Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Advanced Practice)

Program summary

Program title: Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Advanced Practice)
Award abbreviation: PGCNurs(AdvPrac)
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus (blended)
Duration: 2 semesters. Program is only available part-time
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places
Total courses: 4 (equivalent to 48 units)
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: SC540
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enhance your nursing practice and job opportunities.

Designed specifically for registered nurses, this suite includes study in leadership to enable you to explore opportunities for practice development, and to extend your knowledge in relation to clinical governance, legal and ethical issues.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Advanced Practice) provides educational opportunities to advance your knowledge and skills in the area of physical, psych-social and mental health assessment, as well as explore your area of clinical expertise at an advanced level. This is a stand-alone program, but also forms the first four courses in both the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice and the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Emergency Care).

The Master of Advanced Nursing Practice allows you to develop your capabilities in providing leadership in practice in the future. You can choose electives that enhance your practice and broaden your knowledge as it relates to health and nursing.

The Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Emergency Care) offers you the opportunity to add to your knowledge and skills, with studies in the challenging area of emergency nursing.

These advanced nursing programs are delivered in an internal/blended mode. Courses use a combination of online learning and on-campus intensive workshops. Assessment is tailored to meet your clinical learning needs and provides the opportunity to demonstrate advanced assessment skills.

Admission requirements

Students are required to be Registered Nurses, normally with an undergraduate degree in nursing or related discipline. Students choosing a clinical speciality focus will need to be employed in an appropriate clinical environment 0.4 EFT.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Registration

For professional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), graduates are required to demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7 or equivalent. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years prior to applying for registration. For current information about AHPRA registration go to http://www.ahpra.gov.au

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

Program structure

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete all courses as listed below.
• Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Advanced courses (4)

1 required course: 
NUR704 Leadership in Practice Development

 
Plus select 3 elective courses from:
NUR703 Infant Care
NUR705 Responding in the Emergency Context *
NUR708 Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment
NUR709 Professional Internship
NUR713 Independent Study
NUR720 Mental Health Contexts of Care
NUR722 Assessment in Mental Health
NUR751 Advanced Health Assessment

* Required for students continuing to the Master of Advanced Practice Nursing (Emergency Care).

Study Plan

This Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Advanced Practice) Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.

Year 1

• One (1) required course
• Three (3) elective courses

Required course: (1)

Elective courses: (3)

Select 3 elective courses from:

* Required for students continuing to the Master of Advanced Practice Nursing (Emergency Care).

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering