Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing is designed to expand knowledge and skills in clinical nursing and practice. ACU Online offers a generic Clinical Nursing course as well as the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing with nine specialisations.

Course Overview

The course focuses on developing skills and knowledge as a registered nurse, enabling effective work across diverse clinical settings. It covers critical analysis and evaluation of complex clinical presentations, applying newly-acquired knowledge to assess and problem-solve in healthcare environments.

Specialisations

The nine specialisations offered are:

• Cardiac Care
• Correctional Health
• Gerontological Nursing
• Intensive Care
• Medical
• Neuroscience
• Perioperative
• Renal
• Surgical

Each specialisation explores specific areas of clinical nursing, such as critical care concepts, acute and chronic conditions, and person- and family-centred care.

Course Structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing, a student must complete 40 credit points. The course structure includes specified units and clinical nursing units, with varying course maps depending on the commencement term.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent and hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Fees

The average first-year fee for the course is $4,768 for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). A 10% rebate on fees is offered to domestic ACU graduates enrolling in full fee-paying postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in clinical nursing in government and private healthcare facilities, depending on their chosen specialisation. Career opportunities include Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education, Clinical Leadership, and Community Nursing.

Further Study

The Faculty of Health Sciences also offers the National Immunisation Education Program for Health Professionals. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing may be eligible for further study, including master's degrees or research programs.

Inherent Requirements

There are essential components of the course that demonstrate capabilities, knowledge, and skills to achieve core learning outcomes. Students must be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete the course.

Staff Profile

The course is taught by experienced nursing academics, including Dr. Nancy Ming Zhang, who has years of experience in intensive care nursing and a strong commitment to student-centred collaborative approach.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

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Overview:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a leading Catholic university in Australia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its strong commitment to faith and values, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

ACU provides a comprehensive range of student services, including:

Academic Skills Development:

The Academic Skills Unit offers support in developing essential study skills, academic writing, referencing, maths and numeracy, and exam preparation.

Campus Ministry:

Provides spiritual guidance and support to students.

Career Development Services:

Offers career advice, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Connect2Uni:

Provides support and resources for first-year students.

Counselling Services:

Offers confidential counselling and support for students' mental health and wellbeing.

Disability Support:

Provides tailored support for students with disabilities.

Medical Centres:

Offers healthcare services on campus.

Student Advocacy:

Provides support and guidance to students facing academic or personal challenges.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Services:

Offers dedicated support and resources for Indigenous students.

Student Veterans Support Program:

Provides support and resources for students who have served in the military.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

ACU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with opportunities for students to:

Join clubs and societies:

Participate in a wide range of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Engage in creative and cultural activities:

Participate in various events and activities, including arts, music, and theatre.

Develop leadership skills:

Take advantage of leadership opportunities within clubs, societies, and student associations.

Participate in ACU Sport:

Access gyms, fitness classes, and sports facilities, and join sports clubs and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Catholic values and ethics:

ACU's commitment to faith and values creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Comprehensive student services:

Provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a diverse range of clubs, activities, and events to enhance the student experience.

Focus on practical skills and real-world application:

Emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge relevant to future careers.

Strong reputation and rankings:

ACU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia.

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Academic Programs:

ACU offers a wide range of academic programs across its four faculties:

Faculty of Education and Arts:

Offers programs in education, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Offers programs in nursing, medicine, psychology, and allied health.

Faculty of Law and Business:

Offers programs in law, business, and economics.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy:

Offers programs in theology, philosophy, and religious studies.

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Other:

ACU has campuses located in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield. It also offers a range of online programs through ACU Online.