Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Take your nursing career to the next level.
Modern Australian healthcare is complex. Our registered nursing workforce are integral to its functioning by providing specialised care in the right place at the right time.
Studying our Graduate Certificate in Nursing will help you take the next steps in your career in care. Study a purpose-made pathway in a key clinical inquiry area or choose from electives that build on your daily practice. Fit study around your work and lifestyle with part-time and online study options. Engage with lifelong learning and career development through collaborative and independent study, guided by industry-aligned academics.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing is your opportunity to learn specialised skills and enhance your delivery in clinical practice.
This highly customisable qualification reflects the diversity and needs of the modern nursing workforce. Choose a specialised path with set career outcomes in growing areas of key industry need. Or choose from over 40 different electives to customise a degree that meets the specific needs of your current and future roles.
No matter your path, you’ll be better prepared to meet challenges and be a leader in the healthcare system. Use your enhanced skills to influence and inform your workplace, and better understand your role within Australia’s healthcare system.
This qualification is designed for working professionals. Fit study around your life with online and part-time study options. Engage with self-guided learning, face-to-face workshops with your peers and collaborative work opportunities in your existing workplace.
You’ll graduate with the skills to step into much-needed advanced clinical practice roles and make a difference in your role.
Key features
Advance your skills as a registered nurse.- Choose from a variety of clinical specialisations or pick electives that match your career goals.
- Benefit from flexible part-time and online study.
- Apply your studies into your current workplace.
- Build industry networks by learning alongside peers and from industry leaders.
- Use this degree to continue into a higher qualification like a Diploma or a Masters program.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is a flexible qualification available for part-time study.
With over 40 electives to choose from, you have the flexibility to choose subjects that fit your career goals – whether you’re looking to join a specialised area of the nursing profession, or increase your capacity in the role you’re already working in.
Led by industry-aligned academics, each subject area includes both the theory behind your topic as well as how it applies in clinical practice.
Choose from electives in key clinical areas including:
- Education
- Mental health
- Infection prevention and control
- Perioperative nursing
- Acute nursing
- Primary care
- Women’s and reproductive health
- Prescribing and medicine usage
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
- Health and ageing
- Leadership, decision-making and management.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Program code: GCNUR
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses, or
- 24 units for Electives, or
- 24 units for one Major from Specialisation
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses, or
- 24 units for Electives, or
- 24 units for one Major from Specialisation
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
|
Course code
NURS5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Oncology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5019
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
|
Course code
NURS5026
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
|
Course code
NURS5030
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5031
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5032
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5033
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5038
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5039
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Allergy Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5064
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Nephrology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5065
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perioperative Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5066
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5067
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Palliative Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5073
|
Units
12
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Specialisation name | |
|---|---|
|
|
Specialisation
Acute Nursing
|
|
|
Specialisation
Critical Care
|
|
|
Specialisation
Education
|
|
|
Specialisation
Infection Prevention and Control
|
|
|
Specialisation
Mental Health
|
|
|
Specialisation
Perioperative Nursing
|
|
|
Specialisation
Designated RN Prescriber
|
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
|
Course code
NURS5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Oncology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5019
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5023
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
|
Course code
NURS5026
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
|
Course code
NURS5030
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5031
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5032
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5033
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5038
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5039
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Perspectives in Health
|
Course code
NURS5061
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5062
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Allergy Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5064
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Nephrology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5065
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perioperative Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5066
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5067
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Palliative Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5073
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5075
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5106
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding
|
Course code
NURS5108
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Maternal, Child and Family Health
|
Course code
NURS5109
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Womens Sexual and Reproductive Health
|
Course code
NURS5110
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
|
Course code
NURS5124
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS5171
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Inquiry
|
Course code
NURS5904
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
|
Course code
NURS6904
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS6905
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Nursing is a rewarding, challenging and constantly changing profession. By embracing further study, you can shape a lifelong career that grows with you.
By upskilling with a Graduate Certificate in Nursing, you’ll be able to meet patient needs when and where they matter most. Depending on your chosen electives, you’ll feel confident to work in a wider variety of nursing roles or can move into a specialised practice area.
You may find yourself working in a public hospital emergency department, ready to stabilise patients on the cusp of life and death. You could work in a community mental health clinic, counselling patients and equipping them with coping mechanisms to reduce risk. Or you could work in a private surgery practice, keeping watch over patients having life-changing elective surgery.
Industry trends
By 2035, Australia will need more nurses in more roles (Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023). With increased demand in important areas like acute care, primary healthcare, mental health and aged care, you’ll be well-equipped to meet this shortfall by studying our industry-informed curriculum. You’ll also develop forward-thinking perspectives that will improve your nursing practice in any work environment.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
