Yes, to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care at UTS Online, you must hold current registration as a nurse in Australia.

Critical care nursing involves caring for patients with life-threatening or highly unstable conditions that require intensive monitoring, advanced clinical interventions and continuous assessment. Nurses in critical care settings manage complex equipment such as ventilators, administer time-sensitive treatments, respond rapidly to deterioration and support multidisciplinary teams in making urgent clinical decisions.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing focuses on developing these advanced clinical capabilities, helping nurses build the skills required for intensive and high-acuity environments.

Generally, you are required to demonstrate one year of post-registration clinical experience to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care. Pro-rata, this is equivalent to 1800 hours. In some cases, the Faculty may assess your work experience and capability on a case-by-case basis.

If you have completed relevant study at an AQF level of 8 (i.e. graduate certificate or graduate diploma) or higher, you might be eligible to receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care. To see if you’re eligible, speak with one of our Student Enrolment Advisors.

While the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care is delivered 100% online, assessments are highly practical and often applied to your workplace. To enter the course, you are required to be employed in a healthcare setting, as you will need to utilise your clinical environment to complete subject activities and assessment tasks.

No, placements are not required when studying the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care. However, you must already be employed as an RN in a healthcare setting to fulfil the practical components of the course.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care are equipped to take on leadership and advanced practice roles such as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Critical Care), Critical Care Transport Nurse, (Clinical) Nurse Educator (or equivalent), Clinical Nurse Consultant or Nurse Unit Manager within critical care settings.

Assignments in our subjects are authentic, relevant and often grounded in your personal clinical context. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to clinical reports, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will not be required to complete exams or group assignments to graduate the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care.

When you enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care at UTS Online, you’ll benefit from a user-friendly and flexible learning platform. Key features include:

• Tools to enhance your knowledge in critical care nursing practices

• Flexible schedules that accommodate your work commitments as a healthcare professional

• Peer forums and interactive learning modules to deepen your understanding

Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.

For practical tips on balancing your studies with work and life, click here to learn how to achieve your goals. Remember, our team is just an email or call away to support you every step of the way.