Master of Critical Care Nursing

Master degrees from the likes of Griffith University and others provide the chance to learn a great deal about the discipline over the course of one to four years. Duration can depend upon a variety of factors.

• Whether or not students are registered nurses already.
• Whether or not they hold postgraduate qualifications (graduate certificates or diplomas).
• Whether or not they have work experience.

Students can embark upon one of two pathways: coursework or dissertation. Each can direct a graduate’s future career.

Coursework pathway

This option provides an in-depth look at practical skills graduates will need for work in the field. The University of Sydney lists a variety of detailed units in creating a culture of safety, interpersonal relations, simulation based learning, foundations of clinical practice and the fundamentals delivered in graduate certificates and diplomas. It’s an ideal way to prepare yourself for working in an ICU.  

Dissertation pathway

This option is a great way to gain excellent research and analytical skills that can be utilised to better the field of critical care nursing. Students can expect to learn the foundations of research inquiry in addition to some of the practices learned in the coursework stream. Their second year is then spent on a large dissertation on a research topic of choice.

Employment options

The employment options specified here are valid options for critical care nursing students. However, it is advisable to remember that employment is contingent upon registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia combined with a bachelor of nursing. It is not reliant upon postgraduate study of critical care nursing, although this line of study is invaluable for gaining insight into proper conduct regarding this highly sensitive nursing specialisation. Given these qualifications, graduates can find themselves ideally suited to careers in intensive care units (ICUs) around the country in addition to companies like Innovative Intensive Home Care nursing services.

Scholarships and funding

Scholarships for Clinical Placement in a Hospital Emergency Department are an excellent opportunity to gain both work experience and $23,000. These scholarships are provided by the Australian government; they are well worth applying for, especially considering most other disciplines have no such equivalent. General scholarships are also available here, but tend not to offer as much financially nor experientially due to their ubiquity. They are, however, valid options should applicants fail to acquire one of these government opportunities.

Prerequisites and selection process

The minimum requirement for these courses tends to be a bachelor of nursing with a credit GPA (65%). However, the course duration can be lowered from two years to a single year if students have completed a graduate diploma or certificate in critical care nursing. Being a registered nurse can also hasten course completion.

You can apply to become a registered nurse at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia here.