The Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing (specialisations) is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences on a full fee-paying basis. It is normally completed over two semesters part-time. Full time completion is normally not available. The course articulates with the 36-unit Graduate Diploma of Nursing (specialisations) and the 54-unit Master of Nursing. Sequentially developed topics enable progression through the three awards.  For Nurses registered in Australia the specialisation will be identified on the student’s transcript of academic record and on the parchment presented to the student on completion of the course.

Nurses registered in Australia will apply for one of the following named specialisations:

Students who are registered as nurses in a country other than Australia will apply for the international student program:

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing (specialisations) normally receive up to 18 units of credit should they choose to apply for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Nursing and/or the Master of Nursing.

The course can be taken in internal or external mode.

Additional information about each specialisation can be found by clicking on the links provided above.

Not all specialisations will be available in any given year or semester.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification and must be registered nurses in Australia.

Applicants who are registered as nurses in a country other than Australia must normally hold an approved degree and may be admitted to the international student program.

The course will not lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Additional information about admission requirements for each specialisation can be found by clicking on the links provided above.

However, the Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing (specialisations) aims to:

  • prepare students for specialised practice in a range of acute health care environments
  • facilitate development of specialised knowledge, skills and experience in their chosen area of acute care nursing
  • meet international, national, state and territory strategic health care goals in acute care nursing environments

Course aims specific to each specialisation can be found by clicking on the links above.

Learning outcomes 

Learning outcomes specific to each specialisation can be found by clicking on the links above.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing (specialisations) a student must complete 18 units as specified below with a grade of Pass or NGP or better in each topic.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or in 9 units or more, or failure to complete the course within four consecutive semesters may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • no topic may be attempted more than twice
  • a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken.