University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months (minimum)
Delivered 100% online, with regular intakes every two months, this course enables you to balance your work and family commitments while learning the critical skills and clinically-based learning strategies to improve the core competencies associated with person-centred care.
Course overview
- Ranked #3 in Australia for academic reputation in nursing and midwifery (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing and Midwifery.
The Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing is your gateway to becoming an influential and responsive leader in advanced clinical settings. Focusing on developing cutting-edge skills in leadership, clinical practice, and evidence-based nursing, this course is designed to deliver culturally competent person- and family-centred care.
You'll learn to evaluate and integrate reliable evidence, analyse the facilitators and obstacles to data-driven practices, and prioritise the best possible health outcomes and patient safety. The course also offers a chance to enhance your skills in physical assessment, communication, early detection, patient management, and response to acute deterioration while keeping up with the latest advancements and best practices in accordance with industry standards.
Delivered 100% online, with regular intakes every two months, this course enables you to balance your work and family commitments while learning the critical skills and clinically-based learning strategies to improve the core competencies associated with person-centred care. Immediately apply what you learn to make a greater impact in your current role and future-proof your career.
Key facts
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing comprises four subjects. Upon completing the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, you can progress to the Master of Advanced Nursing course.
- Speciality Clinical Practice
- Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration
- Evidence for Informing Practice
- Nursing-Sensitive Indicators in Acute Care
Entry requirements
Completion of a UTS recognised nursing (FOE 0603) academic qualification or an equivalent (according to NOOSR or UK NARIC) as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree, or
- Graduate Certificate, or
- Graduate Diploma, or
- Master’s degree or equivalent
Applicants must also satisfy the following:
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse in Australia (AHPRA), and
- Be currently employed as a registered nurse in a hospital-based setting (or provide a letter of offer to commence employment as a registered nurse by commencement of study), and
- Have a minimum of one year full-time (1800+ hours) post-registration clinical experience (Nursing) demonstrated through a CV and Statement of Service*
- Applicants must provide a Statement of Service on official letterhead from their workplace’s human resource department (or equivalent), which verifies they have 1800 hours of post-registration clinical experience.
English language requirements
All applicants are required to meet the University’s English language requirements:
Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited for online postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive a UTS offer of enrolment, and you’ve undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn’t determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Deliver evidence-based acute care in high-pressure environments: Apply the latest clinical research and guidelines to assess, manage and treat patients in acute and emergency settings. Develop critical thinking skills to provide rapid, high-quality interventions in complex situations.
- Enhance clinical decision-making and leadership: Strengthen your ability to make informed, timely decisions in acute care. Build foundational leadership skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and optimise patient outcomes in dynamic healthcare settings.
- Provide ethical, safe and patient-centred acute care: Develop expertise in delivering compassionate and culturally responsive care to critically ill patients. Advocate for patient rights, safety and best-practice interventions in diverse and fast-paced healthcare environments.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary acute care teams: Refine your communication and teamwork skills to work seamlessly with healthcare professionals in high-pressure scenarios. Develop the confidence to contribute to innovative acute care practices and improve patient outcomes.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing equips registered nurses with the expertise to provide high-quality care in acute and complex healthcare settings. This course builds your clinical skills and prepares you to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Upon completion, graduates can explore roles such as:
- Acute Care Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Consultant (Acute Care)
- Nurse Team Leader
- Senior Registered Nurse (Acute Care)
Fees and FEE-HELP
Fee per subject in 2026: $3,431 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total course fee in 2026: $13,723 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fees are calculated based on the total and part-time study load of four subjects. You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee. Student fees shown are subject to change.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme provided by the Australian Government to assist eligible students with their university fees. It can cover all or part of your tuition costs. Repayment is made through the tax system once your income exceeds a designated threshold.
You are eligible for FEE-HELP if you are an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa and reside in Australia while studying.
