Key facts
Duration
2 years part-time study
Note: this course is only available part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Each year, 2.8 million hospitalisations in Australia involve surgery, with perianaesthesia nurses essential to patient care before, during and after anaesthesia. Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing builds advanced specialist skills to meet demand in this critical care field.
Ranked #14 in the world for nursing, Deakin offers access to leading research, expert clinicians and strong industry connections. As the only Australian university offering dedicated perianaesthesia nursing, you will deepen your expertise in anaesthetic management, pharmacology and complex patient care.
You will develop advanced clinical judgement, leadership and decision-making for complex and emergency settings. Flexible online delivery supports study alongside work, preparing you for advanced roles in practice, leadership, education and research.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2027 close 29 January 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing
- Year
2027 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
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 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.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Perianaesthesia Nursing includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of course electives
- 1 credit point of level 7 open electives.
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.
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.
Note:
- Failure of a compulsory clinical component in a unit will normally lead to exclusion
- Students wishing to complete a thesis at the masters level, must complete HNN730 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning and HNN749 Patient and Risk Management during their Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in order to gain the Perianaesthesia Nursing Specialisation at the masters level
- Students with support from their collaborating hospital may take HNN740 Core Principles of Intraoperative Nursing Care as an elective. Approval from the collaborating hospital is required, as the unit must include a clinical rotation in Intraoperative Nursing and a clinical practice assessment. This unit is semester-based *.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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).
* Please see further information re HNN740
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.
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
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 perianaesthesia speciality areas (anaesthesia and Post Anaesthesia Care Unit) per semester.
Enrolment in a clinical intraoperative unit HNN740 Core Principles of Intraoperative Nursing Care 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
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
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.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) 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.
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)
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.
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
$29,400 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,908 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Deakin alumni discount
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 for Semester 1, 2027 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Applicant declaration
Applicants must complete the Applicant declaration as part of their application.
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
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
With job growth of 13.7% projected for registered nurses and 13.6% 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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate advanced clinical practice commensurate with perianaesthesia nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care. |
| Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe nursing care to patients in the perianaesthesia care setting. |
| Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant perianaesthesia care information to patients and/or the multidisciplinary team. |
| Identify, analyse and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform clinical decision making in the perianaesthesia care setting. |
| Apply advanced nursing knowledge to complex problems in the perianaesthesia care setting to optimise patient outcomes. |
| Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy as a perianaesthesia care nurse. |
| Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team. |
| Demonstrate accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
