Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Critical Care Nursing)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to:
- hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- have current employment in the area of critical care nursing as certified by the statement of clinical support from your employer.
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.
Degree overview
- This qualification prepares Registered Nurses to broaden their career prospects in the specialty field of critical care.
- Join a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.1
- Learn in our state-of-the-art, clinician-led, simulated hospital on campus.
- Enhance your learning through evidence-based practice.
- Learn from industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.2
- Be supported by online learning resources, available to you 24/7.
- Study with South Australia’s No.1 university for teaching quality in nursing.3
12024 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Nursing – Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
UniSA’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Critical Care Nursing) will develop the skills of registered nurses who are currently working in the specialist area of critical care in an intensive care (ICU), emergency care (ED), or coronary care unit (CCU).
You’ll expand your specialist, evidenced-based skills and ability to provide quality care for a variety of critically ill people, using a person and family-focused approach.
Students who are not currently working in critical care but wish to upskill to meet acute health needs may be interested in our Graduate Certificate in Nursing. You can also explore other graduate certificates with a specific clinical specialisation in the following areas:
- Mental Health Nursing: For RNs interested in promoting care and recovery to people with mental health conditions.
- Health and Ageing: For RNs looking to improve the health and wellbeing of older people.
- Nurse Education: For RNs looking to educate health professionals.
What you'll learn
You’ll cover topics such as:
- evidence-based practice in nursing critically-ill patients
- professional, socio-ethical and legal aspects of care
- management of clients experiencing acute health crises
- advanced clinical competencies for critical care nursing practice
- renal conditions
- gastrointestinal and endocrine
- infection and sepsis
- haemodynamic monitoring.
During your study you will cover:
- critical care standards
- pathophysiology of different shocked states
- advanced respiratory care
- advanced cardiac care
- advanced neurological care
- advanced renal management
- trauma care and management
- end of life care.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for planned learning activities. Depending on your study mode, these activities may include online discussion forums, virtual classroom sessions, lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. You will also need to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings, and projects.
As a rule, most postgraduate study is completed part-time. If you are studying full-time, your studies should be treated like a full-time job, with approximately 35-40 hours of study per week. The full sum of these hours should balance your planned learning activities and your own independent study.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- oral presentations
- clinical skills book
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- contribution to online discussion forums
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying with UniSA is our ability to attract and retain internationally renowned researchers. You’ll learn from researchers and academics who are directly connected to industry and all of our clinical teaching staff combine teaching with industry experience.
In addition, our diverse student population means you have the opportunity to gain global and cultural understanding, ideas and insights direct from your peers.
Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Critical Care Nursing)
UniSA's flexible suite of postgraduate nursing qualifications are designed to recognise your prior learning and advance your career prospects.
This online, part-time qualification has been designed to suit working professionals, with interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment to enable you to organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
The curriculum of this graduate certificate is informed by UniSA's well above world-class research in nursing.1 You'll be taught by specialist postgraduate teaching staff and experienced clinicians, assuring you the very best in academic resources, learning facilities and support.
Upon successful completion of a postgraduate qualification at UniSA, you may then be eligible to gain credit into higher level qualifications and reduce the overall duration of your study.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
This graduate certificate has a focus on critical care nursing and how it applies at your current workplace. You’ll complete specific competency assessments and apply your skills in your daily clinical practice.
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals via our online forums and virtual classrooms and during on-campus workshops, offering you the opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians in the field and build valuable industry networks and relationships.
Online study
Much of your studying for this qualification can be done online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- access videos and course resources online
- engage with fortnightly virtual tutorials led by expert academics
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use online forums for team work and communication.
Please note some mandatory on-campus workshop attendance is required at the City East campus. On-campus workshop requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Advance your Nursing Career with Postgraduate Study
Hear from Dr. Allison Roderick, UniSA's Program Director of Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Programs, on how postgraduate study can take your career as an Registered Nurse even further.
Your career
Graduates of this qualification will be able to continue working in the area of critical/intensive care units with advanced knowledge and clinical skills. You'll be prepared to better respond to the needs of patients experiencing specific, rapid and unpredictable deterioration.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- Check you meet the full entry requirements for this program, including your signed statement of clinical support from your employer.
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You'll have access to our unique clinician led, authentic simulated hospital and health service on campus, as well as a range of on-campus lecture theatres, learning and social spaces.
Your program director
I have a strong background in intensive care and infection control, gained from working in public and private ICUs in Australia and overseas. As a former graduate of UniSA’s Nursing program and now Program Director of the postgraduate suite of Nursing and Midwifery programs, I greatly benefitted from real-world experiences in my studies, and understand how important it is to help students achieve their career goals. In addition to hands-on learning, I also ensure my teaching is closely informed by industry, where I have close connections with key groups including education, ICU, perioperative, and more.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
The University of South Australia understands that quality teaching in nursing and midwifery goes hand-in-hand with industry partnerships. They work collaboratively across all health care services to design industry-informed curriculum.
Jennifer Fereday
Executive Director | Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Staff who have upskilled with postgraduate study really shine through as motivated workers. We often employ people with postgraduate qualifications in our managerial positions as they have equipped themselves with those extra specialised skills.
Jo Boylan
Director of Operations | Southern Cross Care
