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About Certificate in MSK – Musculoskeletal Management & Imaging

This blended, modular course equips GPs with the necessary skills to confidently manage common musculoskeletal presentations in everyday general practice.

The course supports GPs in determining what can be managed in primary care, when investigations are appropriate, how to select and interpret imaging, and how to follow clear management and referral pathways.

The programme is facilitated by subject matter experts, including GPs with a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine, orthopaedic surgeons, sports and exercise medicine physicians, advanced physiotherapists, radiologists, and specialists in bone health.

Delivered over four months, the course combines pre-recorded lectures, live Q&A webinars, clinical cases, discussion boards, and MCQ assessments, allowing participants to engage flexibly while applying learning directly to clinical practice.

Each module attracts 4 Accredited CE credits and 0.5 day GMS study leave. 

The Certificate in MSK - Musculoskeletal Management & Imaging will be open to the following professionals:

  1. Irish College of GPs Members
  2. Trainees
  3. Irish College of GPs PCS Enrolees (PCS General Division / PCS Specialist Division)

Course fees

Full course 

  • Member - €450
  • Non Member - €750 

Fee Module 1: Clinical Decision Making and Imaging in Musculoskeletal Presentations 

  • Member - €120
  • Non Member- €200 

Fee Module 2: Upper Limb: Musculoskeletal Management and Imaging in General Practice 

  • Members - €120
  • Non-Member - €200 

Fee Module 3: Lower Limb: Musculoskeletal Management and Imaging in General Practice 

  • Members - €120
  • Non-Member - €200 

Fee Module 4: Spinal and Bone Health: Management and Imaging in General Practice 

  • Members - €120
  • Non-Member - €200 

Course Co-ordinator: Education Department, Irish College of GPs 
For further information, please contact us

Course duration

Delivered over four months, the course combines pre-recorded lectures, live Q&A webinars, clinical cases, discussion boards, and MCQ assessments, allowing participants to engage flexibly while applying learning directly to clinical practice. 

The course will commence on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, and run one module per month until Wednesday, 27 January 2027.  

Pre-reading and other eLearning content will be available on the launch date of each module. Participants are expected to watch the pre-recorded content prior to attending the live Zoom Webinar Q&A session at the end of each module, which will generally be held at 8pm on a Wednesday evening. 

Each module will contain approximately 2 hours of pre-recorded videos, a 1-hour live Zoom Webinar Q&A session, pre- and post-module MCQ assessments and 1 hour of additional reading materials.

Course content

  • Video Presentations
  • Interactive Live Q&A
  • Pre and Post Module MCQs
  • E-learning and Additional Readings 

How do I apply?

Participants will have the option to complete the entire course or to choose specific module groups during the year.  

If you have any queries, please contact education@icgp.ie  

Modules

  • Topics to include the following: 

    • When imaging is indicated and when it is not, to support safe and effective clinical decision-making.
    • Key imaging principles and terminology relevant to musculoskeletal presentations.
    • The strengths, limitations, and appropriate use of various imaging modalities.
    • Safety, radiation, and cost considerations in imaging.
    • Evidence-based guidelines for imaging and referral decisions.
    • How to prepare high-quality imaging requests with essential clinical information.
    • Strategies to enhance communication and collaboration with radiology departments 

    Module dates 

    • Module Opens: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
    • Live Q&A Wednesday, 14 October 2026
    • Registration for this module closes on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 

    Register for Module 1: Clinical Decision Making and Imaging in Musculoskeletal Presentations 

  • In this module you will cover: 

    Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand

    • Management of common presentations in primary care
    • Clinical decision-making: what can be managed in general practice and what requires referral
    • When investigations are helpful and when they are unlikely to change management
    • Appropriate use of imaging and understanding key findings
    • Recognition of red flags and masquerading pathology
    • Practical management strategies and referral pathways 

    Module dates 

    • Module Opens: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
    • Live Q&A Wednesday, 11 November 2026
    • Registration for this module closes on Tuesday, 27 October 2026

    Register for Module 2: Upper Limb: Musculoskeletal Management and Imaging in General Practice 

  • In this module you will cover: 

    Hip, Knee, Foot & Ankle

    • Management of common presentations in primary care
    • Clinical decision-making: what can be managed in general practice and what requires referral
    • When investigations are helpful and when they are unlikely to change management
    • Appropriate use of imaging and understanding key findings
    • Recognition of red flags and masquerading pathology
    • Practical management strategies and referral pathways 

    Module dates 

    • Module Opens: Wednesday, 25 November 2026
    • Live Q&A Wednesday, 09 December 2026
    • Registration for this module closes on Tuesday, 24 November 2026

    Register for Module 3: Lower Limb: Musculoskeletal Management and Imaging in General Practice 

  • In this module, you will cover: 

    Spinal and Osteoporosis 

    • Assessment and management of common spinal presentations in primary care
    • Identification of serious spinal pathology and red flags requiring urgent action
    • Appropriate use of spinal imaging, including when imaging is not indicated
    • Interpretation of key spinal imaging findings relevant to GP management
    • Assessment of osteoporosis risk and indications for investigation
    • Appropriate use and interpretation of DEXA scanning
    • Evidence-based management of osteoporosis and fragility fracture risk
    • Referral pathways for spinal and bone health conditions 

    Module dates 

    • Module Opens: Wednesday, 13 January 2027
    • Live Q&A Wednesday, 27 January 2027
    • Registration for this module closes on Tuesday, 12 January 2026 

    Register for Module 4: Spinal and Bone Health: Management and Imaging in General Practice