Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Stop infection in its tracks with specialist skills and knowledge.
Modern Australian healthcare is complex. Our registered nursing workforce are integral to its functioning by providing specialised care in the right place at the right time.
Studying our Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Infection Prevention and Control will help you take the next steps in your career in care. Enhance your knowledge of infection control nursing, microbiology, and epidemiology. Engage with lifelong learning and career development through collaborative and independent study, guided by industry-aligned academics.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Infection Prevention and Control is your opportunity to learn specialised skills and enhance your delivery in clinical practice.
This qualification reflects the diversity and needs of the modern nursing workforce. Advance your skills as a registered nurse by choosing this specialised path with set career outcomes in growing areas of key industry need. Utilise your skills and knowledge to contribute to controlling outbreaks and safeguarding community health.
Strengthen your clinical management skills to care for vulnerable patients. Examine current challenges in infection control and deepen your knowledge of infection control nursing, microbiology and epidemiology.
You’ll learn the skills to help improve safety standards and guide other healthcare professionals in best-practice infection control. Gain specialised expertise that can boost your career prospects and earning potential. Our graduate certificate can also support your pathway to leadership roles in healthcare.
Be better prepared to meet challenges and be a leader in the healthcare system. Use your enhanced skills to influence and inform your workplace and better understand your role within Australia’s healthcare system.
This qualification is designed for working professionals. You’ll graduate with the skills to step into much-needed advanced clinical practice roles and make a difference in your role.
Key features
Learn how medical devices are cleaned, decontaminated and sterilised.- Develop clinical management skills for caring for patients with infections and infectious diseases.
- Explore contemporary issues in infection control.
- Apply your studies into your current workplace.
- Learn about infection diagnosis, transmission, and surveillance.
- Use this degree to continue into a higher qualification like a graduate diploma or master’s program.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Infection Prevention and Control is a flexible qualification available for part time study. This program is studied online with no requirements to attend in person. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Led by industry-aligned academics, each subject area includes both the theory behind your topic as well as how it applies in clinical practice.
Over one year of part-time study, you’ll complete two courses:
- Infection Control Nursing
- Microbiology & Epidemiology.
In your first semester, you’ll focus on nursing and medical science in the context of infection control. Examine the importance of cleaning, decontaminating and sterilising medical devices. You’ll also build skills in patient clinical management and consider key issues affecting infection control today.
In semester two, you’ll expand your knowledge of microbiology and explore the epidemiology of common infectious diseases in Australia. You’ll also look at the role of infection control nurses in education and disease surveillance, along with infection diagnosis, transmission and monitoring.
Graduate with the knowledge and confidence to work in senior and specialist positions in infection control.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Infection Prevention and Control
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.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
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
Microbiology in Practice
|
Course code
BIOL5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5106
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
|
Course code
NURS5017
|
Units
6
|
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
Nursing is a rewarding, challenging and constantly changing profession. By embracing further study, you can shape a lifelong career that grows with you. By upskilling with a Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Infection Prevention and Control, you’ll be able to meet patient needs when and where they matter most. You’ll be ready to take the next step in your career as a specialist registered nurse.
You could lead the education of healthcare teams on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Or plan and deliver infection prevention programs that protect entire communities. You might guide infection control teams and shape strategies that keep healthcare facilities safe.
Your career could take you into other roles such as:
- Infection control nurse
- Infection prevention and control manager
- Public health specialist
- Infection control educator
- Quality improvement specialist.
You could work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health services or home healthcare, making a real difference wherever you go.
Industry trends
The COVID-19 pandemic re-shaped the healthcare system and placed infection control in the spotlight like never before.
As healthcare systems continue adapting to emerging threats, infection control nurses play a critical role in leading safety protocols, managing outbreaks and educating health teams.
The pandemic highlighted the need for advanced skills in surveillance, rapid response and prevention strategies. These capabilities are now essential, not only for managing COVID-19 but for preparing healthcare services for future infectious risks.
This shift has created strong demand for graduates with specialised infection control expertise, ready to step into influential roles across the sector.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Ask 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
This program is offered online only.
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.
