Adelaide University
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Specialising in Perioperative Nursing
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Enhance your skills in participating in current discussions related to surgical nursing.
Course overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing, specialising in Perioperative Nursing, is designed to advance your skills in one of healthcare’s most demanding and rewarding areas. Perioperative nurses are vital members of surgical teams, providing expert care before, during and after surgery. This program gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your practice in this specialised field.
You’ll gain insight into the challenges and responsibilities of perioperative nursing, while developing leadership, ethical awareness and confidence in evidence-based decision-making. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online and part-time options so you can study while continuing your career.
Through focused study and engagement with experienced academics and peers, you’ll be equipped to make a greater impact in surgical settings. On graduation, you’ll be ready to step into advanced clinical practice roles and play an even stronger part in supporting patients through critical stages of their healthcare journey.
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
What you will study
To complete the study for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing, students must complete 24 units for one of the following options:
Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses.
- 24 units for Electives.
- 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation.
Core unit
- Perioperative Nursing
Electives
- Primary Health Care
- Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
- Prescribing for clinicians
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice
- Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
- Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding
- Maternal, Child and Family Health
- Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
- Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
- Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
Entry requirements
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution.
- Hold or be eligible to hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Perioperative nursing offers a highly specialised and rewarding pathway within healthcare. By completing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing at Adelaide University, you’ll strengthen the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, high-quality care before, during and after surgery.
You might work in an operating theatre, assisting with complex surgical procedures and supporting patients through critical moments. Or you could take on a senior role in a day surgery unit, coordinating care and guiding junior staff. Perhaps you’ll join a private surgical practice, where your expertise ensures patients are well supported from admission to recovery.
This qualification also provides a foundation for further study, enabling progression to further postgraduate study. With enhanced expertise in perioperative practice, graduates are well-prepared to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes across various surgical settings, including both public and private healthcare.
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.
