Graduate Certificate in
Paediatric Nursing Studies
Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies
On this page: Overview | Course rationale | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Entry requirements | Fees and scholarships | Apply
Upgrade your nursing career in Paediatric Nursing
The Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies is designed to meet the educational needs of registered nurses working in the specialty of paediatrics. It has 3 specialty streams;
Students share core units but also have specialty units within their own stream. The course articulates into programs offered by other universities (at their discretion) and may equate to RPL.
Course rationale
The Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies is designed to meet the educational needs of nurses working within the diverse contexts of contemporary paediatric healthcare.
The course aims to cultivate excellence in the provision of nursing care to sick infants, children and young people, within a family-focussed framework. Through the exploration and integration of theoretical knowledge and clinical nursing, graduates are prepared for practice as specialist paediatric nurses within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
The course is designed to foster a purposeful and child-centred approach that makes a real difference to children’s services and student career satisfaction.
Learning outcomes
Completion of this course will enable the student to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of the paediatric nurse within their specialty context, and benchmark against appropriate professional standards
- Analyse complex clinical problems using critical thinking/clinical reasoning skills, multiple modes of inquiry and a collaborative approach
- Critically evaluate nursing practice against research & current literature to support the provision of evidence-based paediatric nursing care
- Utilise a range of communication skills to establish effective interpersonal relationships with children, their families and the interdisciplinary healthcare team
- Model the skills and abilities that provide a foundation for future leadership, including reflective practice, knowledge sharing and a commitment to lifelong learning
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies is a one year course, consisting of four 10-week terms.
Students will need to choose 1 stream – General Paediatrics, Paediatric Emergency or Paediatric Intensive Care. Students will need to complete 4 units, either 3 core and 1 elective (General stream) or 2 core, 1 specialty and 1 elective units (Emergency and Intensive Care streams). One unit is studied per term.
Approximate hours of study are 12 – 15 hours per week.
The aim of the general paediatric stream is to challenge and extend the knowledge base, skills and attitudes of those working as generalist paediatric nurses in a variety of contexts. The focus of this stream is the holistic and family focused assessment of infants, children and adolescents using growth and development and normal anatomy and physiology as a foundation for learning. Nursing interventions that are linked with positive evidence- based clinical outcomes will be explored. The units of study in this stream offer flexibility to meet the needs of paediatric nurses working in several contexts. Students select the two core units of study and two elective units of study.
| Unit type | Unit name & pricing | Course codes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 - Core | Foundations of Paediatric Nursing (337), Tier 1 | |
| Term 2 - Core | Principles of Acute Paediatric Nursing (138), Tier 1 | |
| Term 3 - Elective | Choose one elective from the following:
|
|
| Term 4 - Elective | Choose one elective from the following: |
|
| *Advancing Professional Practice (340) is a core unit in the general stream, you can elect to do this unit in term 3 or 4 depending on the elective you choose. | ||
The paediatric emergency stream is designed to develop the specialist knowledge and skills required by nurses caring for infants, children and adolescents presenting to the emergency department. The units of study In this stream provide the student with a broad understanding of the science and practice of paediatric emergency and trauma care. Students select the two core units of study, one specialty unit of study and one elective unit of study.
| Unit type | Unit name & pricing | Course codes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 - Elective | Choose one elective from the following: |
|
| Term 2 - Core | Principles of Acute Paediatric Nursing (138), Tier 1 | |
| Term 3 - Specialty Elective | Paediatric Emergency Nursing (057), Tier 1 | |
| Term 4 - Core | Advancing Professional Practice (340), Tier 2 | |
The paediatric intensive care stream provides the advances knowledge and skills required by nurses providing care to critically ill infants, children and adolescents. The stream aims to develop the students’ ability to assess and manage the complex conditions admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit and to confidently manage the multiple technologies used to support these patients. Students select the two core units of study, one specialty unit of study and one elective unit of study.
| Unit type | Unit name & pricing | Course codes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 - Elective | Choose one elective from the following: |
|
| Term 2 - Core | Principles of Acute Paediatric Nursing (138), Tier 1 | |
| Term 3 - Specialty Elective | Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing (139), Tier 1 | |
| Term 4 - Core | Advancing Professional Practice (340), Tier 2 | |
ACN offers two intakes per year in January and July. Important dates including start and census dates can be found here.
Flexible intakes in April and October may be available, please contact our Customer Services team for further details.
Entry requirements
Admission to a graduate certificate course is based on academic merit and selection. In addition, applicants must satisfy any prerequisites or additional requirements specified for particular courses, including ACN’s general eligibility criteria.
All applicants seeking admission are required to:
- hold a Bachelor of Nursing or registered nurse* equivalent qualification
- hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); or the equivalent registering authority in your country of origin
- meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia English language skills registration standard (nursing and midwifery) – please refer to the AHPRA website to download the standard
- have a minimum of one year of postgraduate experience; and
- be currently employed in the clinical area of specialisation*
*For some GC units of study, consideration may be given for applicants who are not registered nurses on an individual basis.
Fees and scholarships
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
Fees are subject to change without notice.
ACN offers a flexible payment option allowing students to pay their fees on a term-by-term basis. Each term’s fees are due upfront, prior to term commencement.
FEE-HELP is also available for eligible students. Further information can be found here.
Want to save on course fees?
Being a part of the ACN community allows nurses to be the best they can be and strengthen the voice of nursing through a range of invaluable benefits, including 10% off graduate certificates and other education offerings, exclusive networking events, access to support and advice on ACN’s online engagement platform The Buzz, free online CPD courses and opportunities to be involved in shaping health care policy. Find out more and join our tribe today!
Find a scholarship to suit you
Discover our range of scholarships to support you to succeed in your studies regardless of your circumstances. Find ACN scholarships or ACN Foundation Grants and Awards.
Meet your Nurse Educator
Sheetal Kumar, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, BScN, MN (Clinical Teaching), Diploma in Practice Management, Diploma in Nursing, Justice of Peace - NSW
e: sheetal.kumar@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sheetal is the coordinator for our Graduate Certificate course in Paediatric Nursing Studies, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. Her nursing journey began in 2011 in Fiji, where she graduated and practiced as a general and obstetric nurse before transitioning to Australia. Over the years, Sheetal has cultivated a diverse background in practice and surgical nursing and dedicated six years as a critical care nurse in the emergency department, caring for both adult and paediatric patients. This is where her passion for paediatric care truly flourished.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Sheetal has established a strong foundation in nursing education, earning her Master’s degree in Nursing (Clinical Teaching). Her teaching journey includes roles as a sessional academic, online facilitator, and tutor/marker across various tertiary institutions, demonstrating her commitment to shaping the next generation of paediatric nurses. Her enthusiasm for advancing her teaching practice and sharing her knowledge with others is both inspiring and impactful.
Sheetal’s blend of clinical and educational experience ensures that students in the Graduate Certificate course receive exceptional guidance rooted in both theory and practice.
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Hear from past students
Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Applications for enrolment will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Course codes:
10 012 2541 (January 2025 intake)
10 012 2542 (July 2025 intake)
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Graduate Certificate attributes
Get valuable industry skills with a competitive edge. ACN supports our students to graduate with the following attributes:
1
Demonstrate enhanced professional, social and ethical understanding in a specialist area of practice.
2
Apply complex problem solving and information literacy skills to the development of evidence-based practice, research and policy reform.
3
Engage in behaviour that is culturally appropriate, safe and sensitive to the needs of people in their care.
4
Demonstrate an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal values, culture and knowledge to build trust and improve health outcomes.
5
Combine advanced communication skills with an awareness of global health determinants to independently and collaboratively lead and educate others.
6
Reflect and think critically to be better able to care for self, improve health outcomes, and influence safe and effective professional practice.
Virtual Open Day
Jump online for Virtual Open Day to learn more about studying with the Australian College of Nursing (ACN).
Whether you are a nurse ready to upskill with a specialty graduate certificate or immunisation course, seeking an entry pathway to Masters or want to explore continuing professional development opportunities, this interactive event will answer all your questions.
Connect directly with experienced nurse educators and academics and discuss your career goals. Learn about how postgraduate study can shape your career, gain tips and tricks on preparing for online study and student life, all from the comfort of your own home.
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We’re here to help you every step of the way
For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
More information
General information
Important dates
Clinical placements
Postnominals
Frequently asked questions
- A Graduate Certificate typically requires the completion of 4 units (equivalent to 6 months of full-time study) or 24 credit points.
- A Graduate Diploma generally involves 8 units (equivalent to 1 year of full-time study) or 48 credit points.
- A Graduate Certificate is an entry-level postgraduate qualification, offering foundational knowledge in a specific area. It's often used for career advancement, upskilling, or transitioning to a new field. It is ideal for those seeking to enhance specific skills or qualifications without committing to a longer program. While a Graduate Diploma builds on the foundational knowledge of a Graduate Certificate, providing a deeper understanding and more advanced skills in the subject area.
- A Graduate Diploma is more expensive than a Graduate Certificate because it involves completing twice the number of units.
Each unit is worth 6 credit points, with a total of 24 credit points for the course.
You need to complete four units to obtain a Graduate Certificate.
A Graduate Certificate includes four units. The total cost depends on the Tier levels of the units. For example, a course with three Tier 1 units and one Tier 2 unit in 2025 will cost $10,680. Members receive a 10% discount on course fees.
Learn more about membership, its benefits and how to join.
Each unit has a different cost, indicated by its Tier level. You can find the specific fee amounts for each Tier level in the fee schedule.
Once you have receive the offer letter and accepted the place, you will receive the invoice for the unit fees. You can pay via bank transfer (details provided in the invoice) or by calling (02) 9745 7500 during business hours (8:30 am – 5:00 pm) to pay over the phone.
No, Commonwealth Supported Places are not offered for Graduate Certificate courses. However, FEE-HELP is available for eligible applicants. To see if you are eligible for FEE-HELP, please go the Australian government Study Assist website.
No, Graduate Certificate courses and single units of study have fixed start dates. There are four terms per year: January, April, July, and October. Check the Important Dates section on the website for details.
The course is typically completed in one year (one unit per term. If you would like to take leave during your study, you can take up to three consecutive terms of leave if you have enrolled in at least one unit. However, you must finish the course within two years.
No, there are no exams. The course and assessments are delivered online. Please note some courses may require mandatory in-class attendance or (off-site) clinical placements. For more details, please see individual course pages.
No, once you are enrolled in the course, you can access the online learning platform anytime to access the course material, offering flexibility for students balancing work and family commitments. However, assessments are only available during specific periods and must be completed within the allocated timeframe. The online course is supported by course coordinators, unit coordinators, tutors, and library staff, who offer access to resources such as books, journals, and databases.
Note: The Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry) is an exception and has both mandatory on-campus classes as well as clinical placements.
