Key facts
Duration
1/2 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses by 2028,* there is strong demand for nurses to take on senior roles in this vital sector. Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing will help you meet this demand, preparing you to lead the way in driving positive patient outcomes across a variety of roles.
Study at one of Australia’s largest and most established nursing schools, ranked #14 in the world for nursing courses.^ You’ll learn from the best, with course subject matter informed by the School’s cutting-edge research, which is recognised as well above world standard.# Our strong industry connections, mean you will be guided by experts in nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of patients takes place.
Are you ready to take on a senior role in the growing nursing sector?
Study the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing to build on your existing clinical skills and to prepare yourself for a senior role in the nursing sector. This course has been flexibly designed to reflect current trends and allows you to gain a varied understanding of advanced nursing practice, without narrowing your focus to a singular specialty area. In addition to one core unit, you can select three elective units based around your interests and career goals.
During your core unit, you will critically examine clinical frameworks which govern patient safety and risk management, allowing you to better implement safe health care standards in your workplace. You can then tailor your electives to suit your goals, with units available which will prepare you for roles in management, education and research.
You will be challenged to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes.
Designed for postgraduate nursing students, our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience that will encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff allow you to study flexibly around your work and other commitments, without compromising quality or support.
Graduates are prepared to handle the contemporary challenges nurses may face with a course that responds to industry trends and demands. Plus, you will learn how to drive positive change in the nursing sector.
* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections.
^ 2025 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H575
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 1 credit point of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
- 1 credit point of open elective units
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Students are encouraged to select units based on interest and/or relevance to their clinical practice.
Core Units:
Intakes by location
This course commences in Trimester 1 (March) only. It is available to commence in March across all nominated locations.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Workload
As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions
- Registration as a registered nurse in the country of practice or equivalent and Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$14,700 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing, students have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below courses:
Career outcomes
With job growth of 13.9% projected for registered nurses and 23.1% for nurse managers by 2026,* there is an industry demand for nurses who can take on senior roles within healthcare settings. Depending on the units you have completed, your expertise will allow you to pursue a range of roles including:
- clinical nurse educator
- associate or unit manager
- research roles
*2021 Employment Outlook – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission.
Professional recognition
Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate advanced nursing practice commensurate with nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based and person-centred care. |
| Communication | Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of quality, safe nursing care. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant healthcare information to individuals, groups and/or the multidisciplinary team. |
| Critical thinking | Identify and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform evidence-based decision making. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to routine and complex problems to optimise health outcomes. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy. |
| Teamwork | Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships. |
| Global Citizenship | Display accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
