Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation Program)

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
February, July
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Campus
Duration icon
Duration
0.5 year(s) part-time only (no full-time option)
Program code icon
Program code
GCNUS
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Study as
Part-time only (no full-time option)
Fees
Indicative annual fees
N/A
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Prerequisite
N/A
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Assumed knowledge
N/A
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Applicants are required to hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Applicants must be nominated for admission into the program by SA Health identifying their employer (Local Health Network) and line manager.

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Note:

This degree can be studied mostly online, but in-person participation is mandatory for certain core courses, workshops and clinical placements.

This program is only available to Registered Nurses or Midwives employed by SA Health.

Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation Program)?

Advance your nursing career with specialised expertise. 

Designed exclusively for SA Health employed Registered Nurses, this graduate certificate in nursing offers an opportunity to deepen your clinical knowledge and leadership skills.  

Through part-time online study over one year, you'll explore various clinical specialisations, enhancing your ability to deliver high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings.  

You’ll also gain advanced practical skills and knowledge to develop your understanding of the global issues, trends and practices that impact the delivery of nursing and health services. 

program overview

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation) at Adelaide University is designed exclusively for Registered Nurses employed by SA Health who have been endorsed by their employer to study. Delivered part-time and fully online, you’ll build your knowledge of leadership, governance and advanced nursing practice across a range of clinical specialties. 

Over one year, you’ll study two in-depth courses selected from areas such as perioperative care, mental health, aged care, high acuity nursing and more. Each course is backed by academic research and guided by experienced clinicians. 

Eligible nurses can apply for a scholarship that covers the first course, and high-achieving students may be funded to complete the full graduate certificate. 

Whether you’re preparing to step into a specialist area or want to bring new leadership and evidence-based practice into your current role, this graduate certificate offers a flexible, career-focused way to grow your impact in the healthcare system. 

What you'll learn

In the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation) you’ll get advanced practical skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. You'll explore topics such as healthcare leadership, policy analysis and specialised clinical care, aligning your studies with your career aspirations. 

Learn about how social, political and economic factors influence care delivery in Australia’s healthcare system and build skills in leadership, policy analysis and healthcare governance. 

You’ll complete two nine-unit courses, selected from a broad range of options so you can align your studies with your clinical interests and career goals. Courses include: 

  • Perioperative Nursing 
  • Comprehensive Care of the Older Person 
  • Palliative Care Nursing 
  • Perspectives in Mental Health Practice 
  • Nephrology Nursing 
  • Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery, with subspecialties in Neonatal and Acute Care 
  • Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery 
  • Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education. 

Each course combines theory with practical knowledge to help you deliver safe, informed and evidence-based care. 

By engaging with evidence-based practices, you'll enhance your ability to contribute meaningfully to patient care and healthcare delivery. 

What courses you'll study

Complete 24 units comprising:

  • 24 units for Specialisation courses

Complete 24 units comprising:

  • 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation courses

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
SA Health Clinical Specialisation Program
Course code
SAHLGCNUS
Units
24
course icon
Course name
SA Health Clinical Specialisation Program - Critical Care Nursing
Course code
SACCGCNUS
Units
24
How to Apply

How to apply

Applications to begin your studies in 2026 are open now.

Apply directly to Adelaide University using our direct entry application form.

When applying, you will be asked to provide your SA Health Employee ID and AHPRA registration number and to secure your Line Manager’s support for your intended study.

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