Study load
Approx 15+ hours per week* (see course structure)
Duration
1 year (120 credit points)
Intakes
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Fees
$4,627* per year
Turn your passion for nursing into a leadership opportunity by gaining expert knowledge and skills.
Advance your nursing career with Federation University’s Graduate Diploma of Health (Advanced Nursing) – delivered online. This flexible postgraduate qualification is designed for registered nurses who want to deepen their clinical expertise, strengthen leadership capabilities, and step into advanced roles across healthcare settings.
Whether you’re looking to specialise, lead, or prepare for further study, this diploma is your pathway to high-impact nursing careers.
Why choose this course?
- 100% online study – Designed for busy nurses, this course is 100% online so you can fit it around your work schedule.
- Pathway to Master’s – This diploma is a direct pathway to the Master of Health (Advanced Nursing), helping you progress toward senior clinical and leadership roles.
- Career-focused curriculum – Build advanced skills in health assessment, clinical reasoning, global health, and evidence-based practice.
- Leadership development – Learn to lead and manage healthcare teams in high-pressure environments with confidence and clarity.
- Real-world relevance – Study with experienced academics and Online Learning Advisors who bring practical insights from diverse nursing careers.
Professional recognition
This course is designed for registered nurses and supports career progression in line with AHPRA standards and healthcare leadership roles.
Your future in advanced nursing
By completing this online diploma, you’ll graduate with the confidence and capability to lead change in healthcare. Whether you’re aiming to specialise, manage teams, or continue into a master’s degree, Federation University Online will support your journey every step of the way.
Applications now open. Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career.
Apply today or book your free consultation today with our course advisors.
Course structure
Course structure
Please note that study load will vary depending on the amount of units you choose to study and the credit point cost of that unit.
15+ contact hours are estimated for one 15 credit point unit, while 24-30 are expected for those studying two 15 credit point units or one 30 credit point unit.
A student who has completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Health (Advanced Nursing) may exit with that award.
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
Inquiry and Analysis of Literature
Code: HEALT6002
Credit Points: 30
Key Concepts:
- Learn to critically analyse literature (primary and secondary sources) related to health science research.
- Develop the skills for high level academic writing, including the ability to form and define an area of inquiry.
- Discover areas for additional research where necessary.
Research Methods For Health
Code: HEALT6001
Credit Points: 30
Key Concepts:
- Develop an understanding of the practical elements of research design such as: formulating a research question, selecting an appropriate methodology, understanding sampling procedures and finding an approach to social research.
- Understand the ethical considerations for applied research with human subjects.
- Develop skills to communicate research findings appropriate to the health science sector.
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 Diploma of Health (Advanced Nursing) provides a 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.
Fees
Fees
2025 Indicative Fees
$4,627 annual 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.
Fee Assistance
As a Commonwealth Supported Place student, you may be eligible to defer payment of your student contribution through the HECS-HELP loan scheme. Please visit our HECS-HELP webpage for further information.
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 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 Diploma of 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
The Graduate Diploma of Health (Advanced Nursing) is a pathway into further postgraduate studies, at the Graduate Diploma or Master’s level.
Gain clinical experience
Alongside an academic mentor, complete a work-integrated project and practice your clinical knowledge in a real-world workplace.
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 Diploma of Health (Advanced Nursing), you will be expertly equipped to vastly improve your professional standing in healthcare-based roles, including;
- Lead nursing positions
- Nurse and nurse unit manager
- Emergency nursing
- Professional nurse educator
- Lead nursing opportunities
Nurse Unit Manager positions are expected to see 23.1% growth in the next 5 years.
The most common salary for a Nurse Unit Manager is $133,000.
Employment in Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to grow by 301,000 (or 15.8%) over the five years to November 2026.
Fees
2025 Indicative Fees
$4,627 annual 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.
Fee assistance
As a Commonwealth Supported Place student, you may be eligible to defer payment of your student contribution through the HECS-HELP loan scheme. Please visit our HECS-HELP webpage for further information.
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.
Hacks For Surviving Night Shifts as a Nurse
Anyone who’s worked in nursing can tell you that working night shifts gets easier with a bit of practice. Being a night shift nurse actually provides a number of advantages, and over time you might come to prefer working nights.
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.