Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2025 course information

Award granted Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing
Deakin course codeH575
Faculty

Faculty of Health

CampusThis course is only offered Online
OnlineYes
Duration

1/2 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Course Map - enrolment planning tool

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses by 2028,* there is strong demand for nurses to take on senior roles in this vital sector. Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing will help you meet this demand, preparing you to lead the way in driving positive patient outcomes across a variety of roles.

Study at one of Australia’s largest and most established nursing schools, ranked #16 in the world for nursing courses.^ You’ll learn from the best, with course subject matter informed by the School’s cutting-edge research, which is recognised as well above world standard.# Our strong industry connections, mean you will be guided by experts in nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of patients takes place.

Are you ready to take on a senior role in the growing nursing sector?

Study the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing to build on your existing clinical skills and to prepare yourself for a senior role in the nursing sector. This course has been flexibly designed to reflect current trends and allows you to gain a varied understanding of advanced nursing practice, without narrowing your focus to a singular specialty area. In addition to one core unit, you can select three elective units based around your interests and career goals.

During your core unit, you will critically examine clinical frameworks which govern patient safety and risk management, allowing you to better implement safe health care standards in your workplace. You can then tailor your electives to suit your goals, with units available which will prepare you for roles in management, education and research.

You will be challenged to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes.

Designed for postgraduate nursing students, our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience that will encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff allow you to study flexibly around your work and other commitments, without compromising quality or support.

Graduates are prepared to handle the contemporary challenges nurses may face with a course that responds to industry trends and demands. Plus, you will learn how to drive positive change in the nursing sector.

* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections.
^ 2023 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.

Indicative student workload

As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.

Professional recognition

Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance.

Career opportunities

With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses and 12.1% for nurse managers by 2028* there is an industry demand for nurses who can take on senior roles within healthcare settings. Depending on the units you have completed, your expertise will allow you to pursue a range of roles including:

  • clinical nurse educator
  • associate or unit manager
  • research roles

* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections

Pathways

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Demonstrate advanced nursing practice commensurate with nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based and person-centred care.

Communication

Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of quality, safe nursing care.

Digital literacy

Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant healthcare information to individuals, groups and/or the multidisciplinary team.

Critical thinking

Identify and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform evidence-based decision making.

Problem solving

Apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to routine and complex problems to optimise health outcomes.

Self-management

Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy.

Teamwork

Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships.

Global Citizenship

Display accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing students must pass 4 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate: 

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
  • 1 credit point of core units
  • 2 credit points of course electives
  • 1 credit point of open electives

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary. 

Note:

  • Students are encouraged to select units based on interest and/or relevance to their clinical practice.

Course structure

Core Units:

HNN749Patient Safety and Risk Management

Course Electives:

HND701Pathophysiology of Diabetes

HND702Management of Diabetes

HND731Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education

HND732Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts

HNN714Ethical Dimensions in Nursing

HNN715Leadership and Management in Nursing

HNN730Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning

HNN754Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' History, Culture and Health

HNN761Biopsychosocialspiritual Mental Health Nursing Assessment

HNN762Person-Centred Approaches to Engagement in Mental Health Nursing

HNN771Facilitating Clinical Learning

HNN772Healthcare in Low Resource/Complex Environments

HNN773Healthcare Management of Vulnerable Populations

HNN780Quality and Safety in Medication Management

HNN781Therapeutic Medication Management

HNN782Recognising and Understanding Mental Illness

HNN783Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing

HNN789The Physical Health Needs of Persons with Mental Illness

HNN790Sustaining the Mental Health Nursing Workforce

IND734Australian Aboriginal Holistic Health and Healing


Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.