Charles Darwin University
Graduate Certificate of Primary Health Care Nursing (Remote Nursing)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Develop advanced primary health care nursing knowledge for remote practice through postgraduate study, combining primary health care principles, evidence-based practice and a required on-campus simulation experience.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Primary Health Care Nursing (Remote Nursing) from Charles Darwin University is a postgraduate qualification for registered nurses who want to extend their knowledge of primary health care nursing, with a focus on remote practice. The course explores the principles of primary health care while strengthening evidence-based practice and supporting care in remote communities.
You will study curriculum themes including Primary Health Care and First Nations Health and Primary Health Care Practice, before completing the Remote Area Primary Health Care Practice elective. Delivered part time through online learning, the course also includes a mandatory three-day on-campus simulation block, providing an opportunity to apply learning in a practical environment.
On successful completion, you will graduate with the Graduate Certificate of Primary Health Care Nursing, an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 qualification.
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
$592 (CSP)
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate of Primary Health Care Nursing (Remote), you must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 10 credit points.
Core units
- Primary Health Care and First Nation Health
- Primary Health Care Practice
Specialisation
- Remote Area Primary Health Care Practice (20 credit points)
Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 3-day on-campus simulation block as part of this unit.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course must meet all of the following:
- Successful completion of a recognised Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent international qualification.
- Hold current registration as a Division 1 registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Hospital-trained nurses with current registration may also be considered.
English language requirements
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing one of the following:
- Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language. If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years.
- Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points).
- Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
- Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement.
- Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This qualification prepares you to work in primary healthcare settings. Completing this degree may lead to a career in primary health care across public and private providers. This course will provide the graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the primary health care practice and how to work with and support individuals and communities to optimise health outcomes.
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2026: $2,368 (Commonwealth Supported Places).
Estimated total fee in 2026: $14,008 (domestic full-fee paying place).
Student fees may vary per:
- 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.
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.
