Diploma in Clinical Mycology Laboratory Practice
Builds structured competence across the mycology laboratory workflow, from biosafety and microscopy to molecular methods and accreditation.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Diploma in Clinical Mycology Laboratory Practice
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Diploma
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Medical, Veterinary & One Health Mycology. A Fungaris program of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 6 months (24 weeks) · 192 hours in total · 8 modules of 24 hours · 24 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to June 25, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: April 12, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
The Diploma in Clinical Mycology Laboratory Practice builds structured competence across the full workflow of a mycology laboratory. Students begin with laboratory organization and biosafety, then move through specimen handling, direct microscopy, culture and isolation. Two modules cover identification of yeasts and molds in detail, followed by molecular and proteomic methods such as PCR, sequencing and MALDI-TOF. The final module addresses quality management and accreditation, connecting everyday practice to the standards laboratories must meet.
Mycology is a specialist area within microbiology, and many laboratories need staff who can handle fungal work confidently and to accredited standards. This diploma suits biomedical scientists and laboratory technicians who want to deepen their practice or take on bench responsibility for mycology. The instructor is selected for working experience in laboratory science or quality management. For the final project, students prepare a laboratory improvement proposal for a mycology workflow, based on an audit of current practice and including quality indicators, method changes and training needs.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in one health, useful in areas such as hospital diagnostic laboratories, reference and private laboratories, in vitro diagnostics industry, research institutes.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Builds structured competence across the mycology laboratory workflow, from biosafety and microscopy to molecular methods and accreditation.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Laboratory organization and biosafety; Specimen handling; Direct microscopy.
- Put them into practice: Culture and isolation; Yeast identification; Mold identification.
- Apply everything to a real case: Molecular and proteomic methods; Quality management and accreditation.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Organize mycology work safely within a laboratory workflow.
- Process specimens and perform direct microscopy to a consistent standard.
- Isolate and identify common yeasts and molds using phenotypic methods.
- Apply and interpret molecular and proteomic identification methods.
- Contribute to quality management and accreditation activities.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Biomedical scientists and laboratory technicians.
4.2Entry requirements
Some laboratory experience and basic microbiology knowledge are expected; a previous introductory course is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Biomedical scientist responsible for a mycology bench
- Senior laboratory technician in microbiology
- Laboratory quality officer
- Application specialist for diagnostics companies
- Supporting role in a clinical mycology laboratory team
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Laboratory organization and biosafety | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 02 | Specimen handling | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 03 | Direct microscopy | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 04 | Culture and isolation | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 05 | Yeast identification | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 06 | Mold identification | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 07 | Molecular and proteomic methods | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| 08 | Quality management and accreditation | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 192 |
8 modules × 24 hours = 192 hours: 48 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Laboratory layout and workflow
- Biosafety levels and cabinets
- Staff roles and competencies
- Pre-analytical requirements
- Specimen processing
- Rejection and repeat criteria
- Mounts and fluorescent stains
- Microscopy in tissue and fluids
- Reporting microscopy findings
- Media selection
- Incubation conditions
- Isolation and subculture
- Phenotypic identification
- Commercial identification systems
- Unusual and emerging yeasts
- Macroscopic and microscopic features
- Slide culture techniques
- Referral of difficult isolates
- PCR and sequencing
- MALDI-TOF workflows
- Interpreting molecular results
- Quality control and EQA
- Accreditation standards
- Audit and continual improvement
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A laboratory improvement proposal for a mycology workflow based on an audit of current practice.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your instructor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 8 hours a week for 24 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, practical and image-based exercises in each module, and a final project reviewed by the instructor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the One Health school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Diploma Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrollment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
- A short résumé or a description of your experience in the field.
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $1,490
- Full payment before the start: $1,192 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($596) and 6 monthly installments of $149.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Diploma in Clinical Mycology Laboratory Practice?
Some laboratory experience and basic microbiology knowledge are expected; a previous introductory course is helpful.
How is Diploma in Clinical Mycology Laboratory Practice taught?
Live online, in 8 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, practical and image-based exercises in each module, and a final project reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A laboratory improvement proposal for a mycology workflow based on an audit of current practice.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Diploma in Clinical Mycology Laboratory Practice?
The natural next step is Master in Medical and Veterinary Mycology.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).