Australian Catholic University
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Gerontological Nursing)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Explore acute and chronic medical conditions across multiple biological systems.
Course overview
In Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Gerontological Nursing), You’ll study key concepts of health and wellness, age-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.
Older people require a multifaceted approach to care and gerontological specialisation will support you in undertaking risk assessment, clinical decision-making and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the delivery of quality and safe care to older people.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
27th April, 2026
20th July, 2026
12th October, 2026
What you will study
To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 40 credit points, consisting of:
- 20 credit points from specified units.
- 20 credit points from specialisation.
Specified units
- Advanced Pathophysiology for Specialty Nursing Practice (10 credit points)
- Evidence-based, Person-centred Family Care in Specialty Nursing Practice (10 credit points)
Specialisation
- Gerontological Nursing: Promoting Health and Wellness in Older Persons (10 credit points)
- Gerontological Nursing: Comprehensive Care for Older Persons (10 credit points)
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing, an applicant must have the following:
- Have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent.
- Hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Studying this specialisation can lead to a career as a caregiver for an older person and a specialist clinical caregiver in the gerontological setting.
Fees and CSP
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $4,768 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
Fees are calculated based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
