Curtin University
Master of Advanced Practice (Acute Care Nursing)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Build advanced acute care nursing, evidence translation, clinical leadership and applied research capabilities to support complex decision-making and improved practice within acute healthcare settings.
Course overview
Acute healthcare environments require registered nurses to respond to complex conditions, changing patient needs and evolving clinical evidence. Curtin’s Master of Advanced Practice (Acute Care Nursing) combines specialist nursing knowledge with advanced practice, leadership and applied research.
You will examine the theoretical foundations of nursing science alongside pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and clinical decision-making for people with acute health conditions. The course also explores pharmacotherapeutics, the quality use of medicines, patient advocacy and holistic specialty practice.
Evidence-informed clinical practice, healthcare policy and research methods support your ability to evaluate evidence and translate findings into practice. You will explore qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research processes before consolidating your learning through an applied research project related to acute care nursing.
The course is offered on campus at Curtin Perth and can be completed in one or two years of full-time study, with equivalent part-time options available. By combining acute care expertise with evidence translation, clinical leadership and applied research, graduates can strengthen their contribution to complex clinical decision-making and improvements in acute nursing practice.
Key facts
July, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Master of Advanced Practice (Acute Care Nursing), you must successfully complete units totalling 200 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 25 credit points.
Core units
- Evidence-Informed Clinical Practice
- Health Research Professional Project (50 credit points)
- Research and Evaluation in Health
Acute Care Nursing Specialisation
- Specialty Clinical Practice 1
- Acute Care Nursing Science 1
- Specialty Clinical Practice 2
- Acute Care Nursing Science 2
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for this course, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's honours degree, a graduate certificate or a graduate diploma in their related field.
- Applicants must also hold three (3) years of experience in their related field post-bachelor's degree.
- Hold a bachelor's degree and registration as a comprehensive or general nurse in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
- Employment in the clinical area with a minimum of 8 hours per week in an acute setting as a registered nurse.
Applicants must provide a CV or resume outlining their employment history and proof of current professional registration.
English language requirements
Curtin requires applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. You can meet this requirement by providing evidence of one of the following:
- An IELTS Academic overall band score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- An alternative English language test accepted by Curtin, provided you achieve the required equivalent scores.
- An eligible previous qualification or another form of English language evidence accepted by Curtin.
Contact the university or visit its 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
Learning outcomes
- Apply discipline knowledge, principles and concepts in accordance with relevant practice codes, standards and legislation.
- Apply critical thinking and reflective practice to clinical practice to generate innovative solutions.
- Access, evaluate and synthesise information relevant to clinical leadership and the promotion of optimal outcomes for clients.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clients, carers, families, communities and the interdisciplinary health care team.
- Utilise technology safely and appropriately for the diagnosis and management of clients.
- Participate in research, critically appraise research findings, and incorporate evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice.
- Relate policy, practices and standards to international trends.
- Demonstrate cultural competence in the care of all clients, families and communities.
- Demonstrate professional, legal and ethical accountability within the scope of practice for safe health care delivery.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $29,330 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- 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.
