Federation University of Australia
Graduate Certificate in Health (Peri-Operative Nursing)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Developing a diverse skill set enables you to compassionately address the needs of patients and their families in the fast-paced, high-tech operating room environment.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) is a technical skill-building course designed to strengthen critical thinking skills, guide the development of hands-on abilities and reinforce the importance of communication within the broader team in providing safe, quality care for pre-, intra- and post-operative patients.
Core subjects introduce students to the foundations of perioperative nursing and collaborative care, providing critical skills to monitor and identify risks in various patient states and safely navigate any ethical factors related to patients presenting for surgical intervention. This six-month full-time (or equivalent part-time) course will be delivered online, with all study support and learning resources also available from academic staff and learning skills advisors.
In addition to the online coursework, an inquiry-based learning framework has been developed - in cooperation with our industry partners - whereby all theories and class content are contextualised through clinical experience.
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
5th October, 2026
25th January, 2027
19th April, 2027
12th July, 2027
4th October, 2027
What you will study
Students must complete the following three units worth 60 credit points:
- Advanced Pathophysiology for Acute Care Nursing
- Advanced Health Assessment for Acute Care Nursing
- Principles of Care for the Perioperative Patient
- Perioperative Nursing Practice
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non-year 12)
- An applicant must have successfully completed a three-year (minimum) Bachelor 's-level qualification in a related health cognate discipline area.
Extra requirements
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Health (Peri-Operative Nursing) is contingent upon the candidate's ability to demonstrate current and satisfactory registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse and a minimum of 0.6 EFT current and ongoing employment in an appropriate peri-operative setting.
Applicants must supply a current resume with their application.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Upon graduation, a wide range of career opportunities are available in operating rooms and post-anaesthesia care units. One of them is as a perioperative nurse.
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $2,369 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 60 credit points (normally four units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
The Australian Government allocates certain numbers of Commonwealth Supported Places to universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion 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.
