University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months (minimum)
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Delivered 100% online, with regular intakes every two months, this course enables you to balance your work and family commitments while learning the critical skills and clinically-based learning strategies to improve the core competencies associated with person-centred care.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is designed for registered nurses working in acute clinical settings. The course focuses on developing clinical assessment, decision-making and evidence-based nursing skills to support patients with complex or changing health needs. It is suited to nurses seeking to build their expertise in acute, critical or emergency care environments.
Across four subjects (24 credit points), you'll study specialty clinical practice, recognising and responding to acute deterioration, evidence for informing practice and nursing-sensitive indicators. You'll explore patient safety, clinical communication and culturally responsive care while learning to evaluate research and apply evidence to nursing practice. These areas support person- and family-centred care in acute clinical settings.
Delivered entirely online over eight months, the course includes assessments and learning activities that can be applied in your existing clinical workplace. No additional clinical placements are required, although employment in an acute clinical setting is an entry requirement. After completing the graduate certificate, eligible graduates may progress to the Master of Advanced Nursing, requiring four additional subjects.
Key facts
15th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
What you will study
UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing comprises four subjects. Upon completing the Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing, you can progress to the Master of Advanced Nursing course.
- Specialty Clinical Practice
- Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration
- Evidence for Informing Practice
- Nursing-Sensitive Indicators in Acute Care
Entry requirements
Completion of a UTS recognised nursing (FOE 0603) academic qualification or an equivalent (according to NOOSR or UK NARIC) as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree, or
- Graduate Certificate, or
- Graduate Diploma, or
- Master’s degree or equivalent
Applicants must also satisfy the following:
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse in Australia (AHPRA), and
- Be currently employed as a registered nurse in a hospital-based setting (or provide a letter of offer to commence employment as a registered nurse by commencement of study), and
- Have a minimum of one year full-time (1800+ hours) post-registration clinical experience (Nursing) demonstrated through a CV and Statement of Service*
- Applicants must provide a Statement of Service on official letterhead from their workplace’s human resource department (or equivalent), which verifies they have 1800 hours of post-registration clinical experience.
English language requirements
All applicants are required to meet the University’s English language requirements:
Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited for online postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive a UTS offer of enrolment, and you’ve undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn’t determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Deliver evidence-based acute care in high-pressure environments: Apply the latest clinical research and guidelines to assess, manage and treat patients in acute and emergency settings. Develop critical thinking skills to provide rapid, high-quality interventions in complex situations.
- Enhance clinical decision-making and leadership: Strengthen your ability to make informed, timely decisions in acute care. Build foundational leadership skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and optimise patient outcomes in dynamic healthcare settings.
- Provide ethical, safe and patient-centred acute care: Develop expertise in delivering compassionate and culturally responsive care to critically ill patients. Advocate for patient rights, safety and best-practice interventions in diverse and fast-paced healthcare environments.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary acute care teams: Refine your communication and teamwork skills to work seamlessly with healthcare professionals in high-pressure scenarios. Develop the confidence to contribute to innovative acute care practices and improve patient outcomes.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing equips registered nurses with the expertise to provide high-quality care in acute and complex healthcare settings. This course builds your clinical skills and prepares you to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Upon completion, graduates can explore roles such as:
- Acute Care Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Consultant (Acute Care)
- Nurse Team Leader
- Senior Registered Nurse (Acute Care)
Fees and FEE-HELP
2027 indicative domestic tuition fees
- Indicative total course fee: $14,340
- Indicative price per subject (6 credit points): $3,585
- Total course requirements: 24 credit points (4 subjects)
Fees are indicative for 2027 and subject to annual review. Actual tuition costs may vary depending on the year in which subjects are undertaken.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is charged separately.
FEE-HELP
Eligible domestic students may access FEE-HELP to defer all or part of their tuition fees.