Explore your study options
Step up to the challenge of practising in perioperative settings and graduate with the skills to provide high quality, ethical, patient-centred care. Build on your existing knowledge and learn the key concepts crucial to the application of nursing surgical patients. Clinical requirements mean you'll be learning while you study – working in your chosen specialty area will complement your theoretical studies with on the job learning.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Choose a perioperative nursing degree that will get you work ready
At Deakin there’s a clear connection between what you study and what lies ahead in your career. You’ll learn through valuable practical experiences, benefitting from our partnerships and research centres.
Benefit from partnerships
The school has strong partnerships with Australian metropolitan, rural and regional hospitals to deliver our specialist postgraduate degrees. You will be employed by a hospital partner and work a minimum of 24 hours a week for the duration of your course.
Improve patient care
Research at the school is conducted through our Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research and in partnership with several major healthcare providers. Our school is ranked 16th in the world,* and the school’s cutting-edge research is recognised as well above world standard.^
How to choose the right course for you
Deakin offers postgraduate courses in perioperative, perianaesthesia and intraoperative nursing at graduate certificate and graduate diploma levels.
The graduate certificate level includes core clinical units. Enrolment in these units requires clinical practice in the relevant specialty area. Please consult the unit requirements prior to enrolling.
- Core clinical units are semester based.
- Elective non-clinical units are trimester based.
You may also choose to specialise in any of these three specialty nursing areas as part of the Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing.
Are you new to this area of study?
If you haven't previously worked or studied in this area, you'll need to complete an undergraduate course in nursing before moving on to our specialised postgraduate programs. Browse the undergraduate offerings in some of our other nursing disciplines.
#16 in the world for nursing
Get a world-class education – we're renowned for our facilities, strong employment outcomes and teaching excellence. Graduate ready to provide high-quality patient care.
I've learnt sound theoretical knowledge which I have been able to take back to my clinical area and translate into practical skills with the guidance and support of my workplace clinical educator.
Amy Skiller
Postgraduate perioperative nursing graduate
Top roles in nursing
With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses and 12.1% for nurse managers by 2028,# there is an industry demand for nurses with sophisticated specialty skills. Deakin’s postgraduate nursing courses will enable you to meet that demand in a variety of roles. Depending on your chosen specialty area you can play a pivotal role in a multidisciplinary team as an:
- anaesthetic nurse
- circulating nurse
- instrument nurse
- post anaesthesia care unit nurse.
World-class teaching experiences
At Deakin, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to provide high-quality care to surgical patients.
Graduate in demand
Our teachers are committed to providing a supportive, personalised learning experience, ensuring you gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to meet the challenges of a dynamic healthcare system.
Practical experience
You'll get practical experience from the beginning of your course, to develop and consolidate knowledge and clinical skills, giving you a competitive advantage once you graduate.
Footnotes
*2023 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects.
^Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.
#Jobs and Skills Australia employment projections, May 2023 to May 2028.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
Contact us
Got a question about our perioperative nursing courses? Our expert advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online