Why study the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care with UTS Online?
Ranked #3 in Australia for Academic Reputation in Nursing and Midwifery1
Top 100 University Globally3
Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery2
5 star rated for excellence across 8 categories2
1QS Top Uni Ranking 2025. 2QS Stars Rating 2021–2024. 3QS World University Rankings, 2025
Enhance your expertise in critical care knowledge
As Australia’s healthcare system faces increasing demand, with data revealing that critical care is the second-largest nursing occupation after aged care1, the need for highly skilled critical care nurses is more pressing than ever. With complex patient cases, advances in medical technology and the growing incidence of life-threatening conditions, nurses must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to these challenges.
UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Critical Care is designed for nurses who are ready to take the next step in their careers by mastering critical care concepts and developing the ability to evaluate complex patient data to inform clinical decision-making. Delivered entirely online, this course offers a flexible and collaborative learning environment that empowers you to tackle real-world challenges, preparing you for leadership in this essential field of healthcare.
1 joboutlook.gov.au
Who is this course for?
The Graduate Certificate in Critical Care is designed for registered nurses who want to develop advanced skills in high-acuity patient care. Whether you're looking to specialise in critical care, transition into intensive care or enhance your clinical decision-making, this course provides the expertise and confidence to excel in fast-paced healthcare environments.
This course is suited to:
- Registered nurses working in emergency, intensive care or high-dependency units.
- Nurses transitioning into critical care who need specialised knowledge in acute and complex patient management.
- Healthcare professionals looking to strengthen their ability to assess, monitor and manage critically ill patients.
- Nurses aiming to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based critical care practice.
- Professionals committed to ongoing learning in acute and emergency healthcare settings.
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Critical Care comprises four online subjects (24 credit points (CP) in total).
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Complex Critical Care
- Professional Practice in Critical Care
- Applied Pathophysiology in Practice
- Specialty Clinical Practice
Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide.
Flexible course options
The Graduate Certificate in Critical Care comprises 4 online subjects (24 credit points (CP) in total).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care may qualify to advance to the Master of Advanced Nursing, requiring only 8 additional subjects to complete the master's degree.
Graduate Certificate
4 Subjects | 8 months
Or continue studying
Master's
+4 Subjects | 24 months
Graduate with a Master's degree
For more information, download your course guide or speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Study pathways
The School of Nursing and Midwifery offers 4 online Graduate Certificate courses – the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, the Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing, the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care and the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education – that articulate into the Master of Advanced Nursing.
This provides you with the opportunity to choose a specialisation pathway that is most aligned with your career goals.
Learning outcomes
Deliver evidence-based critical care in high-acuity settings
Apply advanced clinical knowledge and research to assess, stabilise and manage critically ill patients. Use evidence-based practices to deliver timely, high-quality interventions in emergency and intensive care environments.
Enhance clinical reasoning and leadership in complex care
Develop the ability to make rapid, informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Strengthen your leadership skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and optimise patient outcomes in critical care settings.
Provide ethical, safe and person-centred critical care
Apply ethical frameworks and culturally responsive approaches to the care of critically ill patients. Advocate for patient safety, dignity and best-practice interventions in diverse healthcare environments.
Collaborate effectively within critical care teams
Refine your communication and teamwork skills to work seamlessly with healthcare professionals in fast-paced, high-stakes scenarios. Contribute to interdisciplinary care strategies that improve patient outcomes in critical care.
Course information
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a health-related discipline comparable to nursing.
Applicants must also satisfy the following:
- Current registration as a Nurse in Australia (AHPRA),
- Current employment in a critical care environment (e.g., Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit) as demonstrated through a CV; and
- A minimum of one year full-time (1800+ hours) post-registration clinical experience demonstrated through a Statement of Service.
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria for an offer, such as applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but with recent relevant work experience in a clinical healthcare role, may be considered eligible. Those applicants must present evidence of a capacity to undertake tertiary study via submission of a CV, which should include details of completion of hospital or college certificates and professional development.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing prepares registered nurses to deliver expert care in high-pressure critical care environments. This course equips you with advanced clinical skills and the ability to respond effectively to complex patient needs.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Critical Care Nurse Specialist
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
- Emergency Department Nurse Leader
- Clinical Nurse Consultant (Critical Care)
$102,000
Average salary
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care can expect an average annual salary of $102,000, based on roles such as Critical Care Nurse Specialist, Emergency Department Nurse Leader and Clinical Nurse Consultant (Critical Care).
(Indeed)
70,000 +
Shortfall by 2035
Australia is expected to face a shortage of over 70,000 nurses by 2035, underscoring the urgent need for skilled nursing leadership and education.
(Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal)
15%
of the workforce in Healthcare
Healthcare and social assistance make up 15% of Australia’s workforce, highlighting the growing demand for nurses in this essential sector.
(Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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Jan
2025 -
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Jul
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Oct
2025
Meet our Course Director
"At the heart of critical care and emergency nursing is a passion for delivering the highest level of care to those who need it most. With our Graduate Certificate in Critical Care, we can help you take that enthusiasm and transform it into advanced knowledge and skills that will set you apart as a leader in your field. Whether you're looking to build on your existing expertise, advance your career, or simply make a bigger difference in the lives of your patients, we’ll give you the tools you need to confidently evaluate complex patient data, make informed clinical decisions, and deliver safe and effective person-centred care."
Dr Carmen Axisa PhD (Medicine), MClinN, BN, RN. Senior Lecturer
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care at UTS Online, you must hold current registration as a nurse in Australia.
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:
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Tools to enhance your knowledge in critical care nursing practices
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Flexible schedules that accommodate your work commitments as a healthcare professional
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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.