Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Strengthen your impact as a nursing professional.
Nurse educators shape the future of health care by teaching the next generation of nurses. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, this program gives experienced nurses the knowledge and confidence to move into teaching and leadership roles. Whether you want to guide students in the classroom, support graduates in clinical placements or develop workplace education programs, this certificate will prepare you to step into that role with impact.
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Nursing Education will strengthen your expertise in health professional education, preparing you to support the next generation of nurses.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Nursing Education at Adelaide University equips you to inspire and prepare future nurses. You’ll study contemporary approaches to adult learning, curriculum planning and assessment in health care. You’ll also gain insight into leadership and the practical skills needed to run effective clinical teaching sessions.
This program is designed for practising nurses and combines theory with practical learning so you can strengthen your role as a mentor and educator. Fit study around your life with online and part-time study options.
You'll be well prepared for positions in hospitals, universities, community health services and professional organisations, where you can play a crucial part in educating the nursing workforce of the future.
Key features
Develop specialised skills in nursing education for clinical and tertiary settings.- Apply evidence-based teaching practices and curriculum design strategies.
- Balance study with professional commitments through flexible online learning.
- Advance your career with a pathway to further postgraduate study in nursing.
- Learn from experienced academics and connect with industry leaders.
- Enhance your leadership, mentoring and assessment capabilities in healthcare education.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Nursing Education equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills to teach and mentor others in healthcare. You will explore key educational concepts and theories while learning how to apply them in both clinical and tertiary education settings.
Your studies focus on learning and teaching, teaching strategies, and educational assessment. You’ll develop a thorough understanding of how people learn and how to design, deliver and evaluate effective learning experiences. You will also gain practical skills to implement teaching strategies in real-world clinical environments and classroom settings.
Courses will explore areas such as:
- Foundations of teaching and learning in health education
- Implementing teaching and learning in health education.
You’ll be guided through planning, facilitating, and assessing learning programs. Learn to select and adapt teaching approaches to suit different learners and contexts and build confidence in assessing student progress and competency.
By graduation, you will have the expertise to mentor new nursing graduates, support continuing professional development, and contribute to the education of nursing teams. This qualification prepares you to take on education and leadership roles while positively impacting the quality of nursing practice and patient care.
Specialisations
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Acute Nursing
- Critical Care
- Mental Health
- Perioperative Nursing.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Education
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 for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5038
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5039
|
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 Nursing Education at Adelaide University are well prepared to take on teaching and mentoring roles within healthcare. You could work as a clinical educator in a hospital or health service, guiding nursing teams and supporting student placements. Or perhaps you’ll move into a university or technical college role, delivering curriculum and assessing future nurses. You might also focus on professional development, designing and running workplace training programs to strengthen staff skills and improve patient care.
This specialisation equips you with the knowledge and confidence to influence the next generation of nurses, lead educational initiatives, and contribute to evidence-based practice.
By combining your clinical experience with advanced educational expertise, you will enhance learning outcomes for both students and staff while advancing your own career into leadership or academic pathways.
Industry trends
Australia’s healthcare system is projected to face a shortfall of over 70,000 nurses by 2035, highlighting the growing demand for skilled educators to train the next generation (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal, 2024).
The National Nursing Workforce Strategy guides long-term reforms to address workforce sustainability, diversity and planning, emphasising the critical role of nurse educators in shaping future practice (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2024).
By undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Nursing Education, you gain the expertise to respond to these workforce challenges. You’ll be equipped to support professional development, mentor new nurses, and contribute to building a strong, adaptable nursing workforce across hospitals, universities and community health services.
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.
