Graduate Certificate in Acute and Critical Care Nursing

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points, with each subject worth 10 credit points.

Core subjects

• Applied Clinical Practice using Simulation
• Leadership for Quality and Safety in Health Care
• Leadership in Clinical Practice
• Legal and Ethical Requirements to Support Decision Making in Health Care

Entry requirements

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for entry:

• Registered Nurse (currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery), or eligibility for the same; and
• One year full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse within the last five years or current and continuing employment as a registered nurse in an acute or critical care clinical setting.

Applicants seeking admission based on work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.  

English language requirements

Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the University's Admissions Centre website.

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning is the recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

• Acute Care Hospitals
• Community Health
• Paediatric Health
• Mental Health Care Services
• Disability Services
• Rehabilitation Services
• Aged Care Services

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $2,312 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. This estimate is based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fee may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that this estimate does not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

A student’s annual 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.

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 only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is 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 subject 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.