Charles Darwin University
1 year
A postgraduate nursing qualification for registered nurses in acute medical settings to advance clinical expertise and leadership through evidence-based practice. Ideal for nurses seeking career advancement in management, education, or research roles.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent international qualification and current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Division 1 registered nurse. Current employment in a medical nursing context is required, with hospital-trained nurses with current registration also considered. Domestic students must meet standard English language proficiency requirements for higher education, with options including previous study in English, successful completion of Australian secondary schooling, or approved English test scores (IELTS 6.0, PTE 50, TOEFL 60, or CAE 169).
The course comprises 40 credit points of specialist elective units, with students selecting 4 units from the following options: NUR544 Cardiac Nursing, NUR545 Endocrinology Nursing, NUR546 Neurological Nursing, NUR547 Respiratory Nursing, and NUR548 Contemporary Renal Nursing. Each unit is valued at 10 credit points. The curriculum is carefully constructed to provide essential knowledge underpinning evidence-based practice, guided by current healthcare needs to gain advanced knowledge in medical nursing. Students develop expertise in their chosen specialisation while maintaining focus on safe patient care in mixed and specialised medical environments.
CDU is ranked #2 in Australia for postgraduate nursing starting salary and #3 for postgraduate nursing employment outcomes (GUG 2024), with #3 ranking for postgraduate learner engagement in nursing. The university delivers programs through passionate and expert lecturers guided by evidence, innovation and patient-centred care. CDU offers flexible study options (online, on campus, part-time or full-time), practical experience through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located around Australia, providing graduates with the academic knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently enter the workplace and deliver evidence-based care.
Graduating from this degree leads to career opportunities in public and private healthcare and hospitals in medical nursing. Completion of postgraduate education is essential for career advancement such as management, leadership, or education roles, as well as academic or research positions. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, students may choose to continue their studies in a Master of Nursing degree to further advance their qualifications and career prospects in nursing leadership and specialisation.
Course fee
Start date
You will be redirected to the training provider to enquire directly. Workinitiatives is not the course or training provider. We aggregate and list courses only.