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Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMNI

SATAC Code
4CM053 (Internal/External)

Study as
Part-time only

Aim

The program provides registered nurses with an advanced qualification relevant to their professional field of practice through advancing their knowledge and application of evidence based practice and developing their ability to independently undertake research or an independent nursing practice project.

Content & Structure

The program consists of 54 units of study offered over 3 years equivalent part-time. Students can either choose a research pathway or a clinical pathway from the beginning of the program or wait until they have completed 27 units from the schedule of elective courses and then decide which is the preferred pathway. This structure provides flexibility in course offerings, enabling students to select the order of courses when most appropriate for their studies.

Research Pathway
Students select 27 units of study from the schedule of elective courses. Students are also required to complete 27 units of research specific courses to complete the qualification. These courses are underpinned by research evidence and teaching and learning activities foster critical analysis of research evidence and translation of research evidence in specialty nursing practice. Students will also explore and reflect upon the factors influencing the role of the advanced nurse in delivering an evidence-based health and/or community service to specific clients, residents or population groups. These courses develop the ability to expertly apply modes of inquiry to identify and investigate questions, issues or problems to inform nursing and health care practice, knowledge and research.

Clinical Pathway
Students select 36 units of study from the schedule of elective courses. Students are also required to complete 18 units of clinical project specific courses. Students develop clinical specialisation, critical perspective of practices impacting on the delivery of nursing and health services and develop knowledge and skills to develop leadership and/or management roles in nursing and health services. These courses develop the ability to expertly apply modes of inquiry to identify and investigate questions, issues or problems to inform nursing and health care practice, knowledge and research. The clinical project courses enable registered nurses to evaluate the processes and outcomes of clinical practice through a quality improvement framework that provides an independent clinical project.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

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What courses you'll study

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
Clinical Pathway students complete the following two courses and select 36 units from the electives list below (can be completed in any order):
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care NURS 5153 9
Clinical Project NURS 5070 9
Research Pathway students complete the following three courses and select 27 units from the electives list below (can be completed in any order):
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care NURS 5153 9
Minor Thesis A NURS 5003 9
Minor Thesis B NURS 5004 9
Elective courses (can be completed in any order):
Critical Perspectives on Nursing and Health Services HLTH 5136 9
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice NURS 5171 9
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery NURS 5150 9
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations NURS 5135 9
Allergy Nursing NURS 5167 9
Palliative Care Nursing NURS 5168 9
Nephrology Nursing NURS 5169 9
Perioperative Nursing NURS 5170 9
Critical Care Nursing NURS 5118 9
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery NURS 5172 9
Foundations of Specialist Mental Health Nursing NURS 5166 9
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health NURS 5164 9
Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health NURS 5165 9
Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals NURS 5157 9 Note(s): 3
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health NURS 5160 9 Note(s): 3
Comprehensive Care of the Older Person NURS 5163 9
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice NURS 5071 9
Clinical Inquiry NURS 5137 4.5
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice NURS 5138 4.5
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education NURS 5174 9
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education NURS 5173 9

Program Director