The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health from WSU develops specialised skills for providing exceptional care to children and families.
Title: Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane)
Provider: Western Sydney University
Campus Location: Online
About
Improve your ability to support children and their families with this specialised nursing program. Designed for registered nurses and midwives, the course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills to prepare you for roles in home-based and clinical care settings.
Core subjects include professional frameworks, growth and development, nutrition, and mental health. The program helps you develop strategies to enhance family-centred care and promote better health outcomes.
Delivered entirely online, the program allows you to balance study with work. Graduates often secure roles in family care centres, home visiting programs, and specialised child health services.
Provider
Western Sydney University is one of Australia’s leading nursing schools. Known for its focus on innovative and flexible education, the university’s programs prepare healthcare professionals to excel in their fields. The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane) is no exception, fostering career advancement and improved patient care.
Key Takeaways
- Develop specialised skills for child and family healthcare in clinical settings.
- Fully online delivery tailored for working professionals.
- Core units include growth and development, nutrition, and mental health.
- Graduates can transition to a Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health.
- Commonwealth Supported Places reduce fees significantly.
Course Structure

This one-year, part-time program includes four units. Each focuses on essential aspects of child and family health.
Core units:
- 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
The course builds expertise in assessing growth, managing mental health, and supporting family-centred care. Visit the course page for further details. You’ll apply these skills through supervised clinical practice alongside online learning.
Why This Course Is Worthwhile
This nursing certificate strengthens your ability to deliver targeted care for children and families. You’ll gain expertise in managing developmental, nutritional, and mental health challenges within diverse clinical settings.
Graduates are prepared for roles in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services. The program also serves as a stepping stone to further qualifications like the Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health.
How Online Study Works
This program is fully online, giving you the flexibility to study from anywhere. With structured weekly content, you'll complete one subject at a time, making it manageable alongside work commitments. Study materials are accessible 24/7 through an easy-to-navigate platform.
Interactive tools like video lectures, discussion forums, and case studies keep learning engaging. Regular assessments ensure steady progress, and feedback helps you improve throughout the course. Resources like digital libraries and student support are readily available.
The course design accommodates working professionals. You can set your own study schedule while staying on track with deadlines. This flexibility allows you to balance your education with your responsibilities.