Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Play a vital role in supporting patients with life-threatening conditions.
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Critical Care equips you with advanced knowledge and clinical skills to provide high-quality care in intensive care, emergency and high dependency settings. You will learn from experienced clinicians and academics while applying your learning directly in practice.
This program is ideal for registered nurses looking to expand their career opportunities and make a meaningful impact in critical and acute health care environments.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Critical Care at Adelaide University is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their expertise in acute health care. You will develop specialised skills in assessing, monitoring and supporting patients with life-threatening conditions, while also learning to work effectively in high-pressure environments.
This program blends theory with clinical application, ensuring that what you learn can be applied directly in practice. Topics cover advanced pathophysiology, critical care interventions, pharmacology and evidence-based nursing practice. You will also strengthen your ability to collaborate with medical teams, support families and respond to urgent care needs with confidence.
Graduates will be prepared to take on expanded roles in intensive care or emergency cross hospitals and health services. With increasing demand for skilled critical care nurses, this qualification offers both professional growth and a chance to make a real difference to patient outcomes.
Key features
Build advanced skills in critical care nursing practice.- Develop clinical decision-making for complex and urgent situations.
- Apply evidence-based knowledge to patient care.
- Learn from experienced critical care clinicians.
- Strengthen your leadership and communication skills.
- Gain a recognised postgraduate qualification to support your career advancement.
What you'll learn
This graduate certificate provides you with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in critical and acute care settings. You will study advanced clinical assessment and decision-making, giving you the confidence to support patients experiencing life-threatening conditions.
Learning areas include pathophysiology, diagnostic reasoning, complex pharmacology and specialised critical care interventions. You will also develop skills in communication, teamwork and leadership, which are essential in multidisciplinary health environments.
Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to apply evidence-based practice and critically evaluate clinical approaches. This means you will not only gain technical expertise but also learn how to improve patient care and outcomes.
By the end of your studies, you will be equipped to assess complex patient presentations, manage acute conditions and contribute to the safe and effective delivery of critical care. These skills will prepare you for advanced practice roles and career progression.
Specialisations
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Acute Nursing
- Mental Health
- Nursing Education
- Perioperative Nursing.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses, or
- 24 units for Electives, or
- 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Essentials in Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5007
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5125
|
Units
12
|
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5023
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5062
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Prescribing for clinicians
|
Course code
NURS5103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice
|
Course code
NURS5105
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5106
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding
|
Course code
NURS5108
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Maternal, Child and Family Health
|
Course code
NURS5109
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
|
Course code
NURS5110
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
|
Course code
NURS5124
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS5171
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
|
Course code
NURS6904
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS6905
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program are well positioned for career progression in critical and acute care. You could take on roles in intensive care units, high dependency units or emergency departments. Or perhaps you see yourself leading clinical practice improvements or mentoring early-career nurses. You might also use this qualification as a pathway into more advanced postgraduate study or leadership positions within health services.
Other career options include:
- Critical care nurse
- Intensive care nurse
- Emergency department nurse.
Industry trends
Australia's healthcare system is experiencing a growing demand for critical care nurses, driven by an ageing population, increased hospital admissions and the complexity of patient needs. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care (2024), the nursing workforce is projected to face significant shortfalls by 2035 without targeted interventions. The National Nursing Workforce Strategy underscores the urgency of addressing these gaps to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system.
Specialised roles in critical care nursing are particularly in demand, with hospitals seeking professionals skilled in intensive care, emergency and high-dependency units. By undertaking this graduate certificate at Adelaide University, you position yourself at the forefront of a critical and evolving field, equipping yourself with the expertise needed to meet the challenges of modern healthcare delivery.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
