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 as little as 16 months 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
- Transform your practice and improve your clinical skill set.
- 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's 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.
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 scope and practice of informatics in healthcare. Read more
This subject explores how healthcare leaders can assume effective business and financial management functions. Read more
This 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
This subject examines how to find, appraise and utilise reliable and credible sources of health-related information. 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 introduces the scope and practice of informatics in healthcare. Read more
This subject explores contemporary issues relevant to education in healthcare contexts. Read more
This subject explores the development of clinical governance and contemporary issues in healthcare workplaces. Read more
This subject examines how to find, appraise and utilise reliable and credible sources of health-related information. Read more
This subject examines how to find, appraise and utilise reliable and credible sources of health-related information. 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 scope and practice of informatics in healthcare. 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 pharmacology and principles relevant to the quality use of medicines in practice. Read more
The 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
This 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
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 continue your studies and gain a master's degree 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.
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.
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's 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.
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 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:
- Leadership and Management:Giving you the confidence and knowledge to embrace leadership or management positions in healthcare.
- Advanced Practice: Giving you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care.
- 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.
A Graduate Diploma of Nursing comprises eight subjects and can be completed in minimum 16 months, while a Master of Nursing comprises 12 subjects and can be completed in minimum 24 months. A master's degree is a more advanced qualification. The Graduate Diploma of Nursing can be a pathway towards completing a master's degree.
JCU Online's Graduate Diploma of Nursing comprises 8 subjects and takes a minimum of 16 months part time to complete. This enables you to study without sacrificing work or family life.
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 Diploma of Nursing consists of eight 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)
