Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing

University of Melbourne

About

The Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing is delivered wholly online by cancer nursing clinical experts and educators.

This course is completed part-time over 12 months.

As a student of this course, you will complete four core subjects and two selectives in a specialty area relevant to your area of practice.

This course provides students with sound knowledge and understanding of the theoretical knowledge and scientific advances that underpin the comprehensive care and management of individuals affected by cancer.

During the course students will apply cancer nursing knowledge into clinical practice demonstrating their ability to competently care for patients with complex care requirements using evidence-based and scientific approaches.

On successful completion of this course, students may be eligible for the Master’s of Advanced Nursing Practice.

Structure

Course structure

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing, students must successfully complete:

  • Four core subjects (37.5 credit points)
  • Two Selective subjects (12.5 credit points)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have:

  • Completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or higher-level degree (e.g. Master’s of Nursing Science – entry-to-practice); and
  • Current and unrestricted registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency; and
  • Documented evidence of a minimum of one year post-registration clinical experience; and
  • Clinical support from a partnering health service and be employed a minimum of three (3) days or 24 hours per week in a specialty area of cancer care for the duration of the course.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

  • Prior academic performance; and
  • Relevant professional experience; and
  • Documented evidence of working in a specialty area of cancer care for the duration of the course; and
  • Completed nomination form from the applicant’s health service.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests provided by the Academic Board, performance band of an overall 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the subject description, subject objectives, generic skills and assessment requirements of this entry. The university is dedicated to proving support to those with special requirements. Further details in the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Learning outcomes

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

Knowledge Identify the contribution of nurses in interprofessional cancer control across the continuum of care Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the scientific and research-based evidence that underpins cancer care and technical skills that align with the competency standards for specialist cancer nurses
Skills Employ effective specialised technical skills in the delivery of specialist cancer nursing care Communicate effectively with other members of the interprofessional cancer control team and people affected by cancer to facilitate effective individualised plans for care Demonstrate the capacity to assess, review and analyse patient health data to identify and explain the rationale for solutions to complex problems in cancer care
Application of knowledge and skills Apply knowledge of cancer biology and cancer control across the continuum of care to safely and effectively provide specialist cancer nursing care that addresses actual and potential disease and treatment related health needs Develop effective collaborative relationships with people affected by cancer and other members of the interprofessional cancer control team that will assist in meeting supportive and health-related needs across the cancer continuum Conduct planning and delivery of specialist cancer nursing care that meets the specific supportive care needs and experiences of people affected by cancer Apply skills to critically appraise cancer nursing practice and to integrate relevant research evidence into effective individualised plans for care of people affected by cancer Use evidence-based resources to provide tailored information and education to people affected by cancer to enable self-management Initiate, plan, implement and evaluate in an individualised, patient-centred, comprehensive and coordinated care plan in collaboration with other members of the interprofessional cancer control team

Institution