GD-CLSPEC v.1 Graduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation

Graduate Diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation is designed to provide the theoretical foundations of nursing science, together with the clinical knowledge and skills associated with the specialisation. A significant component of the course is conducted in a health care institution. It focuses on the development of clinical leadership, promotion and integration of evidence-based nursing practice in the specialisation to foster the development of graduates consistent with the profile of the nurse specialist, offering the advanced-level nurse further clinical skills and an opportunity to extend career options. Students commence study in the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Specialisation.

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Graduate Diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.

Students' specialisation is linked to their employment and focuses on the development of leadership, critical thinking and clinical decision making.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. analyse critically, and evaluate advanced concepts of specialty nursing practice; integrate expert knowledge and integrated understanding to demonstrate competency at a level in accordance with specialty competency standards

2. critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise the environmental, physical and psychosocial aspects of the individual for effective clinical decision making; recognise own abilities and level of professional competence

3. investigate, analyse and synthesise complex evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making in specialty practice

4. integrate advanced communication skills within a legal and ethical framework related to complex clinical issues in area of specialty; interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences

5. effectively anticipate, plan for and use complex technology applications relevant to specialty practice

6. integrate autonomous, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a lifelong learner in specialty practice; participate in research and critically appraise research findings and incorporate evidence based knowledge into clinical practice

7. critically appraise, evaluate and incorporate national and global health issues and strategic health care directions into specialty nursing practice

8. incorporate culturally aware and respectful specialty care to multicultural groups and indigenous communities

9. incorporate advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge and judgment, including advanced leadership and autonomy into specialty practice; work professionally in specialty practice demonstrating expert judgement, leadership and independence as a nurse in area of specialty; act as an experienced positive role model to peers and other members of the healthcare team

Duration and Availability

This course is only available part-time. It is recommended that students undertake 1-2 units of study per semester.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

* Students studying at the Bentley Campus need to enroll in INDH5001. Students studying in Singapore need to enroll in NURS5029

Applicants for a Graduate Diploma are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Specifically, Curtin Bentley applicants must hold a bachelor degree and Graduate Certificate in Clinical Specialisation (or equivalent) (with a minimum course weighted average of 70) and registration as a comprehensive or general nurse in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Prospective applicants should have a minimum of 12 months experience in a specialist area of practice. Curtin Singapore applicants must hold a bachelor degree and Graduate Certificate in Clinical Specialisation (with a minimum course weighted average of 70) or equivalent and must be recognised by Curtin University, AND registration as a registered nurse with the Singapore Nursing Board. The minimum English language entry requirements IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 6.5) or equivalent.

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found athttp://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

To support applications for credit for recognised learning, students are required to submit a professional portfolio detailing evidence of accomplishments

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.