Qualify from a world-class university
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.
Build a better healthcare system for tomorrow
James Cook University’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will give you the boost you need to achieve your goals in today’s fast-paced healthcare system.
Tailor your study to fit your career goals by specialising in Leadership and Management, Advanced Clinical Practice or Education. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field and be prepared to take advantage of new professional opportunities.
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.
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 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)
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)