Study load
Approx. 12-15 hours per week* (see course structure)
Duration
6 months
Intakes
Enrolments are currently closed
Gain advanced nursing care knowledge you can put into practice straight away
If you have a qualification in a health-related discipline and are looking to build on your nursing skillset, the Graduate Certificate in Health (Advanced Nursing) is for you. Designed to equip you with specialised practice knowledge, you’ll develop advanced clinical reasoning and leadership skills, crucial in a range of health care settings.
Benefit from the flexibility of online study and graduate with a newly extended clinical skillset you can bring straight into your professional workplace. This course is designed to boost your knowledge of advanced level of healthcare strategies and build your clinical decision-making skills to improve healthcare delivery to those who need it.
How To Balance Study Around A Nurse’s Work Schedule
Working as a nurse while studying is possible thanks to the flexibility of online learning. It’s never been easier to gain a new qualification while maintaining your income – all it takes is some smart scheduling and forward planning.
Course structure
Course structure
Students may study one unit per teaching period. 15 credit points equates to approx.12-15 hours of learning per week. A 30-credit point unit will require approx. 24-30 hours of learning.
Global Health Determinants
Code: HEALT6000
Contact Hours: 24-30 hours
Credit Points: 30
Pathophysiology & Health Assessment For Advanced Practice
Code: HEALT6003
Contact Hours: 24-30 hours
Credit Points: 30
What you will learn
What you will learn
Global healthcare strategies
Develop a critical overview of the determinants of health and explore the expansive approaches used across the international industry.
Professional health management
This course will equip you with the fundamentals of advanced practice knowledge and leadership in preparation for roles in leadership, management, education or policy change.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed a three-year (minimum) Bachelor level qualification in Nursing. You cannot enter based on Diploma level studies.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate current and satisfactory registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.
Further study
The Graduate Certificate in Health (Advanced Nursing) provides a pathway into further studies at the Graduate Diploma or Masters level. Graduates receive credit for one unit (30 cpts) to continue into the Graduate Diploma of Health (Advanced Nursing). There is a further study pathway into the Master of Health (Advanced Nursing) which is focused on leadership skills.
Completion of the Master of Health provides a pathway into Doctoral studies with Federation University.
Support services
Support services
Be supported through your studies with services tailored to the online learning environment. Federation University Online personalises support for every student, accessible at every stage of your study journey.
- Student advisors dedicated to answering your questions about anything from enrolment and course management to essay writing and technical support.
- Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) guiding you through your course, bringing industry experience and expertise in online learning to your studies.
- Study and assignment resources to help you get the most out of each unit and submit high quality assessments.
- An online community made up of a diverse network of students, who you’ll study alongside in learning groups and discussion boards.
Flexible study requires flexible support – discover the services available to you so you can go further.
Learn moreCareer outcomes
Career outcomes
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health (Advanced Nursing) will enhance your professional standing and provide you with advanced level skills and knowledge for application as a leader in the nursing practice and knowledge community.
Please note: this course does not lead to registration as a health professional.
Road to Management
Receive the basis of advanced nursing practices that you can take into current or future healthcare environments.
Professional recognition
Nurses employed under the state public hospital awards are often eligible for higher duties allowances based on postgraduate qualifications relevant to their practice.
Master's pathway
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Health (Advanced Nursing) is a pathway into further post-graduate studies, at the Graduate Diploma or Masters level.
I’ve absolutely loved it, even though I was really worried about studying again. But you make that decision and you make the commitment to do it and it just happens.
- Stacey Krahe, Federation University Graduate, Nursing
Discover Your Path in Nursing with Federation University Online!
Take the next step in your nursing career with our free, downloadable Nursing Career Road Map. This essential guide helps you explore which courses align with your current qualifications and outlines potential career outcomes. Uncover the best path to advance your career today.
Industry insights
With a Graduate Certificate in Health (Advanced Nursing), you will utilise your skills in an important industry with strong and increasing job demand.
Nurses – particularly those who have advanced practice knowledge – are in high demand, with roles expected grow by 13.9% over the next 5 years alone.
The most common annual salary for a clinical nurse in Australia is $105,000.
The Health Care and Social Assistance sector is Australia’s largest employer, and is expected to add the most jobs—301,000—by November 2026.
Fees
2025 Indicative Fees
$2,314 student contribution amount (Commonwealth Supported Place)
If you’re offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your fees (student contribution) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual enrolled units, not the overall course. Each unit falls into a band which determines the student contribution amount.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
Other fees
You may need to pay some other fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Why study Nursing at Federation University Online?
A Federation University Online Nursing degree equips you with the skills to confidently deliver care to our health system’s most urgent and critical patients.
Meet the people behind your course
Dr Blake Peck
Senior Lecturer
Blake Peck is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health. Blake’s main research interests relate to pediatric injury, the health workforce, childhood long-term illness and qualitative research theory. Blake has been widely published in journal articles relating to nursing and health, and his main teaching areas include research methods, pathophysiology of disease and pharmacology.
Dr Kerry Hood
Senior Lecturer
Kerry Hood is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health. Kerry has been published across numerous nursing journals and her research interests include interprofessional learning and teaching and learning pedagogy. Kerry’s main teaching areas include education, leadership and social determinants of health.
Why study online with Federation University?
Unparalleled flexibility
Online study is the freedom to fit further study in your life, and to do it on your terms.
Personalised support
You will have full access to support services, with tailored support available across extended hours.
Make it happen online
You will make an impact in whatever you choose to do with practical- and industry-focused courses.