Prior to 31 December 2015

To be read in conjunction with the requirements for the course in which you are enrolled:

The General Practice Nursing specialisation is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. 

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification and must be registered nurses and must hold a current practising certificate.

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

In addition, International applicants must be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, to be eligible to apply.

Course aims

The course aims to provide the opportunity for individuals from any professional background who are working in health related areas to deepen the knowledge base on which their practice is grounded. 

Learning outcomes

Graduates of this course are expected to be able to:

  • provide clinical nursing services in the general practice context, improve health outcomes by contributing to and enhancing the management and prevention of ill health
  • utilise health education and health promotion principles with general practice patients, their carers and the wider community
  • coordinate general practice patient services, work effectively as a leader and/or as a member of a primary health care team
  • meet relevant standards and legislative requirements to manage the general practice environment, and sustain general practice by contributing to better management of human and material resources.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Health (General Practice Nursing), 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 two consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University''s Policy on Student Progress.

A student who fails the clinical component of any topic will receive a fail grade for the entire topic.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • no topic may be attempted more than twice
  • the program must be completed in one semester full-time or two consecutive semesters part-time
  • a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken. 

Core topics

18 units comprising

 NURS8606  General Practice Nursing 1  (9 units)
 NURS8607  General Practice Nursing 2  (9 units)