Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing

The Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing is a tailored course for nurses working in a primary care setting that delivers comprehensive and evidence-based education in chronic disease, prevention, women’s health, mental health or youth health.

Commonwealth government policy priorities in primary health care include an enhanced role for the practice nurse and this has been recognised in the course subjects.

This course is delivered by flexible education (distance, online and face-to face).

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing is a 50-credit-point, part-time, coursework program comprising three (3) core subjects and one (1) elective subject.

Entry requirements

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

• an undergraduate degree in nursing or a three-year diploma of nursing or equivalent; and
• at least one year of documented relevant professional experience in a clinical setting; and
• National Division 1 registration.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

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

• prior academic performance; and
• professional experience.

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 postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Other supporting documents such as a police check, Working With Children Check and first aid certificates are required for subjects that involve a clinical placement.

https://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-students/placements

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry. It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

On completion students should be able to:

• Apply an evidence based approach to screening, health promotion and an advanced clinical area of their choice
• Consult with patients in primary care using a preventive approach
• Identify the elements of systematic chronic disease management