Graduate Certificates in Nursing rank at Level 8 on the Australian Qualifications Framework, higher than bachelor degrees (Level 7), equal to graduate diplomas (also Level 8), and below masters degrees (Level 9). With only four subjects, a grad cert is half as long as a graduate diploma (8 subjects) and a third of a master's degree (12 subjects).
Available online and part-time, the course fits well for nurses already working in challenging clinical settings. You can complete the four subjects in eight months, usually without having to sit exams, allowing for a good balance between work and study. Programs can be customised to be relevant to your clinical nursing practice.
Examples: Australian Catholic University, CQUniversity
How Do I Become a Clinical Nurse in Australia?
A Clinical Nurse in Australia is often an RN with enhanced skills and qualifications, allowing for more responsibilities and higher pay. This term is used in Queensland and South Australia, while NSW and Victoria use the term Clinical Nurse Specialist. Elsewhere, an equivalent role is known as Level 2 Registered Nurse.
To become a Clinical Nurse, you can follow these steps:
- Get a nursing degree.
Complete a Bachelor of Nursing. Non-nursing graduates can opt for a 2-year Master of Nursing Practice. - Register as a nurse and gain experience.
Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Then work as a Registered Nurse, ideally in your area of interest, for at least a year. - Specialise through further education.
Study for a postgraduate nursing qualification relevent to your practice. Graduate certificates are normally sufficient. - Advanced your skills and apply for positions.
Enhance your clinical, leadership, and specialty skills through continuous professional development. Apply for Clinical Nurse roles, highlighting your advanced skills and experience. - Prepare for interviews.
Be ready to discuss your experience, specialty knowledge, and demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and contribute to clinical practice development.
Related: Postgraduate Nursing Courses Online
Specialisations
Instead of a general clinical nursing course, you might opt for a nursing specialty that aligns closely with your current practice area. Here are some valuable majors in this context, providing transferable skills of general benefit along with specialist knowledge.
Why This Course Is Worthwhile
A Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing is a recommended course of study for its short-term gains and long-term benefits. This course immediately enhances your practice capabilities, thereby increasing confidence and job satisfaction. It focuses on developing both core nursing skills and role-specific knowledge.
If you don't have other postgraduate qualifications in nursing, the course will begin to pay for itself soon after you graduate. In Australia, nurses in public sector jobs receive qualification allowances. With a graduate certificate as your highest qualification, you'll be eligible for extra payments amounting to around $3,253 per year, depending on your state and employer.
Additionally, this qualification can lead to career advancement opportunities. For instance, it paves the way to higher-grade positions such as Clinical Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Level 2 RN. These roles command higher pay, with an average annual salary of around $107,382. Further experience and professional development can lead to senior roles such as Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Clinical Nurse Educator.