James Cook University
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
Develop specialized knowledge and skills in your chosen nursing field.
Course overview
Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet the rising costs, coupled with the increasing demand on our healthcare system.
You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career.
Key facts
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
Advanced Practice major
- Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
- Effective Clinical Governance
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Persuasive Communication
Choose to specialise in either advanced practice, education or leadership and management, or combine two and graduate with a double major.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to enrol in the online Graduate Certificate of Nursing, you must have:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification.
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia.
- Completed a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience, or the part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse
- Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have previously studied related subjects that are relevant to this course, you may be eligible to receive credits towards your Graduate Certificate of Nursing, cutting the overall time it could take to complete your qualification.
Outcomes
After completing your Graduate Certificate, you can continue your studies and gain a Graduate Diploma of Nursing and a Master of Nursing.
Depending on your specialisation, after completing your Graduate Certificate of Nursing you will have the skills to succeed in positions such as:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Nurse Unit Manager
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual tuition fee in 2026: $12,208 (domestic full-fee paying place).
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
