Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Play a vital role in supporting patients through some of their most challenging moments.
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Acute Nursing is designed for registered nurses working in medical, surgical and high acuity settings who want to strengthen their expertise and prepare for senior roles.
With flexible online learning, the program is especially valuable for nurses in rural or remote areas. You’ll expand your knowledge of acute care while building advanced skills in ethics, leadership, cultural competence and evidence-based practice.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Acute Nursing gives you the expertise and confidence to respond to patients with urgent and complex needs across hospital and critical care settings. You’ll develop the skills needed to manage high-pressure situations, lead care decisions and support recovery during critical moments.
This degree is created for practising professionals. It not only strengthens your clinical expertise but also contributes to safer and more effective health care for the wider community. Balance study with work and personal commitments through flexible online and part-time options. Learn through a mix of self-directed study, interactive workshops with peers and collaborative projects in your current workplace.
By improving patient outcomes in acute care, you’ll be helping families and communities through some of their most difficult times.
Key features
Advance your expertise in managing patients with complex and urgent health conditions.- Focus your learning on acute nursing practice across emergency, surgical and medical settings.
- Gain skills you can apply immediately in high-pressure clinical environments.
- Study part-time and online while continuing your professional work.
- Learn from experienced clinicians and connect with peers working in acute care.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further postgraduate study.
What you'll learn
In the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Acute Nursing at Adelaide University, you will gain advanced knowledge and practical skills to care for patients in complex and rapidly changing environments. A strong emphasis is placed on the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient, recognising the importance of communication, empathy and trust in achieving the best outcomes.
Across six courses, including three with a direct focus on acute care, you will explore the latest theories, debates and issues that shape modern nursing practice. You will examine professional responsibilities such as accountability, ethics, advocacy, leadership and cultural competence, preparing you to manage the challenges of contemporary healthcare.
The program also develops your ability to engage with research and apply evidence-based practice in clinical settings. This means you will graduate with the confidence to assess new information, make informed decisions and contribute to improved patient outcomes.
By combining theory with real-world application, the degree supports you to refine your skills while building a deeper understanding of acute nursing and its impact on patients, families and the wider community.
Specialisations
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is also available with specialisations in the following:
· Critical Care
· Mental Health
· Nursing Education
· Perioperative Nursing.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Acute Nursing
Program code: GCNUR
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses, or
- 24 units for Electives, or
- 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses, or
- 24 units for Electives, or
- 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 units from Core selectives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5067
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Oncology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5019
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Allergy Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5064
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Nephrology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5065
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Palliative Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5073
|
Units
12
|
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5023
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5062
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Prescribing for clinicians
|
Course code
NURS5103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice
|
Course code
NURS5105
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5106
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding
|
Course code
NURS5108
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Maternal, Child and Family Health
|
Course code
NURS5109
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
|
Course code
NURS5110
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
|
Course code
NURS5124
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS5171
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
|
Course code
NURS6904
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS6905
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Acute Nursing at Adelaide University are well prepared for a wide range of roles in fast-paced clinical settings. This qualification equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills that support critically ill patients during their most vulnerable moments.
You could work in a hospital emergency department, responding to patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Or perhaps you’ll take a role in an intensive care unit, monitoring patients and providing complex care with precision and confidence. You might also find yourself in a high-dependency ward, where your expertise ensures patients receive the close observation and treatment they need.
This specialisation can also open doors to leadership and advanced clinical practice roles, where you could help guide teams and improve outcomes for patients requiring urgent care. Wherever you work, your ability to act decisively in critical situations will make a profound difference in patient care.
Industry trends
By 2035, Australia is expected to face a shortfall of more than 70,000 full-time equivalent nurses, with the acute care sector alone projected to require 26,665 additional nurses to meet demand (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 2024). To address this, the National Nursing Workforce Strategy has been launched, which aims to guide nursing workforce reform through long-term planning, professional development, and support for rural and remote practitioners (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2024).
This rising demand highlights an urgent need for well-qualified acute care nurses. By studying at Adelaide University, you’ll be prepared to play a vital role in strengthening emergency and critical care services where and when they’re needed most.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
