Key facts
Duration
2 years part-time study
Note: this course is only available part-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Every year, 2.8 million hospitalisations in Australia result in surgical interventions*. Integral to these interventions are the perianaesthesia nurses providing care and support before, during and after the administration of anaesthesia. The advanced specialist skills required for this pivotal role in a multidisciplinary perioperative team are in high demand, in one of the strongest growth areas of the health sector~. Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia prepares you to meet that demand.
Ranked #15 in the world^, our School of Nursing and Midwifery is one of Australia’s largest and most established schools. You’ll be learning from the best with the School’s cutting-edge research recognised as well above world standard#. Our strong industry connections mean you will be guided by experts in critical care and perioperative nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which perianaesthesia nursing takes place.
Are you ready to play a pivotal role in a multidisciplinary perioperative team by advancing your skills in perianaesthesia nursing?
If you want to take the next step in your nursing career, our Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia prepares you to practise effectively at an advanced practice level. As a graduate you will demonstrate ethical, safe, high quality, expert clinical decision-making abilities within a multidisciplinary team, and psychomotor skills commensurate with specialised theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care.
Deakin’s strong industry connections ensure a high level of collaboration and support during your clinical practice. This means that while you study you can immerse yourself in your speciality nursing practice area with one of our numerous metropolitan, rural and regional health partners across Australia.
This course enables you to:
- critically assess and apply the concepts and principles of anaesthetic management and postoperative care
- develop an advanced understanding of pharmacological therapies, including anaesthetic agents, adjunct therapies and pain management therapies
- perform patient assessment and monitoring of neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory and haemodynamic states
- manage complex and special populations to identify risk and inform decisions that deliver safe, high-quality nursing care to promote optimal patient outcomes
- assess and manage anaesthetic requirements for complex patients and emergency presentations
- demonstrate skills in advanced monitoring and postoperative anaesthesia care following complex and specialty surgery
- develop greater decision-making autonomy, critical thinking and leadership skills, advanced clinical judgement, and enhanced professionalism.
Elective units available from your first year enable you to pursue specific areas of interest aligned to your career goals. You can choose from complementary areas of practice to perianaesthesia, or undertake studies preparing you for roles in education, leadership or management. You’ll also have the opportunity to select a unit from anywhere across the university, further expanding your skill set.
Our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience that is designed for postgraduate nursing students. Live-streaming seminars and class discussions encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff means you can learn at your own pace, when and where it suits you, without compromising quality or support.
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. Perianaesthesia nurses are in strong demand as they are an integral part of the multidisciplinary teams that support patients through their surgical experience.
* Australia’s hospitals at a glance 2022 – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Australian Government (2022)
^ 2024 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects.
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.
~ Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections
Course information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H669
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing, you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of course elective units
- 1 credit point of level 7 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:
- The perianaesthesia nursing specialisation units (HNN755 Core Principles of Perianaesthesia Nursing Care and HNN742 Principles of Complex Perianaesthesia Nursing Care) are completed in year 1 of the course and are semester-based delivery
- Failure of a compulsory clinical component in a unit will normally lead to exclusion
- Both the theoretical and clinical components of the assessment for each unit must be passed in order to successfully gain an overall pass in this course. Compulsory clinical hurdles form part of the assessment of this course. Recognition of the importance of clinical assessments is calculated in the overall student workload
Core units
Year 1 - Semester 1
Plus 1 credit point course elective or specialisation unit
Year 1 - Semester 2
Plus 1 credit point course elective or specialisation unit
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus 1 credit point course elective or specialisation unit
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Plus 1 credit point from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university or two Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
Course Electives
* Please see further information re HNN740
Perianaesthesia Specialisation
Perianaesthesia Specialisation in Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing
Stackable short courses
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.
Intakes by location
This course commences in Semester 1 only. It is available across all nominated locations.
Semester 1 - February
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Online
Clinical practice
To undertake this course you must independently secure employment of at least 24 hours per week in a perianaesthesia care setting within a collaborating hospital in Australia.
Clinical requirement
Clinical practice with perianesthesia speciality areas (anaesthesia and Post Anaesthesia Care Unit) per semester.
Enrolment in a clinical intraoperative unit HNN740 as an elective (semester 1 only) requires additional clinical practice in intraoperative nursing roles (instrument/circulating nurse) and evidence of support from employing health service.
Core clinical certificate units in this course are semester based. Students are expected to attend synchronous seminars on Wednesdays throughout the semester.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
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.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
- registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with no conditions or restrictions
- evidence of secure, ongoing employment of at least 24 hours per week in a collaborating hospital within Australia, working in a relevant speciality practice area with appropriate clinical supervision
English language proficiency requirements
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) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
As the specialisation pathways courses are offered collaboratively between the University and a range of partnership/collaborating hospitals, student selection into the course is a joint process. Students must independently apply for and seek permanent employment within a collaborating hospital to support and provide a sound clinical learning environment for the clinical program requirements of the course.
Applicants are required to complete an Applicant Declaration form to be uploaded with their application.
Admissions information
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
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year 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. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
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 fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Applicants must complete the Applicant declaration as part of their application.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing, students have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below course:
H771 Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
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. Our Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing will allow you to meet that demand in a variety of roles across advanced practice, leadership and management.
~ Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections
Professional recognition
Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance for postgraduate qualifications relevant to their practice.
Course learning outcomes
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 clinical practice commensurate with perianaesthesia nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care. |
| Communication | Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe nursing care to patients in the perianaesthesia care setting. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant perianaesthesia care information to patients and/or the multidisciplinary team. |
| Critical thinking | Identify, analyse and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform clinical decision making in the perianaesthesia care setting. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced nursing knowledge to complex problems in the perianaesthesia care setting to optimise patient outcomes. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy as a perianaesthesia care nurse. |
| Teamwork | Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. |
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Footnotes
* 2024 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects
^ 2021 Employment Outlook - for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018