Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Rural and Remote Nursing Practice

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Rural and Remote Nursing Practice is designed for registered nurses seeking to transition to rural and remote practice or to expand their rural practice expertise. This course provides essential, in-demand clinical training for unique rural healthcare settings.

Key Facts

• Award: Graduate Diploma in Rural and Remote Nursing Practice
• Start dates: LTU Term 2 (March 2026), LTU Term 3 (May 2026), LTU Term 4 (July 2026), LTU Term 5 (September 2026)
• Duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Online

About the Course

Develop specialised rural and remote nursing knowledge and equip yourself with the skills required to lead and support healthcare in rural and remote communities. Learn how to coordinate culturally safe, up-to-date, and evidence-based nursing care in rural and remote communities and develop the tools you need to make a real difference in rural healthcare.

Course Structure

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Rural and Remote Nursing Practice, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 1 year, including:

• 120 credit points from Core subjects
• 30 credit points from chosen Electives

Core Subjects

• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE
• AGEING IN PLACE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
• COMMUNICATION FOR RURAL NURSING PRACTICE
• COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH ASSESSMENT
• DIGITAL HEALTH FOR RURAL NURSING PRACTICE
• FOUNDATIONS OF URGENT CARE NURSING
• POPULATION HEALTH IN RURAL AUSTRALIA

Elective Subjects

A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines.

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of a recognised entry-level Registered Nursing degree (equivalent to an Australian Bachelor's degree).
• Must be registered as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and hold a current practising certificate.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this course will be highly employable as registered nurses in rural healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centres, hospices, aged care settings, and clinics.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees per year (2026): $28,600 per 120 credit points.
• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.
• Indicative CSP price: $4,738 per 120 credit points.
• Scholarships are available, including the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nursing Scholarships Program, La Trobe Greater China Digital Health Scholarship, and more.

How to Apply

The application process can vary depending on the course. Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes. You can apply for up to two postgraduate courses.