Study load
Approx. 24-30 hours per week*
Duration
9 months (60 credit points)
Intakes
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Boost your career in nursing with a high-quality specialisation in care for the pre, intra and post-operative patient.
Evolve your perioperative career with tailored expertise
Does the idea of advancing your nursing career in your perioperative environment interest you? Do you want to accelerate your professional standing and expertise in the field?
In the Graduate Certificate of Health (Perioperative Nursing) you’ll tailor your pre-existing perioperative nursing experience to advance your career. Support and guidance from health professionals are at the forefront of this online-tailored course, so while developing advanced clinical assessment skills for the perioperative patient, you’ll receive expert guidance to develop your professional standing and expertise.
Our Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) will equip you for a fulfilling future in care for patients who present for surgical intervention.
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.
Pathophysiology & Health Assessment For Advanced Practice
Code: HEALT6003
Contact Hours: 24-30 hours
Credit Points: 30
Core Principles for the Perioperative Patient
Code: HEALO6401
Contact Hours: 12-15 hours
Credit Points: 15
Perioperative Nursing Practice
Code: HEALO6402
Contact Hours: 12-15 hours
Credit Points: 15
An inquiry-based learning framework contextualised through clinical experience will enable students to critically analyse and apply evidence based clinical reasoning within the perioperative setting for the safe and effective care of the patient experiencing surgical intervention
What you will learn
What you will learn
Advanced knowledge of human pathophysiology
Develop an in-depth understanding of the major body systems and use this to support health assessments in a clinical setting.
Core principles of perioperative nursing
Learn to deliver safe and high quality, collaborative care for the pre, intra and post-operative patient.
Perioperative nursing practice
Apply advanced level clinical reasoning in perioperative settings. You’ll examine global, national and local safety standards that provide guiding principles of quality care.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants must be able to demonstrate current and satisfactory registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse and a minimum of 0.5 EFT current and ongoing employment in an appropriate perioperative care setting. A current resume and letter of support must be submitted with the application.
Non-Year 12
Applicants must have successfully completed a three-year (minimum) Bachelor level qualification in a related health cognate discipline area.
Credit Arrangements
Completion of the Graduate Diploma in Health (Advanced Nursing) provides a pathway into the Master of Health (Advanced Nursing) focused on leadership and advanced clinical skills.
Completion of the Master of Health provides a pathway into Doctoral studies with Federation University.
Diploma Entry Pathways
Applicants must have successfully completed a three-year (minimum) Bachelor level qualification in a related health cognate discipline area – they cannot enter based on Diploma level studies.
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) may pathway into further post-graduate studies, at the Graduate Diploma or Masters level.
Fees
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
$1,992 estimated annual tuition fee.
This Certificate is 0.5 EFTSL (equivalent full-time study load) or 60 credit points. 1 EFTSL or 120 credit points is equivalent to a standard year of full time study.
The tuition fees you pay will vary depending on the subjects you choose to study as each subject has its own credit point value and cost. The total cost will vary depending on the subjects you choose, your study load and the time it takes to complete your course.
Other fees
You may need to pay some other fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
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 course 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
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Health (Perioperative Nursing) is a pathway into further post-graduate studies in related disciplines, at the Graduate Diploma or Masters level.
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) will enhance your professional standing and provide you with advanced level skills and knowledge for application as a leader in the perioperative nursing community.
Please note: this program does not lead to registration as a health professional.
Work in a specialist surgical environment
Use your advanced knowledge to provide essential care and support in a variety of surgical settings.
Work in a day-procedure environment
Provide high-quality care to patients who present for surgical intervention in a day-procedure environment.
Pathway to Graduate Diploma or Masters in related discipline
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) might like to use this as a pathway into further post-graduate studies, such as the Master of Health (Advanced Nursing).
“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
Industry insights
With a Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing), you will be expertly equipped to provide care in pre, intra and post operative phases in surgical environments such as;
- Specialist surgical environments
- Day-procedure environments
- Surgical environments

The demand for Clinical Nurses is on the rise, with a projected job growth of 15.6% over just the next five years.
The most common annual salary for a Clinical Nurse in Victoria is $90,000.
Clinical nurses – particularly those who have advanced practice knowledge – are in high demand, with roles expected grow by 15.6% over the next 5 years alone.
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.