University of South Australia
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation Program)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Exclusively for SA Health-employed registered nurses, who have been endorsed by their employer to study.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation Program) is delivered by UniSA as part of the Clinical Specialisation Program, an SA Health sponsored opportunity for registered nurses to undertake an accelerated pathway into further clinical specialisations. In one year of part-time online study, you will build your understanding of leadership, management and healthcare governance.
This qualification will help you develop an 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.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
This qualification comprises any two 9-unit courses from the schedule below:
- Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
- Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
- Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
- Palliative Care Nursing
- Nephrology Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing
- Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
- Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
- Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
- Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
- Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
- Critical Care Nursing
- Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
- Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
- Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
Entry requirements
- Applicants must hold current registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
- Applicants must be nominated for admission into the program by SA Health, identifying their employer (Local Health Network) and line manager.
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 FEE-HELP
Total fee in 2025: $3,240 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total fee is based on 0.5 EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Study Load).
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per year.
- 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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
