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Deakin University

  • 21% international / 79% domestic

Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing

  • Graduate Certificate

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.

Key details

Degree Type
Graduate Certificate
Course Code
H575

About this course

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.

Career pathways

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
  • clinical nurse specialist
  • research roles

* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing students must attain total of 4 credit points. Students must complete 1 core (compulsory) unit, plus 3 credit points of electives, of which 2 must be from the course electives. Students are encouraged to select units based on interest and/or relevance to their clinical practice. The remaining 1 elective

can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Credit for prior study or work

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Students holding an approved specialist certificate from the former Nurses Board of Victoria may apply for up to four credit points of Recognition of prior learning towards the Masters.