Graduate Certificate in
Registered Nurse Prescribing

Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing

Build the knowledge and capability to prescribe scheduled medicines safely, with flexible online study designed for experienced registered nurses.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

This course is not available to international students.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from approved tertiary institution; current unrestricted AHPRA registration as a registered nurse; minimum 2 years full-time equivalent RN experience

See entry requirements Download brochure

SATAC

GCRNP

CRICOS

N/A

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

N/A

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Indicative Fees

2027 : $14,650 (FFP)

2027 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

Accreditation by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) are currently being sought for this course.

*Although the standard duration is listed as 0.5 years full-time, this course is delivered over a minimum of 12 months part-time, with topics completed in sequence.

Registered nurse prescribing is supported through an NMBA endorsement pathway for designated registered nurse prescribers, strengthening workforce capability in primary care, aged care and rural health settings where service gaps and access delays are most pronounced.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing at Flinders?

The Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse (RN) Prescribing is designed for experienced nurses ready to take the next step in their clinical career. In 12 months, you’ll build the knowledge and capability to prescribe scheduled medicines safely and apply evidence-based decision-making in real-world settings.

Study while you work

Flexible online delivery designed for full-time nurses, with no set class times and content accessible when it suits you.

Complete in 12 months

A focused, practical qualification you can complete in 12 months, helping you build prescribing capability without stepping away from your career.

No placement required

Coursework-based program with no mandatory clinical placement, allowing you to focus on applying learning in your current workplace.

Build prescribing expertise

Develop advanced skills in therapeutics, clinical decision-making and safe prescribing, aligned to professional standards and real-world practice.

Top-ranked for nursing outcomes

Ranked #1 in SA for graduate salary and full-time employment*, and #38 globally for nursing^.

*The Good Universities Guide 2026 ((postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
^2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

What you will study

Complete two core topics, progressing from the foundations of safe prescribing to complex therapeutics and application in practice. Learning is self-directed and supported by a dedicated Course Coordinator, Topic Coordinators and online discussion forums designed to fit around shift work.

Course handbook

Core Topics

Foundations of Safe Registered Nurse Prescribing
Registered Nurse Prescribing: Complex Therapeutics and Quality Use of Medicines

Your career

Strengthen your capability to contribute to registered nurse prescribing models in settings including primary care, aged care, and rural and remote health, where improving access to timely care is a priority.

Potential employers

Aged care providers
Community health services
General practice and primary care clinics
Hospitals
Rural and remote health services

Professional accreditations

Accreditation by ANMAC and approval by the NMBA are currently being sought. Completion of the course does not, by itself, confirm endorsement or authority to prescribe. Prescribing practice remains subject to NMBA requirements, relevant legislation, employer authorisation and the nurse’s professional scope of practice.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally

Fast-track your career in just 12 months

Ranked #38 in the world for nursing

Flexible online study - anywhere, anytime

Meet your academics

Learn from teaching and professional staff with expertise across nursing, medicines and quality use of medicines.

Dr Bridget Henderson

Senior Lecturer

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Bridget is a Senior Lecturer at Flinders University with expertise in emergency nursing and advanced nursing practice. She has taught and assessed Nurse Practitioner prescribing competencies for the past six years and brings 15 years of Defence Force nursing experience, where advanced practice roles included independent prescribing within a formulary. Bridget is passionate about developing capable, reflective practitioners who deliver high-quality patient care.

Dr Tori Llewelyn

Teaching Specialist

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Tori is a pharmacist and teaching specialist in the College of Health and Enablement (CHE). In addition to teaching and consultation around teaching of medicines and quality use of medicines, Tori focuses on supporting students to transition successfully into and through their studies, and holds the role of Lead: Undergraduate Pathways and Access in the CHE.

Dr Jacqui Stasinopoulos

Lecturer (Teaching Specialist (Acad))

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Jacqui is a Lecturer at Flinders University and a pharmacist with SA Health. She teaches pharmacology, therapeutics and quality use of medicines, drawing on experience across pharmacy education, clinical practice and research. Jacqui is passionate about medication safety and equipping future prescribers with the knowledge and skills to deliver safe, evidence-based, patient-centred care.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

A bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.
Current unrestricted AHPRA registration as a registered nurse.
A minimum of two years full-time equivalent experience as a registered nurse.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing?

Entry requires completion of a Bachelor Degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution, current unrestricted registration with AHPRA as a registered nurse, and relevant clinical experience of at least two years' full-time equivalent practice as a registered nurse. Final eligibility is assessed on application, with flexibility for demonstrated professional capability.

Will I be able to prescribe without workplace approval or supervision?

No. RN prescribing is dependent on workplace governance and clinical support. Prescribing must occur within approved organisational frameworks and under oversight arrangements, such as a medical officer or nurse practitioner, as required by regulatory standards.

Will completing this course guarantee a promotion or salary increase?

Completion does not guarantee promotion or salary changes. However, it strengthens your capability for advanced practice roles and may support progression depending on workplace structure, funding models, and available prescribing positions.

How much will my scope of practice change after completion?

The qualification prepares you for a pathway to RN prescribing endorsement, expanding clinical capability in medicines management. Actual scope depends on employer governance, role design, and regulatory approval within your practice setting.

What must I do following completion of the Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing to become a registered designated RN prescriber?

Following successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing, eligible registered nurses may apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for endorsement as a Designated Registered Nurse Prescriber. Endorsement is subject to NMBA requirements and includes the establishment of a formal prescribing partnership.

As endorsement requirements may be updated from time to time, prospective students and graduates should consult the Australian Government's Designated Registered Nurse Prescribing webpage for the latest information regarding eligibility, endorsement, and prescribing arrangements.

Can I complete this course while working full-time?

Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing is designed for working registered nurses and is delivered fully online with flexible learning activities. The course is completed part-time over a minimum of 12 months, with topics taken sequentially rather than concurrently, allowing you to continue working while you study.

Is clinical placement required for this course?

No. This course does not include a clinical placement requirement.

The Graduate Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing is designed for registered nurses who are currently practising. References to professional practice within the curriculum relate to the application of prescribing knowledge and skills within your existing professional nursing context, rather than a separate placement experience.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2027 – Applications close 27 February 2027

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP loans available?

Yes, government-supported FEE-HELP loan is available to help eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

The FEE-HELP loan is indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.