Western Sydney University

Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane) Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Designed for registered nurses and midwives, this graduate certificate explores child development, infant nutrition, perinatal mental health and evidence-based family-centred practice, with a pathway to further postgraduate study.

Course overview

Western Sydney University’s Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane) is designed for registered nurses and midwives seeking specialised knowledge and advanced skills for practice with children and families. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in nursing or midwifery and current practising registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or be eligible for that registration.

The curriculum covers child growth and development, infant and child nutrition and feeding, perinatal, infant and child mental health, and the professional frameworks underpinning child and family health practice. Students build capabilities in evidence-based holistic assessment, strengths-based partnerships and culturally responsive communication. Three subjects consolidate learning through virtual clinical placements delivered as part of Western Sydney University’s collaboration with Karitane.

Course learning outcomes align with selected National Standards of Practice for Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurses in Australia. Graduates will be prepared to work autonomously across varied clinical settings and promote optimal health outcomes for children and families. After completing the graduate certificate, students may transfer into the Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health (Karitane).

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
12 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $592
From $592 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. CSP prices are calculated based on 2026 CSP rates and your part-time study load of 40 credit points.
Intake
1st March, 2027
19th July, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires completing four core subjects or 40 credit points.

Core subjects

  • Child and Family Health: Professional Practice and Frameworks
  • Child and Family Health Practice: Supporting Growth and Development
  • Clinical Practice: Infant and Child Nutrition and Feeding
  • Perinatal, Infant and Child Mental Health

Entry requirements

  • Registered nurse or midwife (currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery) or eligibility for the same, or certificate of nursing registration, within the last five years, in their own country. Any other registration type (non-practising, limited, or student) is not acceptable for this course.
  • Completion of an undergraduate degree in Nursing or Midwifery.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is the process of assessing the knowledge and skills you have gained through previous study, work or other experience. When you apply, the university will determine whether your prior learning can be recognised towards your current course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Graduates of this program can look forward to enhanced professional status and career opportunities in their chosen fields, including:

  • Primary settings, including home visiting and centre-based services.
  • Secondary-level service delivery includes family care centres, sustained home visiting programs and outreach specialist services.
  • Tertiary level service delivery, including residential family care facilities.

Fees and CSP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $2,369 (Commonwealth Supported Place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 40 credit points (normally four units) per year.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.