Course Overview
Clinical education, including nurses teaching other nurses, is a core aspect of the nursing profession. A Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is the ideal starting course for registered nurses aiming to develop instruction and training skills. It helps you build versatile skills and lays the foundations for further postgraduate study.
Students in this course explore topics such as creating a culture of teaching and learning in the workplace, the requirements for achieving advanced nursing practice, and designing and implementing training programs.
The course serves as a foundation for the nurse educator career stream, preparing you for specialised teaching roles. It is also valuable in other career streams, including clinical consultancy and management, where teaching skills are essential. Significantly, graduates have the option to credit completed subjects towards a future graduate diploma or master's degree.
How Do I Become a Nursing Educator?
To become a Nursing Educator in Australia, you'll need to start as a registered nurse with experience. A key step is to complete a postgraduate course in the discipline, which prepares you for the unique demands of teaching and mentoring other nurses.
Qualifying for this role involves not just nursing experience but also specialised educational qualifications. While a master's degree in nursing may become a standard requirement for senior roles, a graduate certificate or diploma can open the door to entry-level educator positions. These courses also offer the flexibility to count completed subjects towards a future degree.
This pathway is generally consistent across Australia, although specific requirements can vary by state or territory. It's important to check local guidelines and requirements for the role of a Clinical Nurse Educator, as they can differ in nuances from one region to another.
Online Nurse Educator Courses in Australia
If you're an RN or midwife looking to expand your nurse education skills, consider these two online courses. Both are structured for busy professionals, allowing you to study completely online. They require just 8 months of part-time study at hours that suit you. Each course offers a clear path from a grad cert to further qualifications, including graduate diplomas and master's degrees. FEE-HELP availability means tuition fees are covered by government loans.
What Is a Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
A Graduate Certificate in Nursing offers a concise yet advanced program for nurses aiming to enhance their professional qualifications. This program, comprising just four subjects, is shorter than a Graduate Diploma in Nursing (eight subjects) and a third of the length of a Master's of Nursing (typically twelve subjects). It's designed for 8 months of part-time study.
Graduate certificates from Australian universities are positioned at Level 8 in the Australian Qualifications Framework, which is equal to an Honours Degree and a Graduate Diploma, and just below a Master's Degree.
For nurses, this advanced postgraduate qualification is key. It meets the requirements for many specialised and senior roles post-registration. In addition, where relevant to your job, public sector nurses and midwives are eligible for a Qualification Allowance, a pay increase, across all Australian states and territories.
Related: What Is a Graduate Certificate in Australia?
Benefits of this Course
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Education) is an essential qualification for those looking to move into senior or specialised roles. It provides a pathway to becoming a Clinical Nurse Educator, focusing on clinical teaching and curriculum development.
This qualification is also ideal for roles like Nurse Unit Manager and Clinical Nurse Consultant, which often involve coordinating clinical nurse education for both teams and individuals.
Specialising in nurse education can significantly enhance your earning potential. The average salary for a registered nurse is about $86,861. With a specialisation in clinical education, you can expect to see an increase in earnings and access to higher pay grades. Further studies, such as a Master of Nursing Education, can lead to advanced roles like Nurse Educator and Principal Educator.
Nurse educator classifications: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT