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Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Nursing

Graduate Certificate

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    GradCertPHCN

  • Course code

    1008103

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

The role of the primary health care and general practice nurse is expanding and evolving. In line with current health reforms, nurses now occupy positions of advanced practice and leadership in primary care settings. 

The Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Nursing prepares nurses for these roles. The course is designed for registered nurses either working, or wishing to work in the primary health care environment, including general practice.

Through studies in primary health care practice and philosophy, managing chronic and complex health conditions, and clinical reasoning and assessment, students gain skills and experience in primary healthcare, consolidating their clinical and professional knowledge.

The course will expand and extend a student's scope of clinical practice, and may be particularly suited to nurses working across diverse environments, including working in regional and rural Australia, or nurses who wish to advance their careers in primary health care.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence

Creativity

Apply knowledge and skills creatively in health and community related challenges

Ethical practice

Demonstrate well developed judgement and use of ethical framework(s) in primary health care situations

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in primary health care settings

Lifelong learning

Reflect on, assess and regulate their own learning and research capabilities and performance with personal autonomy and accountability

Locate, analyse, evaluate, manage and use information from a range of sources with an emphasis on evidence based primary health care

Communication and social skills

Communicate to demonstrate understanding of theoretical concepts and to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences

Work in collaboration with others and in a team to achieve self-determined goals

Cultural competence

Demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous Australian contemporary realities and protocols

Demonstrate cultural competence in incorporating individual's cultural perspectives into health care provision

The course includes studies in primary health care practice and philosophy, managing chronic and complex health conditions, and gaining skills in clinical reasoning and assessment. 

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Online Study Period 2 , Study Period 4 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

 All applicants must:

  • have successfully completed a minimum three year Bachelor qualification, or equivalent, in a health, psychology or social science related discipline; and
  • be a Registered Nurse with current Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration.
     

Course requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Nursing a candidate shall successfully complete all units listed in the Schedule of Units.

Course structure

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
NRS81003 Primary Health Care Practices and Philosophy Introductory
NRS82002 Management of Chronic and Complex Health Conditions Intermediate
NRS82001 Clinical Reasoning and Assessment Skills Intermediate
NRS82003 Enhancing and Expanding Practice Intermediate