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    GC-WOCP

    Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice

    Graduate certificate

    Develop a professional career in an area of rapidly increasing need for Australia’s ageing population.

    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice
    • 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, 2026

    21 April 2025

    Applications now closed!

    Semester 1, 2027

    1 May 2026

    8 January 2027

    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice specialisation is available to study as a graduate certificate and as part of the Master of Advanced Practice. This specialisation responds to the increasing need for specialist nursing practice in the prevention and management of patients with acute or chronic wounds, ostomies and incontinence. 

    Key components include: 

    • core concepts and pathophysiological processes of diseases and injuries relevant to wound, ostomy and continence 
    • advanced knowledge of assessment, management and healing 
    • clinical decision-making, evidence-informed specialty practice, patient advocacy and holistic specialty practice. 

    You will also complete two weeks of speciality clinical practice that includes a focus on interprofessional learning and collaboration. 

    The Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice is offered on a part-time basis only and is available in semester 1 only at both Curtin Perth and Curtin Singapore.

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

    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
    • 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 in nursing or equivalent AND have current registration as a comprehensive or general nurse in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Entry to this course is competitive and as such the course weighted average of your prior degree may be used to determine entry.

     

    Selection Process

    Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. Offers will be made on a continuous basis until the course is full. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

    Please note:

    • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
    • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results. 
    • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

    Application Requirements

    Please refer to our application requirements before applying for this Curtin course.

    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 scholarships

    Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

    2026 Fee year:

    $2,400*

    Commonwealth supported

    Commonwealth supported

    $14,665**

    Domestic

    Domestic

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

    *The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 100 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

    2026

    Semester 1
    • On campus

    2027

    Semester 1
    • On campus

    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
    • 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-WOCP
    • Last updated on: 9 March 2026

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