Western Sydney University
Graduate Certificate in Acute and Critical Care Nursing
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Advance your acute and critical care nursing practice through clinical simulation, legal and ethical decision-making and leadership strategies designed to support safer, high-quality patient care across complex healthcare environments.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Acute and Critical Care Nursing is designed for registered nurses seeking to strengthen their knowledge and clinical judgement across acute and critical care settings. It focuses on safe, autonomous practice and the application of advanced nursing concepts to the delivery of quality patient care.
You will examine clinical reasoning, accountability and patient advocacy through simulation and complex case studies. The compulsory curriculum also addresses quality and safety systems, clinical leadership, coaching and mentorship, and the legal, ethical and professional frameworks that support healthcare decision-making. These themes are applied to workplace practice and contemporary healthcare challenges.
The 40-credit-point course can be completed in six months full-time or one year part-time. Applicants need current registration as a registered nurse with Ahpra, or eligibility for registration, plus relevant nursing experience or continuing employment in an acute or critical care setting. The compulsory Applied Clinical Practice using Simulation subject requires participation in clinical simulation workshops. This combination of clinical, leadership and governance learning supports the application of advanced nursing concepts across acute clinical environments.
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
19th July, 2027
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.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of subjects you need to study, saving you time and money. 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 2026: $2,369 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fees 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 these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means that the Australian Government pays part of the fees towards your program, therefore reducing your tuition fees. The remaining amount that you pay is referred to as your Student Contribution.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per subject you're enrolled in.
- Dependent 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.
