UFSCar opens limited remaining spots for its IV palliative care specialization course starting march 28
The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) has announced the opening of remaining enrollment opportunities for its highly regarded IV Specialization Course in Palliative Care. This critical program aims to equip health professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in a field of growing importance, with classes scheduled to commence on March 28.
Palliative care is a specialized approach that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This UFSCar initiative underscores the university’s commitment to addressing a vital public health need through comprehensive and compassionate education.
The course offers a fully distance learning format, incorporating monthly live online sessions held on Saturdays and Sundays. This structure allows working professionals to pursue advanced education without disrupting their careers, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for a diverse range of students seeking specialized expertise.
Enrollment remains open until all available spots are filled, presenting a timely opportunity for healthcare practitioners and those in related fields to deepen their understanding and practice of humanized care for individuals facing severe and life-threatening conditions.
Advancing specialized care through comprehensive training
This specialization is meticulously designed for health professionals and individuals from allied areas, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach crucial for effective palliative care. The curriculum is firmly rooted in scientific evidence, ensuring that participants receive up-to-date and validated methods for managing complex patient needs. Furthermore, a core focus on the humanization of care guides every aspect of the program, fostering empathy and holistic support for patients and their families.
The demand for highly skilled professionals in palliative care continues to grow globally, reflecting an increasing recognition of its indispensable role in modern healthcare systems. This course directly addresses that need by preparing graduates to provide comprehensive support, manage symptoms effectively, and enhance the dignity and comfort of individuals at critical junctures of their lives. Participants will learn to navigate the multifaceted challenges associated with severe illness, from pain management to psychological and spiritual support, integrating various professional perspectives.
Flexible learning designed for busy professionals
Structured over 18 months, the specialization boasts a total workload of 420 hours, meticulously balanced to deliver an in-depth educational experience. The online and live simultaneous meetings are scheduled monthly on Saturdays and Sundays, running from 8 AM to 6 PM (Brasília time), providing a consistent yet adaptable learning rhythm. This format ensures that professionals across different geographic locations can participate, fostering a rich and diverse learning environment that reflects real-world interdisciplinary teams.
While primarily distance-based, the program integrates two vital in-person components at the UFSCar campus, strategically planned for May 2026 and August 2027. These mandatory face-to-face sessions are designed to complement the online learning, offering invaluable opportunities for practical workshops, direct interaction with faculty and peers, and hands-on experiences that are difficult to replicate virtually. These moments are crucial for building community, refining clinical skills, and deepening the theoretical knowledge acquired online.
Curriculum highlights and practical application
The comprehensive curriculum is crafted to cover all essential facets of palliative care, from advanced symptom management and ethical considerations to communication strategies and bereavement support. Students will engage with modules designed to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities within a palliative care context. The program ensures that graduates are well-versed in both the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of patient support.
A culminating aspect of the specialization is the mandatory submission of a Course Conclusion Paper (TCC), which students will develop with continuous guidance throughout their studies. This project serves as a practical application of the knowledge gained, allowing participants to explore a topic of interest deeply, conduct research, or develop an intervention relevant to palliative care. The TCC process strengthens analytical skills and contributes to the body of knowledge in the field.
Attendance flexibility is also built into the program, permitting up to 25% of absences from the online live meetings. This understanding accommodates the demanding schedules of healthcare professionals while ensuring sufficient engagement to meet learning objectives. The course’s design reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by postgraduate students balancing work and education.
Expert faculty driving excellence in education
The teaching staff for the IV Specialization Course in Palliative Care comprises distinguished professors from UFSCar alongside leading specialists from other renowned institutions. Each faculty member brings a wealth of academic expertise and extensive practical experience in the field, ensuring that students receive instruction grounded in both theoretical rigor and real-world application. This blend of academic and clinical backgrounds enriches the learning experience, providing diverse perspectives on palliative care challenges and solutions.
The coordination of this impactful program is expertly managed by two highly respected academics: Dr. Esther Angélica Luiz Ferreira, representing UFSCar’s Department of Medicine (DMed), and Dr. Tatiana Barbieri Bombarda, from the Department of Occupational Therapy (DTO). Their leadership ensures the course maintains its high standards of excellence, interdisciplinary focus, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of palliative care education and practice.
Enrollment details and investment in career growth
Prospective students interested in joining this specialized program should note that applications for the remaining spots are open and will continue until all vacancies are successfully filled. This unique opportunity allows professionals to significantly enhance their career prospects and contribute meaningfully to patient care in a crucial medical field. The investment in this specialization is structured to be manageable, underscoring UFSCar’s commitment to fostering advanced education.
The specialization is a paid program, requiring an investment of 19 installments. This includes an enrollment fee plus 18 monthly payments, each amounting to R$ 719. Convenient payment options are available, including Pix or bank slip (boleto), facilitating access for a broad range of applicants. Investing in such specialized training not only elevates individual professional standing but also directly impacts the quality of life for countless patients and their families by expanding the pool of competent palliative care providers.
Key program specifics
- Course Start: March 28, 8 AM (Brasília time)
- Format: Online and live (simultaneously) via Google Meet, with monthly weekend sessions
- Duration: 18 months, totaling 420 credit hours
- Mandatory In-Person Sessions: May 2026 and August 2027 at UFSCar
- Target Audience: Health professionals and related disciplines
- Tuition: 19 installments (enrollment + 18 months) of R$ 719
- Registration: Available through the specialization’s official website
- Further Information: Contact paliativos@ufscar.br or visit @paliativosufscar on Instagram


