Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Study mode
- Online
- Duration
- 1 year part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$10960 Fee-paying
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2024Applications open August 2023Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing is designed to expand students' knowledge and skills in clinical nursing whilst ensuring relevance to clinical practice. Students may choose one clinical specialisation - from 9 available - in which they will develop their skills in providing holistic care, including person and family-centred health promotion, in specialty practice. Specific knowledge in the areas of bioscience, pharmacology and lifespan development, relevant to the chosen specialty will also be explored in the context of application to clinical nursing practice. Nine specialties are available, by i) the affiliate model whereby the health care facility will deliver two speciality units, and ii) the fully online model whereby students will undertake all four clinical nursing units with ACU Online.
Specialties currently available in the affiliate model:
- correctional health
- medical
- neuroscience
- renal
- surgical
Specialties available via the ACU Online program:
- correctional health
- gerontological nursing
- medical
- neuroscience
- renal
- surgical
(Three further specialisations will be available via ACU Online from 2024)
Read more about our postgraduate programs for nurses and other health professionals.
Careers
Graduates may seek employment in clinical nursing in government and private health care facilities.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing, a student must complete 40 credit points (cp).
In the Affiliate model the health care facility will deliver two specialty units, with two core units being delivered via ACU Online.
In the ACU Online model, students will undertake the four clinical nursing units online with ACU Online - two core units and two specialisation units from their chosen specialisation.
AQF framework
Additional course information
This course is also offered via ACU Online https://online.acu.edu.au/course/graduate-certificate-in-clinical-nursing-online
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing, an applicant must have:
- have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent;
- hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); and
- be employed in a substantive position in their chosen specialisation unless approved otherwise by the Course Coordinator.
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (Schedule 3).
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Graduates can progress to a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing, a Master of Clinical Nursing or a range of other postgraduate courses offered by the Faculty, for example a Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care.
The Faculty of Health Sciences also offers the National Immunisation Education Program for Health Professionals.
Fees
Course costs
$10960 Fee-paying
* indicative only.
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
A 10% rebate on fees will be offered to domestic ACU graduates (from any faculty) enrolling in full fee-paying postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Conditions apply.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Students must meet employment and registration criteria at the point of commencing studies. Find out more about deferment.