University of South Australia
Graduate Certificate in Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Provides students with advanced practical skills and knowledge to develop their understanding of the global issues, trends and practices that impact the delivery of nursing and health services.
Course overview
Designed to further your career as a registered nurse, this qualification will progress your understanding of a variety of clinical specialities. It will also equip you with advanced knowledge of the Australian healthcare system and the social, political and economic factors that affect nursing and health services. This degree allows you to tailor your study to specific areas of interest.
As a highly customisable degree, you may study topics ranging from policy analysis, healthcare governance and leadership to specialised clinical care areas and health education that are in alignment with your career goals.
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
This qualification comprises any two nine-unit courses from the schedule below:
- Critical Perspectives on Nursing and Health Services
- Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
- Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
- Allergy Nursing
- Palliative Care Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing
- Nephrology Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
- Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
- Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
- Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
- Foundations of Specialist Mental Health Nursing
- Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
- Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
- Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
- Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
- Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold current registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The university's flexible suite of postgraduate nursing and midwifery qualifications is designed to recognise your prior learning and advance your career. Upon successful completion of this qualification, you may then be eligible to gain credit for higher-level qualifications. Contact the university for further information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing prepares registered nurses to work in a diverse range of fields by extending their professional expertise. Graduates can work in a wide variety of nursing roles and will be well-equipped to take on leadership and governance opportunities in a range of healthcare settings, such as:
- Hospitals
- Primary health and community support services
- Aged/rehabilitative care
- Schools
- Home care
- Drug/alcohol services
- Community health organisations
- Palliative care services
- Child and adolescent health services
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $2,313.50 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- 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'll only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is 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 course 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.
