Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Gerontological Nursing)

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Gerontological Nursing) aims to enhance the practice of health care professionals by expanding the breadth and depth of their knowledge and skills. 

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Gerontological Nursing) should have:

LO1: A body of knowledge that includes the reflection, analysis and evaluation of recent developments in their area of professional practice;

LO2: Cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice; and

LO3: Technical and communication skills to design, evaluate implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing is designed to expand your knowledge and skills in clinical nursing and practice. You can choose either correctional health, gerontological nursing, renal or medical as your clinical specialisation. You will develop your holistic care skills in specialty practice, including person- and family-centred health promotion. Specific knowledge in the areas of bioscience, pharmacology, and lifespan development, relevant to your chosen specialty, will also be explored and applied to your clinical nursing practice.

Older persons require a multi-faceted approach to care and the gerontological specialisation will support you to undertake risk assessment, clinical decision-making and to implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure the delivery of quality and safe person-centred care to older persons

This course also offers specialisations in the following areas:

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Correctional Health)

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Renal)

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Medical)

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to follow the pattern of subject enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 4 subjects from Schedule of Unit Offerings comprising of:

• 2 subjects from Specified Clinical Nursing Units; and
• 2 subject from Specialisation units.

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Gerontological Nursing):

Specified Clinical Nursing Units

• NRSG524 Advanced Pathophysiology for Specialty Nursing Practice (10cp)
• NRSG525 Evdence-based, Person-centred Family Care in Specialty Nursing Practice (10cp)

Specialisation unts:

• NRSG528 Gerontological Nursing: Promoting Health and Wellness in Older Persons (10cp)
• NRSG529 Gerontological Nursing: Comprehensive Care for Older Persons (10cp)

Award requirements

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 40 cp from the schedule of subject offerings.

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Indicative total fee $10,540

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

Explore ACU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing, an applicant must:

a) have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent;

b) hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

International English Language Testing System - Academic (IELTS): Overall score: 6.5 with an individual score of 6.0 in all tests

Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills

Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL): Internet based total of 79 with a minimum of 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening

ACU English Language Test: B (65-74%

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): Overall CAE of 176 with a minimum individual score of 169 in all test areas.

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. Speak to your course consultant for more information or to discuss your eligibility. ACU will consider requests for advanced standing based on prior studies to a maximum equivalence of 2 subjects (20cp).