Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (Acute Care Nursing)

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing (Acute Care Nursing) is a postgraduate-level nursing qualification with specialisation, designed to enhance nurses' skills and knowledge in acute care settings. This course is offered online and includes a requirement to work in a critical care setting under supervision while studying the course for at least two days each week.

Course Aims

The course aims to transform students' patient care into an international standard by sharpening the theoretical foundations of nursing science, together with clinical knowledge and skills.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, an applicant is required to:

• Have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or an equivalent qualification
• or 3 years Diploma of Nursing leading to Registered Nurses in home country having one year of work experience.
• Be an AHPRA registered nurse; or
• Be a registered nurse with the Nurses’ Board/Council from the country of origin or place of residence

English Language Proficiency Entry Requirements has to be met by the student

Course Structure and Delivery

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing course consists of a total of three units. One core unit and 2 specialisation units.

Units

Course Start Dates

Fees and Charges

• Online: Total Tuition Fee: AUD $8,000
• Administration* (Non-Tuition) Fee: AUD $250 (Non Refundable)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the admission requirements for the course?
   • Have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or an equivalent qualification
   • or 3 years Diploma of Nursing leading to Registered Nurses in home country having one year of work experience.
   • Be an AHPRA registered nurse; or
   • Be a registered nurse with the Nurses’ Board/Council from the country of origin or place of residence
2. Can I apply for the program if I have a nursing degree from a different country?
   • If you have a current, valid nursing registration in your home country and meet the course’s admission requirements, you are qualified to apply for the program.
3. Can I pursue the program on a part-time basis?
   • The course is intended for registered nurses who are already in practise, thus you will have the choice between studying full time or part time.
4. Are there any specific specialisations options within the program?
   • The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing does, in fact, offer a choice of 13 different areas of specialisation. Nurses have the choice to select their areas of speciality depending on their prior experience as well as their areas of interest.
5. What are the career prospects after completing the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing?
   • Many nurses choose to study this course at IHM to upskill their qualifications and meet the nursing registration requirements set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). By obtaining an advanced nursing qualification, nurses can fulfill the criteria set by AHPRA for registration as an advanced practice nurse or for other specialised nursing roles.
6. Are there any clinical placements or practical components included in the program?
   • The course does not include specific clinical placements or practical components as part of the course curriculum. However, it is recommended that students have access to a clinical specialty area relevant to their studies during the course.
7. How much does the program cost, and are there any scholarships or financial aid options available?
   • The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing program at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM) has a course fee of $8,000. IHM provides a convenient payment plan option for eligible students to manage their tuition fees. Additionally, IHM offers several scholarship opportunities:
     • Upfront Payment Scholarship: Students who choose to pay the full course fees upfront are eligible for a 10% scholarship, reducing the fee to $7,200.
     • Alumni Scholarship: IHM also extends a 10% scholarship specifically for alumni students who enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing program. This scholarship recognizes the ongoing education and professional growth of IHM alumni.
8. What is the mode of instruction for the program? Is it offered online or in-person?
   • The program is designed to be completed through online learning, allowing students to engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments remotely. This online mode of instruction provides flexibility and convenience, enabling students to study at their own pace and from their preferred location.
9. Are there any prerequisite courses or knowledge required for admission into the program?
   • Valid Nursing Registration: All students interested in studying the program must possess a valid nursing registration either in Australia or their home country. This registration ensures that students have met the necessary qualifications and criteria to practice as a nurse.
   • Work Experience for Diploma Holders: Nurses with a three-year diploma in nursing qualification who are interested in pursuing the program must have a minimum of one year of work experience. This work experience is necessary to establish equivalence to a bachelor’s degree and meet the educational requirements for admission.
10. Are there any exams or assignments?
    • Yes, all the subjects include online assessments and quizzes. However, none of the examinations need your physical presence. This may be accomplished from the comfort of your own home with good preparation and active participation in the course delivery.
11. Can I continue my studies and pursue a higher degree after completing the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing?
    • Absolutely! After completing the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM), you could further your studies and pursue a higher degree in nursing.
12. Can I enrol in this programme with a diploma in nursing instead of a bachelor’s degree?
    • Yes, Registered Nurses who hold a current nursing registration and have completed a three-year diploma programme in nursing are eligible to participate in the programme. Students who have a diploma in nursing for three years and are interested in continuing their education through the programme are required to have a minimum of one year of professional experience. This job experience is required to establish bachelor’s degree equivalency and fulfil admission requirements.
13. Is attendance required for live sessions?
    • While we encourage students to participate in the live sessions for an interactive learning experience, attendance for live sessions is not mandatory.
14. Is it necessary to have IELTS, PTE, or OET to enrol?
    • No, IHM has an English Waiver policy in place that takes into consideration various factors related to language proficiency.
15. I don’t have a nursing background; can I still apply to this programme?
    • No, having a nursing background is typically a mandatory requirement to apply for Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing program. A nursing registration certificate is usually necessary to demonstrate that you have completed the necessary education and training to practice as a nurse.
16. Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement to enrol in the class?
    • Not at all; participants of any age are welcome to take this course. If a student is a nurse and meets the program’s entry requirements, they are eligible to apply and attend the programme at any age.
17. Is it possible to directly register as a nurse in Australia after completing this course?
    • Completing this course does not directly lead to registration as a nurse in Australia. However, the program provides a postgraduate-level nursing qualification with specialisation, which can enhance nurses’ skills and knowledge in a specific area of nursing practice.
18. Is this programme recognised by any accrediting bodies?
    • The programme has been accredited by Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
19. How many units are there in the course?
    • The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing program at IHM consists of three units, including one core unit and two specialisation units.
20. Is the course recognised in countries other than Australia?
    • Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing program at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM) is recognized globally. Australian qualifications, including those accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), are widely accepted and respected internationally.
21. If I take a break in my nursing job, will it still be possible for me to join in the course?
    • Absolutely! Nurses who have taken a break from their nursing job are still welcome to join the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing program at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM). In fact, pursuing postgraduate qualifications, such as this course, can be a valuable way for nurses to maintain and enhance their skills, knowledge, and professional development during career gaps.
22. Are there any face-to-face exams that require the student to physically be present at an examination centre?
    • This course does not require students to physically attend an examination center for face-to-face exams. All assessments, including online assignments and quizzes, can be completed entirely online.