Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Gerontology)

What you will study

To earn this degree, students must complete four units.

Core courses

• Contexts of Practice
• The Law and Health Care Practice OR Culture as Determinants of Health

Specialisation courses

• Foundations of Gerontology Practice
• Perspectives of Healthy Ageing

Entry requirements

• Completed a three-year bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in nursing from a recognised university.
• Hold current professional registration as a Division 1 Nurse, or equivalent, with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or a relevant regulatory body in the applicant's home country.

English language requirements

To meet the English language requirements for this degree, we accept the minimum English language proficiency scores from one of the following tests. Your test must be completed within two years of applying to UniSQ.

• IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
• Pearson Test of English: Minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
• OEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 94 and minimum score in each test section: 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you must take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

• A gerontology or geriatric nurse specialises in the care of elderly patients and is a crucial part of healthcare teams.
• Aged care nursing is in demand with international ageing populations.
• Graduates may work in acute, chronic, private practice, community or residential facilities caring for ageing patients with limited mobility, impaired mental abilities, or life-limiting illness.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Apply specialised knowledge, skills and technical competencies within specific health contexts.
• Effectively communicate using high-level written and oral language skills with people of diverse ages, backgrounds and needs.
• Collaborate with a range of healthcare professionals to achieve the best possible healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Reflect on practice to facilitate awareness and knowledge of one’s own cognition and abilities.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate a range of data and evidence to provide solutions to complex nursing problems.

Fees and CSP

Estimated annual fee in 2026: $4,768 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The estimated 2026 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (four units per year) and does not include the cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.

This is an indicative guide only. Your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment. The University of Southern Queensland review its fees annually. They may increase each year.

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold.