Why Nursing at JCU?
James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma in Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting.
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 only 16 months part-time.
Choose your career pathway
Choose to specialise in either advanced practice, education or leadership and management, or combine two and graduate with a double major.
One of Australia’s Top 10 Nursing Schools
JCU is one of the top 10 nurse educators in Australia. You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics.
Program Highlights
- Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset.
- Choose from three in-demand specialisations.
- Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts.
- Understand the latest in healthcare informatics.
- Fast-track your career with 100% online study.
- Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor.
- Begin the pathway to a master degree.
Be Equipped for a Changing Healthcare System
Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before.
Offering three majors, Leadership and Management, Education and Advanced Practice, you’ll learn specifics about leading and managing teams, develop skills in business-related areas, such as finance and budgeting, and build contemporary skills to facilitate effective adult learning. You’ll be prepared to help shape the way in which nurses practice and deliver patient care for the complex, fast-paced health environment of the future.
What you will study
The JCU Online’s Graduate Diploma of Nursing gives you the preparation you’ll need to shine at the next level in your career – advanced communication skills, data management skills, governance knowledge, informatics, and the ability to design and implement evidence into practice. We equip you with the knowledge, proficiency, competency and expertise to succeed in your chosen specialisation.
These core skills were specifically incorporated to ensure all graduates leave the course ready to take on the challenges presented by a changing healthcare landscape. You’ll also be able to choose one of three majors:
- Leadership and Management major
- Education major
- Advanced Practice major
Want more details about these subjects? Find out more from our course guide.
Leadership and Management major
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Leading and Managing in HealthThis subject explores foundational concepts of leadership and management in diverse healthcare settings and geographic locations. Read more
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Ethics and Health ManagementThis subject examines ethical principles and theories, exploring how managers may apply these in a healthcare context. Read more
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Effective Clinical GovernanceThis subject explores the development of clinical governance and contemporary issues in healthcare workplaces. Read more
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Persuasive CommunicationThis subject explores professional communication strategies across a variety of mediums in the healthcare workplace. Read more
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Informatics for Health ProfessionalsThis subject introduces the scope and practice of informatics in healthcare. Read more
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Business and Finance for the Health ManagerThis subject explores how healthcare leaders can assume effective business and financial management functions. Read more
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Conflict and Dispute Resolution in HealthcareThis subject examines how to take action when confronting the challenges involved in leading in a healthcare environment characterised by increasing change and complexity. Read more
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Synthesising Evidence for HealthcareThis subject examines how to find, appraise and utilise reliable and credible sources of health-related information. Read more
Education major
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Principles of Education for the Health ProfessionalThis subject introduces the most prominent theories in adult learning and the ways in which they can be applied to a healthcare setting. Read more
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Teaching in Practice SettingsThis subject focuses on the application of key theories and specific strategies related to teaching for health professionals in the clinical setting. Read more
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Clinical CoachingThis subject explores the knowledge required in clinical coaching and how to use specific strategies related to healthcare contexts. Read more
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Persuasive CommunicationThis subject explores professional communication strategies across a variety of mediums in the healthcare workplace. Read more
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Informatics for Health ProfessionalsThis subject introduces the scope and practice of informatics in healthcare. Read more
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Contemporary Healthcare EducationThis subject explores contemporary issues relevant to education in healthcare contexts. Read more
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Effective Clinical GovernanceThis subject explores the development of clinical governance and contemporary issues in healthcare workplaces. Read more
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Synthesising Evidence for HealthcareThis subject examines how to find, appraise and utilise reliable and credible sources of health-related information. Read more
Advanced Practice major
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Synthesising Evidence for HealthcareThis subject examines how to find, appraise and utilise reliable and credible sources of health-related information. Read more
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Effective Clinical GovernanceThis subject explores the development of clinical governance and contemporary issues in healthcare workplaces. Read more
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Persuasive CommunicationThis subject explores professional communication strategies across a variety of mediums in the healthcare workplace. Read more
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Informatics for Health ProfessionalsThis subject introduces the scope and practice of informatics in healthcare. Read more
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Advanced Health AssessmentThis subject provides the knowledge and skills required to complete system-specific and comprehensive health histories and physical examinations. Read more
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Quality Use of Medicines in PracticeThis subject explores pharmacology and principles relevant to the quality use of medicines in practice. Read more
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Applied Health Assessment and Advanced PracticeThe subject is designed to build on the knowledge and skills gained in the core subject Advanced Health Assessment with the aim of identifying deviations from normal health states. Read more
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Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced PracticeThis subject explores the diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making process required in the assessment and management of both acute and chronic patients. 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 Diploma 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.
- Entry Requirements
- Recognition of Prior Learning
- Learning Outcomes
- Career Outcomes
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to enrol in the online Graduate Diploma 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.
SPEAK WITH AN ENROLMENT ADVISORRecognition of Prior Learning
If you have experienced learning either at work, through non-accredited training or from life that is relevant to this course, we may be able to offer you credit towards your qualification.
GET IN TOUCH WITH AN ENROLMENT ADVISOR TO FIND OUT MORELearning Outcomes
The online Graduate Diploma of Nursing core subjects will provide you with a well-rounded experience, with learning outcomes that focus on:
- Clinical governance and how to apply this framework to contemporary issues in healthcare as well as your own workplace.
- Persuasive communication and how to apply a number of strategies across different healthcare settings
- Contemporary trends in informatics in healthcare
- Finding, appraising and utilising data and credible sources of health-related information
Career Outcomes
Depending on your specialisation, after completing your Graduate Diploma of Nursing you will have the skills to succeed in positions such as:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Leadership & Management
- Nurse Unit Manager
- Clinical Teacher
- Nurse Educator
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.
Nested qualifications: Early entry exit options
JCU’s online Graduate Diploma of Nursing is a pathway towards obtaining a master degree. After completing your graduate diploma, you can continue your studies and gain a Master of Nursing. If you need to finish your study early, you may still qualify for a Graduate Certificate of Nursing. Get in touch with an Enrolment Advisor to find out more.
You might also be interested in:
Ready to get started?
Download a course guide
For more detailed and up-to-date information about your degree, including:
- Information about the course
- Course duration
- Fees
- Course descriptions
- What to expect from the course
Speak with an Enrolment Advisor
Investing in the right course for you is important to us and we’re here to help. Simply request a call back and will assist you with:
- Entry requirements
- Choosing right course
- How to apply and enrol
- How online study works
- Course duration and fees
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to complete the Graduate Diploma of Nursing?
JCU Online's Graduate Diploma of Nursing comprises four subjects and takes a minimum of eight months part time to complete. This enables you to study without sacrificing work or family life.
How much does it cost to complete the Graduate Diploma in Nursing?
JCU Online's Graduate Diploma of Nursing consists of eight subjects and costs $2,740 per subject. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.
What can I do with this nursing degree?
This degree offers three pathways to specialise your knowledge allowing you to graduate with a specific skillset that is designed to meet industry demand.
Choose Leadership and Management if you want to prepare for leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
Choose Advanced Practice if you want to prepare yourself for the next level of responsibilities in advanced clinical care.
Choose Education if you want to become a nurse educator and facilitate effective adult learning within clinical settings.
You can also choose to continue your studies and obtain a Master of Nursing.
What is a graduate diploma in nursing?
A graduate diploma is a postgraduate degree for registered nurses that enables you to broaden your career outlook and opportunities. Our course allows you to specialise in one of three in-demand areas:
1. Leadership and Management: Giving you the confidence and knowledge to embrace leadership or management positions in healthcare.
2. Advanced Practice: Giving you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care.
3. Education: Giving you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
You can also choose to continue your studies and obtain a Master of Nursing.
Is the program self paced?
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.
What is FEE-HELP?
Some students may be eligible for government assistance to help their study. For more information and to see if you are eligible visit: https://online.jcu.edu.au/fees
What is the difference between a Graduate Diploma of Nursing and a Master of Nursing?
A Graduate Diploma of Nursing comprises eight subjects and can be completed in 16 months, while a Master of Nursing comprises 12 subjects and can be completed in 24 months. A master degree is a more advanced qualification. The Graduate Diploma of Nursing can be a pathway towards completing a master degree.
How do I apply for the Graduate Diploma of Nursing?
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.
Who Should Study a Graduate Diploma of Nursing?
JCU Online’s Master of Nursing is for registered nurses who are ready to take their next career step and gain specialist skills in Leadership and Management, Advanced Practice or Education.
