Study a Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing at Curtin University
GC-CLINNU

Critical Care Nursing

Graduate certificate

Develop advanced knowledge and clinical proficiency in nursing critically ill patients.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year part-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    100
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Semester 1, 2024

1 May 2023

Applications now closed!

Semester 1, 2025

Applications now open!

6 February 2025

Course outline

Outline

Outline

The Critical Care Nursing specialisation is available to study as a graduate certificate and as part of the Master of Advanced Practice. It is designed for registered nurses who are interested in developing greater capabilities in complex clinical decision-making.

Specialist streams include:

  • Emergency
  • Intensive Care
  • Coronary Care
  • Paediatric Intensive Care
  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Paediatric Emergency*
  • High Dependency*

(*subject to availability)

Key components include: 

  • the core concepts and physiology of normal homeostatic function 
  • pathophysiology, pathogenesis and aetiology of conditions 
  • interventions and management strategies used to restore homeostasis.  

This specialisation also focuses on developing capabilities in complex clinical decision-making, clinical leadership, evidence-informed specialty practice, patient advocacy and holistic specialty practice. 

The Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing is offered as an online course studied on a part-time basis only, as concurrent employment is required. We recommend that you study one or two units per semester. 

Note: This Graduate Certificate is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.  

See our handbook for more course information.

What you'll learn

  • analyse critically, and evaluate advanced concepts of specialty nursing practice; integrate expert knowledge and integrated understanding to demonstrate competency at a level in accordance with specialty competency standards
  • critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise the environmental, physical and psychosocial aspects of the individual for effective clinical decision making; recognise own abilities and level of professional competence
  • investigate, analyse and synthesise complex evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making in specialty practice
  • integrate advanced communication skills within a legal and ethical framework related to complex clinical issues in area of specialty; interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • effectively anticipate, plan for and use complex technology applications relevant to specialty practice
  • integrate autonomous, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a lifelong learner in specialty practice; participate in research and critically appraise research findings and incorporate evidence based knowledge into clinical practice
  • critically appraise, evaluate and incorporate national and global health issues and strategic health care directions into specialty nursing practice
  • incorporate culturally aware and respectful specialty care to multicultural groups and indigenous communities
  • incorporate advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge and judgment, including advanced leadership and autonomy into specialty practice; work professionally in specialty practice demonstrating expert judgement, leadership and independence as a nurse in area of specialty; act as an experienced positive role model to peers and other members of the healthcare team

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Applicants must hold a bachelor degree and registration as a comprehensive or general nurse in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Prospective applicants should have a minimum of 12 months experience in a specialist area of practice, and must be concurrently employed in an approved area, working a minimum of 18-24 hours per week.

Application Requirements

Please refer to our application requirements before applying for our Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing (GC-CLINNU).

  • It’s important that you provide a Letter of Support from your employer.
  • Provide proof of professional registration
  • Provide a CV/resume
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$1,100*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

$13,302*

Domestic

Domestic

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • Online

2025

Semester 1
  • Online

2026

Semester 1
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: GC-CLINNU
  • Last updated on: 6 October 2024

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