on-site at the Bloomberg Faculty-Simulation Lab).
Optional In-Person Simulation Lab Dates:
TBD
All the online modules must be completed prior to attendance at the in-person session.
The Centre for Professional Development reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule the simulation lab dates if there is low attendance.
ANCC‑Accredited NCPD Provider
CPD, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for meeting the highest standards in Nursing Continuing Professional Development. Our courses support nurses in building skills, advancing practice, and improving patient care.
Course Outline
| Date and Week | Topic | Delivery Method | Evaluative Components (TBC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 Sept. 14, 2026 | Introduction to course Growth – Measurement, Interpretation and Action | Recorded lecture and live case-based discussion | Discussion Board Post |
| Week 2 Sept. 21, 2026 | Newborn & Infant Development | Online Asynchronous | Discussion Board Post MCQ quiz (knowledge check) |
| Week 3 Sept. 28, 2026 | Toddler and Preschool Development | Online Asynchronous | Discussion Board Post MCQ quiz (knowledge check) |
| Week 4 Oct. 5, 2026 | School age and Adolescent Development Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect | Recorded lecture and live case-based discussion | Discussion Board Post |
| Week 5 Oct. 12, 2026 | Health History taking | Online Asynchronous | MCQ quiz (knowledge check) Assessment 1 due – growth and development |
| Week 6 Oct. 19, 2026 | Physical Assessment – ophthalmology, HEENT, Derm | Online Asynchronous | Discussion Board Post MCQ quiz (knowledge check) |
| Week 7 Oct. 26, 2026 | Physical Assessment – Respiratory, cardiac, GI/GU | Online Asynchronous | Discussion Board Post MCQ quiz (knowledge check) |
| Week 8 Nov. 2, 2026 | Physical Assessment – Neuro, MSK | Online Asynchronous | Discussion Board Post MCQ quiz (knowledge check) |
| Week 9 Nov. 9, 2026 | Immunizations | Online Asynchronous | MCQ quiz (knowledge check) Assessment 2 due – Physical Assessment |
| Week 10 Nov. 16, 2026 | Well Child Visits and Anticipatory Guidance (Safety, nutrition, illness) | Online Asynchronous | Discussion Board Post MCQ quiz (knowledge check) |
Course Directors
Krista Keilty, NP-Paediatrics, PhD
Paediatric Course Director, Centre for Professional Development
Assistant Professor (status only), Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
Nurse Practitioner and Associate Chief Interprofessional Practice-Connected Care & System Integration, Hospital for Sick Children
Sherri Adams, MSN, NP-Paeds, PNP-PC/AC
Nurse Practitioner-Paediatrics, Complex Care Program, The Hospital for Sick Children
Adjunct Lecturer, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
Registration Information
- Bundle: Online Course & Simulation Lab
*Best Value* - TBD
- Online Course
- TBD
- Simulation Lab In-Person Session
Must complete ALL Modules prior to attending the in-person session. - TBD
- GROUP Rate – 3+ from the same site
SAVE 10% on the Bundle Rate: Online Course and Simulation Lab
Discount is applied with unique group promotional code - TBD
Please Note:
Refund Policy – To withdraw from a course, send a written request to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca before the Refund Deadline August 14th, 2026. No refunds will be given after this date. All refunds are subject to an administrative fee of $100 + tax.
- Registration Deadline: September 14, 2026
- All modules must be complete prior to attending an in-person simulation lab.
- No on-site registration is available at the event.
- Course Cancellation Policy –The Centre for Professional Development reserves the right to cancel courses due to circumstances. The decision to cancel a course is normally made 15 days prior to the course. If you are enrolled in a course which is subsequently cancelled, you may apply your fee to another course, or receive a full refund. The Centre is not responsible for any travel or other expenses incurred by you.