Diploma in Tropical Medicine Schedule

Modules do not need to be taken in order. However, module two must be successfully completed before taking module three and modules 1 and 2 must be successfully completed before taking the lab practical. To obtain the diploma, all four modules and the lab practical must be completed within 36 months. After the completion of the diploma course, students are eligible to apply for the ASTMH Certificate of Knowledge Examination (provided additional examination application criteria are met).

2025 Diploma in Tropical Medicine Course

Note: Starting in 2023, the modules are renamed and renumbered. For returning students, please make sure you attend the correct modules to complete the diploma course. Please contact academic coordinator Nathan Harrington at Nathan.Harrington@bcm.edu if you have any questions.

Module 1: Tropical Bacteriology and Virology

Location: Online asynchronous class
Date: Jan. 6-31, 2025
Note: Learners should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week to master the course material.

Module 2: Tropical Parasitology and Mycology

Location: In-person, synchronous lectures; alternative asynchronous recorded lectures may be permitted by written request at the time of application.
Date: Feb. 3 – Feb. 7, 2025
Note: Arrangements for asynchronous lectures for modules 2 and 3 are rarely granted and are only considered on an individual basis and must be approved by the course director at the time of application. Learners should expect to spend 40 hours a week to master the course material. All students from the Texas Medical Center must participate in Modules 2 and 3 in person.)

Module 3: Tropical Medicine in Practice

Location: In-person, synchronous lectures; alternative asynchronous recorded lectures may be permitted by written request at the time of application.
Date: Feb. 10 – 21, 2025
Note: Arrangements for asynchronous lectures for modules 2 and 3 are rarely granted and are only considered on an individual basis and must be approved by the course director at the time of application. Learners should expect to spend 40 hours a week to master the course material. (All students from the Texas Medical Center must participate in Modules 2 and 3 in person.)

Laboratory Practical

Location: In-person, hands-on laboratory
Date: Feb. 24 - 28, 2025 (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., lunch from noon to 1 p.m.)
Note: The laboratory practical is required for BCM and TMC students. The laboratory practical for non-BCM and non-TMC students is optional but highly encouraged. It is only available face-to-face as it provides a hands-on experience in this laboratory. 

Module 4: Epidemiology, Public Health in online format 

Location: Online asynchronous class
Date: March 3 – March 28, 2025
Note: Learners should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week to master the course material.

The Diploma in Tropical Medicine course is an intensive program. Modules 1 and 4 are four weeks long and asynchronous, thus may be possible to do while working full-time or on clinical service. In contrast, Modules 2 and 3 are shorter, synchronous, and fast-paced, thus we recommend not attempting to do them at the same time as a clinical rotation or a full-time job. Quizzes and assignments are due on a weekly basis; students should have dedicated time to study the course material for all modules in order to be successful.