Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing
Course information for
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$6488 CSP
- Start dates
- ACU Term 1 , ACU Term 2 , ACU Term 3, ACU Term 4
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the course costs section below, under Fees.
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing is designed to expand your knowledge and skills in clinical nursing and practice.
ACU Online offers a generic Clinical Nursing course as well as the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing with nine specialisations: correctional health, gerontological nursing, medical, renal, surgical, neuroscience, cardiac care, intensive care and perioperative. By undertaking a specialisation, you will develop your holistic care skills in specialty practice, including person- and family-centred health promotion. Specific knowledge in the areas of bioscience, pharmacology, and lifespan development, relevant to your chosen specialty, will also be explored and applied to your clinical nursing practice.
The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing (without a specialisation) focuses on developing your skills and knowledge as a registered nurse enabling you to effectively work across a diverse range of clinical settings. You will learn how to critically analyse and evaluate complex clinical presentations and apply your newly-acquired knowledge to effectively assess and problem solve in any health care environment. Modules within this specialisation cover integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in the context of pain assessment, and management.
In the correctional health specialisation, the mental health of prisoners is comprehensively and extensively covered. Modules include the importance of physical health, healthcare management, and consequences of accelerated ageing of the prison population.
Older persons require a multi-faceted approach to care and the gerontological nursing specialisation will support you to undertake risk assessment, clinical decision-making and to implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure the delivery of quality and safe person-centred care to older persons.
The medical specialisation explores acute and chronic medical conditions across multiple biological systems with modules covering integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in an ageing population. Foci include common respiratory conditions, the significance of infection control and the implications of hospital acquired infections.
The renal specialisation explores acute renal conditions as well as living with renal disease and the role of the nurse in primary health care for people suffering chronic renal disease. You will explore the role of vascular access devices in the care of the person with Renal disease and infection control considerations, haemo and peritoneal dialysis.
The surgical specialisation explores acute and chronic health conditions that require surgical intervention. Modules include principles and management of nursing care across the pre-operative, post-operative and discharge, surgical care continuum. Content related to surgical comorbidities, common surgical procedures, surgical safety, risk assessment and the early recognition and timely escalation of deterioration to mitigate patient harm is extensively covered. The impact that pre-operative and post-operative complications have for surgical patient outcomes, and discharge planning, will also be detailed.
The neuroscience specialisation explores acute and chronic neurological conditions and the role of the nurse in providing evidence-based nursing care. Through the lens of a person- and family-centred focus you will explore critical care concepts within the neuroscience specialisation. This specialisation is offered through our affiliate model whereby you will undertake two of the four course units with an ACU affiliate facility where you will be employed in the intensive care setting. The other two units you will undertake online with ACU. The ACU units explore integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in patients with a critical condition.
In the cardiac care specialisation, you will explore critical care concepts through the lens of a person- and family-centred focus. Modules explore acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Rhythm interpretation and common dysrhythmias through normal 12 lead ECG and interpretation of abnormal findings are also embedded within the specialty modules. Other topics such as cardiomyopathy & cardiac valves, Implantable devices, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac rehabilitation and palliative care in cardiac nursing care are embedded in this specialty module.
The intensive care specialisation will explore critical care concepts within the intensive care specialisation. This specialisation is offered through our affiliate model where you will undertake two of the four course units with an ACU affiliate facility where you will be employed in the intensive care setting. The other two units you will undertake online with ACU where you will explore integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in patients with a critical condition.
The perioperative specialisation explores the operating theatre environment through the lens of a person- and family-centred focus. Modules cover integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in the context of pain assessment, and management and surgical risk models
Visit ACU Postgraduate Programs for Nurses, for more information.
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the courses costs section below, under Fees.
Careers
Graduates may seek employment in clinical nursing in government and private health care facilities depending on your choice of specialisation:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Education
- Clinical Leadership and management roles within the specialty area
- Leadership and management roles within healthcare services
- Community nursing opportunities
- Pathways to further study and research
Correctional health specialisation:
- Working with prisoners experiencing a range of serious mental health issues and/or with a range of unique chronic health care needs
Gerontological nursing specialisation:
- Care for the older person
- Specialist clinical care in the gerontological setting
Medical nursing specialisation:
- Specialist in medical nursing
- Nursing educator - medical specialty
Renal nursing specialisation:
- Care for patients with chronic kidney disease:
- Dialysis centres
- Transplant units
Surgical nursing specialisation:
- Specialist in Surgical Nursing
- Nursing educator - surgical specialty
Neuroscience nursing specialisation:
- Specialist in Neuroscience Nursing
Cardiac Care nursing specialisation:
- Specialist in Cardiac Care
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Intensive Care nursing specialisation:
- Intensive Care specialist
Perioperative nursing specialisation:
- Specialist in the operating theatre environment
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Available Specialisation(s)
-
Correctional Health
In the correction health specialisation the mental health of prisoners is comprehensively and extensively covered. You will be educated in identifying and caring for vulnerable prisoner groups and their health needs as well as caring for prisoners with chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
Modules include the importance of physical health, healthcare management, and consequences of accelerated ageing of the prison population. You will also address communicable diseases, harm minimisation and palliation and pain management.
Gerontological Nursing
Explore acute and chronic medical conditions across multiple biological systems. Older persons require a multi-faceted approach to care and the gerontological specialisation will support you to undertake risk assessment, clinical decision-making and to implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure the delivery of quality and safe care to older persons.
You’ll study key concepts of health and wellness, aged-related health conditions, pain, pharmacotherapy and comprehensive risk assessment, as well as concepts of patient’s rights, governance frameworks, continuous improvement systems, loss and grief, elder abuse and behaviours and perceptions of older persons to enable you to practice inclusive, respectful, person and family-centred care in the gerontological setting.
Renal
The renal specialisation explores acute renal conditions as well as living with renal disease and the role of the nurse in primary health care for people suffering chronic renal disease. You will explore the role of vascular access devices in the care of the person with Renal disease and infection control considerations, haemo and peritoneal dialysis.
Medical
The medical specialisation explores acute and chronic medical conditions across multiple biological systems with modules covering integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in an ageing population. Foci include common respiratory conditions, the significance of infection control and the implications of hospital acquired infections.
Surgical
The surgical specialisation explores acute and chronic health conditions that require surgical intervention. Modules include principles and management of nursing care across the pre-operative, post-operative and discharge, surgical care continuum. Content related to surgical comorbidities, common surgical procedures, surgical safety, risk assessment and the early recognition and timely escalation of deterioration to mitigate patient harm is extensively covered. The impact that pre-operative and post-operative complications have for surgical patient outcomes, and discharge planning, will also be detailed.
Neuroscience
The neuroscience specialisation explores acute and chronic neurological conditions and the role of the nurse in providing evidence-based nursing care. Through the lens of a person- and family-centred focus you will explore critical care concepts within the neuroscience specialisation. This specialisation is offered through our affiliate model whereby you will undertake two of the four course units with an ACU affiliate facility where you will be employed in the intensive care setting. The other two units you will undertake online with ACU. The ACU units explore integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in patients with a critical condition.
Cardiac Care
In the cardiac care specialisation, you will explore critical care concepts through the lens of a person- and family-centred focus. Modules explore acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Rhythm interpretation and common dysrhythmias through normal 12 lead ECG and interpretation of abnormal findings are also embedded within the specialty modules. Other topics such as cardiomyopathy & cardiac valves, Implantable devices, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac rehabilitation and palliative care in cardiac nursing care are embedded in this specialty module.
Intensive Care
The intensive care specialisation will explore critical care concepts within the intensive care specialisation. This specialisation is offered through our affiliate model where you will undertake two of the four course units with an ACU affiliate facility where you will be employed in the intensive care setting. The other two units you will undertake online with ACU where you will explore integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in patients with a critical condition.
Perioperative
The perioperative specialisation explores the operating theatre environment through the lens of a person- and family-centred focus. Modules cover integral anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the significance of polypharmacy in the context of pain assessment, and management and surgical risk models.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Graduate Diploma - AQF Level 8Exit Points
A student who has completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing may exit with the relevant award.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing, an applicant must:
a) have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent;
AND
b) hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen course.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. Speak to your course consultant for more information or to discuss your eligibility.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen course.
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 Master of Clinical Nursing, and continue with their chosen coursework stream or research stream.
The Faculty of Health Sciences also offers the National Immunisation Education Program for Health Professionals.
Fees
Course costs
Average first year fee*$6488 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a 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.
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 the Scholarship for Online Learning – Study Your Way created to help ACU online students with the costs associated with studying. We also have university wide scholarships you may be eligible for. 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.
Apply for this course
ACU Online Applicants
Apply nowApplicants of Clinical Nursing are required to complete and upload the Statement of Employment form with their application.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. If you wish to defer, please speak to your course consultant.
Staff Profile
Ms Mandy El Ali
Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Ms Mandy El Ali is a Senior Lecturer and Nurse Academic in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine based in the Melbourne campus. Passionate about nursing education she has over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and tertiary education. Ms El Ali’s learning and teaching philosophy is centred on the student experience and the nexus in theory and practice. Her background includes twenty years in women’s and children’s health and clinical education across a variety of adult and paediatric settings including residential care, medical, surgical, sub-acute and emergency settings.
Ms El Ali has completed a Master of Nursing, a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education and is currently enrolled in a PhD with her research focusing on the ethics of non-disclosure of medical information to seriously ill children. In 2020, she was part of a team of academics who received funding to develop a program to upskill Victorian nurses in preparation for the health care impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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