Why Nursing at JCU?
James Cook University’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will give you the boost you need to achieve your professional goals in today’s fast-paced healthcare system.
100% online & part-time
Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as two years part-time.
Choose your career pathway
Choose to specialise in either advanced practice, education or leadership and management. Have the opportunity to continue your studies and gain a master's degree with a double major.
Ranked in the top 30 universities in Australia
JCU is in the top 30 universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. You'll study with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics.
Program highlights
- Choose from three in-demand specialisations.
- Transform your practice and improve your clinical skill set.
- Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts.
- Fast-track your career with 100% online study.
- Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor.
- Begin the pathway to a master's degree.
Make your mark on nursing
Want to make your mark on nursing? JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow.
Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system.
You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career.
What you will study
To complete your online Graduate Certificate of Nursing, choose from one of three majors: Leadership and Management, Education or Advanced Practice, so you can shape your study to suit your own career path.
JCU offers subjects from Ethics and Health Management to Clinical Coaching, so you can focus on areas that will help put you on your best career path.
Want more details about these subjects? Find out more from our course guide.
This subject explores foundational concepts of leadership and management in diverse healthcare settings and geographic locations. Read more
This subject examines ethical principles and theories, exploring how managers may apply these in a healthcare context. Read more
This subject explores the development of clinical governance and contemporary issues in healthcare workplaces. Read more
This subject explores professional communication strategies across a variety of mediums in the healthcare workplace. Read more
This subject introduces the most prominent theories in adult learning and the ways in which they can be applied to a healthcare setting. Read more
This subject focuses on the application of key theories and specific strategies related to teaching for health professionals in the clinical setting. Read more
This subject explores the knowledge required in clinical coaching and how to use specific strategies related to healthcare contexts. Read more
This subject explores professional communication strategies across a variety of mediums in the healthcare workplace. Read more
This subject explores pharmacology and principles relevant to the quality use of medicines in practice. Read more
This subject explores the development of clinical governance and contemporary issues in healthcare workplaces. Read more
This subject provides the knowledge and skills required to complete system-specific and comprehensive health histories and physical examinations. Read more
This subject explores professional communication strategies across a variety of mediums in the healthcare workplace. Read more
Choose from 1 of 3 principle specialisations or a double major
- Advanced Practice: Giving you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care
- Leadership and Management: Giving you the confidence and knowledge to embrace leadership or management positions in healthcare, or
- Education: Giving you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
You may also choose to combine two of these specialisations and graduate with a double major.
Course information
With JCU’s 100% online Graduate Certificate of Nursing, you can choose a specialisation based on your career goals. You may also be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning so you can complete your degree sooner.
To be eligible to enrol in the online Master of Nursing, applicants must have:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification, and;
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia;
- Completed a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience, or the part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse or midwife.
- Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Not sure if you meet these entry criteria? Our Enrolment Advisors can assist you.
Meet our Nursing Academics
Our academics will empower you to improve health outcomes, enrich your nursing practice and equip yourself with the skills to take your career to the next level.
Fast-track your nursing postgrad with 50% credit
If you’ve completed the Queensland Health Rural and Remote Generalist Nurse Program (RRGNP), you could be eligible for 50% credit towards JCU’s Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Leadership and Management) or Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Advanced Practice).
That means you’ll only need to complete 2 subjects instead of 4, cutting your time and cost in half - so you can upskill sooner and advance your career faster.
Find out how much credit you can claim - talk to a Student Enrolment Advisor today.
Nested qualifications: Early entry exit options
JCU’s Graduate Certificate of Nursing is a pathway towards obtaining a master's degree. After completing your graduate certificate, you can continue your studies and gain a Graduate Diploma of Nursing and a Master of Nursing. Get in touch with an Enrolment Advisor to find out more.
Your personalised Enrolment Advisor
The role of an Enrolment Advisor is to ensure that you have all the resources and academic support needed to be successful in your studies.
Enrolments Advisors are here to help you with:
- Determining your eligibility for the course.
- Understanding the structure of your course and what you can expect to learn.
- Time management strategies for success.
- How to apply for financial assistance and FEE-HELP.
- Any questions you have about your application.
Contact hours for your Enrolment Advisor
Monday and Tuesday: 8am-6pm (AEST)
Wednesday and Thursday: 8am-7pm (AEST)
Friday: 8am-5pm (AEST)
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Frequently asked questions
A Graduate Certificate of Nursing comprises four subjects and can be completed in as little as eight months, while a Master of Nursing comprises 12 subjects and can be completed in 24 months. A master's degree is a more advanced qualification. The Graduate Certificate of Nursing can be a pathway towards completing a master's degree.
This degree is 100% online meaning you can study when and where it suits you. Our flexible online structure means you can study one subject at a time over a 7 week period and all resource material is accessible 24/7 on our online learning platform.
JCU Online's Graduate Certificate of Nursing comprises four subjects and costs $3,052 per subject. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.
FEE-HELP is a government loan scheme that can help eligible students to pay for all or part of their postgraduate tuition. You can find more information on our Fees page, or reach out to our Enrolment Advisors on 1300 535 919.
First, call us at 1300 535 919 or email learn@online.jcu.edu.au. You will be connected with one of our Student Enrolment Advisors who will discuss your career goals, answer any questions and help you select the right course, ensuring your application experience is as smooth as possible. Next, you will need to gather your documents – this may include transcripts, certificates, advanced standing documents (if applicable) and proof of English language skills (if applicable). Your Student Enrolment Advisor will help guide you and make sure you have the correct documents. Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply online.
Student Story
Balancing work and family commitments is challenging for any nurse, especially once they take on study. I chose to study with JCU Online for the flexibility that was offered. With guidance from the advisors, I was able to map out a plan that would fit with my lifestyle.
Leisa Sanderson, Master of Nursing (Graduate)
Student Story
JCU Online surprised me with how much the teaching team was interested in my studies' success! The team was so supportive, kind, respectful and directed to study resources with frequent advice.
Bosco Ntuyenabo, Master of Nursing (Graduate)
