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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2015

This handbook contains information on courses and components (majors, minors, streams and units) at Curtin in 2015.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2014.

GC-NURS v.1 Graduate Certificate in Nursing

GradCertNurs(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 084802D
Registered full-time Duration: 0.5 Years


Course Overview

Graduate Certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


The Graduate Certificate in Nursing enhances professional career development, preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. Nursing theory and research as well as professional role development are an integral part of the course, which is focused on the development of the clinical expert through studies in specialist and advanced practice role development.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants for a Graduate Certificate are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.


Specifically applicants require a bachelor degree in nursing or equivalent, AND registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery board of Australia AND a minimum of one year post registration clinical experience.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


To support applications for credit for recognised learning, students are required to submit a professional portfolio detailing evidence of accomplishments.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some Graduate Diplomas and Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate Certificates contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. analyse critically, and evaluate advanced concepts of specialty nursing practice; integrate expert knowledge and integrated understanding to demonstrate competency at a level in accordance with specialty competency standards

2. critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise the environmental, physical and psychosocial aspects of the individual for effective clinical decision making; recognise own abilities and level of professional competence

3. investigate, analyse and synthesise complex evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making in practice

4. integrate advanced communication skills within a legal and ethical framework related to complex clinical issues in area of specialty; interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

5. effectively anticipate, plan for and use complex technology applications relevant to specialty practice.

6. integrate autonomous, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a lifelong learner in specialty practice; participate in research and critically appraise research findings and incorporate evidence based knowledge into clinical practice

7. critically appraise, evaluate and incorporate national and global health issues and strategic health care directions into specialty nursing practice

8. incorporate culturally aware and respectful specialty care to multicultural groups and indigenous communities

9. incorporate advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge and judgment, including advanced leadership and autonomy into specialty practice. work professionally in specialty practice demonstrating expert judgement, leadership and independence as a nurse in area of specialty. act as an experienced positive role model to peers and other members of the healthcare team


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one semesters’ full-time or 1 year part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
NURS5005 v.1   Evidence Informed Clinical Practice 3.0 25.0
NURS5034 v.1   Comprehensive Health Assessment 4.0 25.0
NURS5026 v.1   Clinical Operational Management 3.6 25.0
HEAL6006 v.1   Ethics in International Health 8.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For Current Students: Student Services Office, please click here for further details: For Domestic Future Students: Future Students Centre, email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 1000 For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: international@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 7331


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook

The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.

For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.