Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Step into the heart of surgical care.
Perioperative nurses play a critical role in supporting patients through some of their most challenging moments. From the operating theatre to recovery, their work demands focus, teamwork and compassion in equal measure.
This graduate certificate is designed for nurses who want to deepen their expertise in perioperative care and prepare for advanced roles. It offers the chance to build confidence in a highly specialised area, while continuing to contribute to the health of your community. Flexible online study allows you to grow your career without putting it on hold, making this pathway especially valuable for nurses balancing work, life and professional development.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing, is designed to advance your skills in one of healthcare’s most demanding and rewarding areas. Perioperative nurses are vital members of surgical teams, providing expert care before, during and after surgery. This program gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your practice in this specialised field.
You’ll gain insight into the challenges and responsibilities of perioperative nursing, while developing leadership, ethical awareness and confidence in evidence-based decision-making. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online and part-time options so you can study while continuing your career.
Through focused study and engagement with experienced academics and peers, you’ll be equipped to make a greater impact in surgical settings. On graduation, you’ll be ready to step into advanced clinical practice roles and play an even stronger part in supporting patients through critical stages of their healthcare journey.
Key features
Advance your expertise as a registered nurse in perioperative care.- Focus your studies through six courses, including two in perioperative practice.
- Explore key professional issues such as ethics, advocacy, leadership and cultural competence.
- Strengthen your ability to engage with current debates in surgical nursing.
- Develop skills in research and evidence-based practice.
- Study flexibly online and part-time while applying learning directly to your workplace.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing is a flexible qualification designed for part-time study, allowing you to advance your career while continuing to work. This program focuses on the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required in perioperative nursing, preparing you for advanced roles in surgical settings.
You’ll explore the specialised theory behind perioperative care, including patient preparation, intraoperative support and post-operative recovery, and learn how to apply this knowledge directly in clinical practice. The program also emphasises professional issues such as accountability, ethics, leadership, advocacy and cultural competence, ensuring you are equipped to provide safe, ethical and high-quality care.
Led by academics with strong clinical experience, you’ll engage in evidence-based learning that enhances both your critical thinking and research skills. The program supports the development of advanced clinical decision-making and the ability to respond effectively to complex surgical scenarios.
You’ll also benefit from flexible study options, allowing you to fit your learning around work commitments. By the end of the program, you’ll have consolidated essential perioperative competencies and gained the confidence to step into senior clinical roles, influence practice in the operating theatre, and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
Specialisations
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Acute Nursing
- Critical Care
- Education
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Mental Health.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative 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
Perioperative Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5066
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Circulating and Instrument Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5014
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Anaesthetics and PACU Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5015
|
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
Perioperative nursing offers a highly specialised and rewarding pathway within healthcare. By completing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing at Adelaide University, you’ll strengthen the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, high-quality care before, during and after surgery.
You might work in an operating theatre, assisting with complex surgical procedures and supporting patients through critical moments. Or you could take on a senior role in a day surgery unit, coordinating care and guiding junior staff. Perhaps you’ll join a private surgical practice, where your expertise ensures patients are well supported from admission to recovery.
This qualification also provides a foundation for further study, enabling progression to further postgraduate study. With enhanced expertise in perioperative practice, graduates are prepared to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes across surgical settings in both public and private healthcare.
Industry trends
With demand for surgical services on the rise, perioperative nursing continues to grow in importance across Australia. The Department of Health’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study (2023–35) projects a shortfall of some 70,700 full-time nurses by 2035, including in acute and perioperative domains (Nursing Supply and Demand Study, Australian Government, 2023).
Meanwhile, the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN), the peak specialist body, continues to advance professional standards and support ongoing professional development for theatre nurses (Australian College of Perioperative Nurses, 2025).
Together, shifting workforce needs and strengthening industry frameworks signal rising opportunity and rising responsibility for perioperative nursing professionals.
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.
