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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

309618 v.3 Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care and Community Nursing

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas



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 Primary Health and Community Nursing is designed to prepare registered nurses for an advanced role in primary health care or community nursing. Key elements of this course are advanced assessment skills, theoretical foundations for primary and community nursing practice, professional accountability and evidence based practice within the domain.


Additional Course Expenses

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



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants 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.


Applicants require current registration as a nurse with the Nurses and Midwifery Board of Australia.


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.


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. apply discipline knowledge, principles and concepts in accordance with relevant practice codes, standards and legislation

2. think critically and reflect on practice to executive nursing practice to generate innovative solutions and evidence - informed approaches to practice

3. evaluate and synthesise information relevant to practice and the promotion of optimal outcomes

4. communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clients, carers, families communities and the interdisciplinary health care team

5. utilise technology safely and appropriately for diagnosis and evidence - informed practice

6. graduates can participate in research and critically appraise research findings and incorporate evidence based knowledge into advanced executive nursing practice

7. graduates can demonstrate an understanding of Australian standards and practices whilst considering global and international perspectives

8. demonstrate cultural safety and competence in the care of all clients, families and communities

9. demonstrate professional, legal and ethical accountability within the scope of practice


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one semester full-time or equivalent part-time study


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2014 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
310510 v.3   Advanced Clinical Practice 532 3.0 25.0
310509 v.3   Advanced Clinical Practice 531 3.0 25.0
309619 v.2   Primary Health Care and Community Nursing 562 8.0 50.0
  100.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


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 Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.