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Why study the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing at 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

Ranked top 10 in Australia for graduate employability3


1QS Top Uni Ranking 2025. 2QS Stars Rating 2021–2024. 3QS World University Rankings, 2025

Gain the foundations in advanced nursing care

UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing is designed for nurses who want to gain the foundations to drive better outcomes for person-centred care in advanced clinical settings.

Students focus on gaining advanced skills in clinical practice, applied pathophysiology and implementing evidence in nursing.

This course is delivered 100% online and influenced by strong healthcare industry partners, making it one of the most contemporary and comprehensive courses of its kind.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, you will be able to articulate into the Master of Advanced Nursing.

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A smiling nurse sitting on a modern hospital office.
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Portrait of smiling female nurse wearing scrubs in busy hospital corridor.

Who is this course for?

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing is designed for nurses who want to gain the foundations to drive better outcomes for person-centred care in advanced clinical settings.

You’ll focus on gaining advanced skills in leadership, clinical practice, applied pathophysiology and implementing evidence in nursing. This course is influenced by strong healthcare industry partners, making it one of the most contemporary and comprehensive courses of its kind.

See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.

What you will study

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing comprises four online subjects (24 credit points (CP) in total). 

On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, you will have the opportunity to progress on to the Master of Advanced Nursing program.

CORE SUBJECTS

Complete all of the following subjects:

  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Applied Pathophysiology in Practice
  • Evidence for Informing Practice
  • Improving Safety and Quality in Healthcare

Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide. 

A group of healthcare professionals walking and discussing patient care in a bright hospital corridor.

Flexible course options

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing comprises 4 online subjects (24 credit points (CP) in total). 

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing may qualify to advance to the Master of Advanced Nursing, requiring only 4 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.

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Master of nursing pathway

Learning outcomes

Enhance clinical practice with evidence-based care

Apply the latest research and clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to support safe, high-quality and evidence-informed nursing practice.

Strengthen leadership and decision-making in healthcare

Develop foundational leadership skills to navigate complex clinical environments. Gain confidence in making informed decisions, managing patient care and contributing to healthcare improvements.

Deliver ethical, inclusive and person-centred care

Apply ethical principles and culturally responsive approaches to nursing practice. Advocate for patient rights, safety and equity across diverse healthcare settings.

Collaborate and communicate effectively in healthcare teams

Build strong communication and teamwork skills to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. Contribute to healthcare innovation by working effectively with diverse professionals and stakeholders.

Course information

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

  • Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised nursing (FOE 0603) academic qualification or an equivalent (according to NOOSR or UK NARIC) as follows:
    • Bachelor’s degree OR
    • Graduate Certificate OR
    • Graduate Diploma OR
    • Master’s degree OR equivalent
       
  • Applicants must be currently employed in a healthcare setting and have one year of post-registration clinical experience
     
  • Applicants must hold current registration as a nurse in Australia.  Students’ current nursing registration will be confirmed via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Students should ensure that details of their registration are up-to-date on this register.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

English Language Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning
FEE-HELP

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.

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A man smiles while working on a laptop, showcasing a positive and engaged expression.

Career outcomes

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing provides registered nurses with foundational skills to advance their careers and make a greater impact in clinical and leadership roles. This course enhances your ability to deliver quality care in dynamic healthcare environments.

Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Team Leader
  • Senior Registered Nurse
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Health career

$98,000 

Average salary

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing can expect an average annual salary of $98,000, based on roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Educator, Nursing Team Leader and Senior Registered Nurse.

(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.

Meet our Course Director

"If you're looking to advance your nursing career and make a difference in the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing course is here to help. With a focus on developing skills in leadership, clinical practice, applied pathophysiology, and evidence-based nursing, this course will equip you with the foundational knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients and the communities you serve."

Dr Carmen Axisa PhD (Medicine), MClinN, BN, RN. Senior Lecturer

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Professional portrait of Dr. Carmen Axisa, PhD (Medicine), MClinN, BN, RN, Senior Lecturer and Course Director for this course.

Download a course guide

Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by UTS regarding furthering your education.Privacy Policy.

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What our students are saying
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A woman in scrubs holds a clipboard, appearing focused and engaged in her work environment.

“The broad coverage of what I studied has been really helpful, because I’m opening my progression up to those new paths”

Sarah H, Master of Advanced Nursing - Student

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A female nurse stands confidently smiling wearing blue scrubs

“My Associate Professor gave me such good feedback to help with my assessments and offered to stay in touch about my further studies if I was interested. I really appreciated that.”

Audrey B, Master of Advanced Nursing - Student

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A woman wearing glasses and a purple shirt, smiling and looking directly at the camera.

“The flexibility to be able to do it any time, anywhere, just made completing the Masters so much easier.”

Bianca N, UTS Online Student

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you must hold current registration as a nurse in Australia to study the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing.

Generally, you are required to demonstrate one year of post-registration clinical experience to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing. Pro-rata, this is equivalent to 1800 hours. In some circumstances, 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 Advanced Nursing. To see if you’re eligible, speak with one of our Student Enrolment Advisors.

While the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing 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 Advanced Nursing. However, you must already be employed as an RN in a healthcare setting to fulfil the practical components of the course.

Studying the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing will equip you with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to move into leadership and advanced practice roles such as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, (Clinical) Nurse Educator (or equivalent), Clinical Nurse Consultant or Nurse Unit Manager. Alternatively, you can articulate into the Master of Advanced Nursing.

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 Advanced Nursing.

When you enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing at UTS Online, you’ll benefit from an engaging and user-friendly online platform. Key features include:

  • Flexible learning options that allow you to study while working as an RN

  • Practical assessments directly applicable to your clinical environment

  • Access to peer forums, recorded lectures, and comprehensive learning resources

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.

Related courses

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Explore your study options with UTS Online

Schedule a call with our team to discover how UTS Online can support you in reaching your goals.

Our Student Enrolment Advisors can assist with: 

  • Courses and pathway options 
  • Course fees and FEE-HELP 
  • Entry requirements and recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • Preparing your application 

Ready to apply? Take the next step in your career by clicking the 'Apply now' button below.

Acknowledgement of Country (2)

Acknowledgement of Country

 

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.