Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Aged Care)

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Aged Care) is designed for nurses working in aged care as clinicians, as well as emerging or current leaders working in aged care nursing settings. This course advances assessment and management skills with a focus on age-related changes and the needs of ageing groups. Students develop their capacity to plan and provide person-centred care that enhances quality of life.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Sessions: The course is available in various sessions, with a minimum duration of 0.5 years and a maximum duration of 1 year.
• Entry Score: The entry score for this course is TBA.
• Indicative Fees: The indicative fees for this course are TBA.
• Course Points and Codes: The course consists of 32 credit points, with an AQF level of 8.

Why Study with Us?

• Graduate in under a year: The course can be completed in eight to ten months of part-time online study.
• Gain qualifications as you go: Students can start with a graduate certificate and then apply for a Graduate Diploma or Master of Nursing.
• Join a strong professional community: The nursing academics at Charles Sturt University are known for their learning and teaching expertise and research excellence.

Career Opportunities

With a nursing graduate certificate, students can demonstrate clinical and decision-making knowledge and skills to provide high-level care in complex circumstances. Career opportunities include clinical leadership and senior nursing leadership positions, such as clinical nurse specialist, clinical nurse educator, nurse educator, clinical nurse consultant, and nurse manager.

What You Will Study

The course consists of:

• Core Subjects (24 credit points):
  • Contemporary Issues in Gerontology (8 credit points)
  • Advanced Nursing Practice (8 credit points)
  • Leadership and Clinical Governance in Aged Care (4 credit points)
  • Advanced Clinical Assessment of the Older Person (4 credit points)
• Restricted Elective (8 credit points): Students select one subject from a range of options, including Applied Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, Health, Wellbeing and Family Care in Later Life, and others.

Costs

• Course Fees: The course fees are TBA.
• Payment Options: Students can pay their tuition fees upfront, defer their fees through a HECS-HELP loan, or pay part of their fees upfront and defer the balance.

Scholarships

Charles Sturt University offers scholarships and grants totaling over $5 million annually. These scholarships cover various areas, such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living, and individuals in unique circumstances.

Entry Requirements

• Selection Rank: The selection rank for this course is TBA.
• Academic Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree or professional qualification that leads to registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency or equivalent. Applicants must have at least 12 months of full-time experience as a registered nurse.
• Language Requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.

Credit and Pathways

If students have completed relevant tertiary study or have work experience related to their course, they may receive credit towards their degree. Charles Sturt University also has several admission pathways to help students take the step into their preferred course, even if they don't quite meet the entry requirements at first.

How to Apply

Students can apply to Charles Sturt University through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), or they can apply directly to the university.