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.
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.
Key features
Advance your nursing career through a SA Health endorsed qualification. - Access a fully funded course supported by SA Health.
- Study flexibly online with 24/7 access to interactive course materials.
- Choose clinical specialisation courses that suit your career goals.
- Learn from expert clinicians and leading nursing researchers.
- Build leadership skills and strengthen your evidence-based practice.
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
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation) at Adelaide University is designed for SA Health employed Registered Nurses wanting to build on their experience and move forward in their career progression. You’ll gain advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills that are valued across a wide range of healthcare settings.
You might step into a leadership role within your current team. Perhaps you’ll specialise in a specific area like mental health, aged care or perioperative nursing. Or you may use this qualification to explore teaching or governance roles in healthcare.
After completing this graduate certificate, you’ll be well suited to roles in areas such as:
- Hospital-based clinical care
- Community and primary health services
- Mental health and palliative care
- Aged care and rehabilitation
- Health education and teaching
- Nursing leadership and coordination.
This qualification can also provide credit towards further postgraduate nursing degrees, supporting your long-term career development in healthcare.
Industry trends
Australia's healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, with the Health Care and Social Assistance industry projected to add 301,000 jobs by November 2026, making it the largest contributor to national employment growth (National Skills Commission, Employment Outlook Report, 2022).
Within this sector, employment for registered nurses is expected to increase by 13.9%, reflecting the rising demand for skilled nursing professionals (My Health Career, 2021).
This growth is driven by factors such as an ageing population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a focus on community-based care. As a result, there is a heightened need for nurses with advanced clinical expertise and leadership capabilities.
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (SA Health Clinical Specialisation) is designed to equip SA Health-employed Registered Nurses with the skills and knowledge required to meet these evolving healthcare demands, positioning graduates for success in a dynamic and expanding industry.
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.
