University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months (minimum)
Delivered 100% online by the #1 school in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing, this course focuses on patient care in the ICU and EDS.
Course overview
- Ranked #3 in Australia for academic reputation in nursing and midwifery (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing and Midwifery.
UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Critical Care is for aspiring nursing leaders who want to learn and apply specialist knowledge in every aspect of patient care.
You will develop an understanding of core critical care concepts and be able to confidently evaluate complex patient data to inform clinical decision-making. Engage in a collaborative learning environment where you will develop the skills to manage and care for people with life-threatening conditions, injuries, and complications using therapeutic interventions.
This course is delivered part-time and 100% online in a collaborative learning environment. Students engage in interactive activities that address real-world challenges relevant to their practice.
Key facts
August, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Critical Care comprises four online subjects (24 credit points).
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Complex Critical Care
- Professional Practice in Critical Care
- Applied Pathophysiology in Practice
- Speciality Clinical Practice
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a health-related discipline comparable to nursing.
Applicants must also satisfy the following:
- Current registration as a Nurse in Australia (AHPRA),
- Current employment in a critical care environment (e.g., Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit) as demonstrated through a CV; and
- A minimum of one year full-time (1800+ hours) post-registration clinical experience demonstrated through a Statement of Service (available on request)
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria for an offer, such as applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but have recent relevant work experience in a clinical healthcare role, may be considered eligible. Those applicants must present evidence of a capacity to undertake tertiary study via submission of a CV, which should include details of completion of hospital or college certificates and professional development.
English language requirements
All applicants are required to meet the University’s English language requirements:
Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper-based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, Internet-based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited for online postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive a UTS offer of enrolment, and you’ve undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn’t determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Deliver evidence-based critical care in high-acuity settings: Apply advanced clinical knowledge and research to assess, stabilise and manage critically ill patients. Use evidence-based practices to deliver timely, high-quality interventions in emergency and intensive care environments.
- Enhance clinical reasoning and leadership in complex care: Develop the ability to make rapid, informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Strengthen your leadership skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and optimise patient outcomes in critical care settings.
- Provide ethical, safe and person-centred critical care: Apply ethical frameworks and culturally responsive approaches to the care of critically ill patients. Advocate for patient safety, dignity and best-practice interventions in diverse healthcare environments.
- Collaborate effectively within critical care teams: Refine your communication and teamwork skills to work seamlessly with healthcare professionals in fast-paced, high-stakes scenarios. Contribute to interdisciplinary care strategies that improve patient outcomes in critical care.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing prepares registered nurses to deliver expert care in high-pressure critical care environments. This course equips you with advanced clinical skills and the ability to respond effectively to complex patient needs.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Critical Care Nurse Specialist
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
- Emergency Department Nurse Leader
- Clinical Nurse Consultant (Critical Care)
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $11,780 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated total fee is calculated based on a study load of four subjects or 24 credit points.
Tuition fees are charged:
- Based on the particular course in which you are enrolled.
- Based on the number of credit points you are enrolled in.
- At the rates set for the current year and revised annually.
Students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) in addition to tuition fees. Purchasing textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.
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.
