James Cook University
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
Enhance your skills with this 100% online advanced practice major that helps you develop the abilities necessary to provide advanced patient care.
Course overview
James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting.
The Advanced Practice major gives you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care through eight specialised units.
100% online and part-time
- Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time.
One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools.
- You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics.
Australia’s health system is evolving to meet an unprecedented level of demand.
Key facts
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The JCU Online’s Graduate Diploma of Nursing gives you the preparation you’ll need to take the next step in your career – advanced communication skills, data management skills, governance knowledge, informatics and the ability to design and implement evidence into practice. It will equip you with the knowledge, proficiency, competency and expertise to succeed in your chosen specialisation.
Advanced Practice major
- Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
- Effective Clinical Governance
- Persuasive Communication
- Informatics for Health Professionals
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
- Applied Health Assessment and Advanced Practice
- Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice
Education and Leadership and Management majors are also available. You can choose to combine two majors and graduate with a double major.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to enrol in the online Graduate Diploma of Nursing, applicants must have:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification.
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia.
- Completed a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience, or the part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse or midwife.
- Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have experienced learning either at work, through non-accredited training or from life that is relevant to this course, we may be able to offer you credit towards your qualification.
Outcomes
JCU’s online Graduate Diploma of Nursing is a pathway towards obtaining a master's degree. After completing your graduate diploma, you can continue your studies and gain a Master of Nursing. If you need to finish your study early, you may still qualify for a Graduate Certificate of Nursing.
Depending on your specialisation, after completing your Graduate Diploma of Nursing you will have the skills to succeed in positions such as:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Nurse Unit Manager
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual tuition fee in 2026: $24,416 (domestic full-fee paying place).
Student fees 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.
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.
