Curtin University

What you'll study

This programme concentrates on the assessment, management and prevention of wounds, ostomies and continence problems using an evidence-based, person-centred approach. Study emphasises clinical decision-making, complication prevention, patient education and interdisciplinary care.

• Fundamentals of wound assessment and healing — wound aetiology, tissue repair, infection control, and risk assessment tools.
• Advanced wound management — dressing selection, wound bed preparation, pressure injury prevention and management, and contemporary therapies.
• Ostomy care and management — perioperative care, stoma assessment, pouching systems, skin integrity and long-term self-management support.
• Continence assessment and intervention — bladder and bowel dysfunction assessment, conservative management strategies, catheter care and pelvic floor rehabilitation concepts.
• Clinical governance and quality — policy, documentation, audit, infection prevention and safety in wound, ostomy and continence practice.
• Evidence, research and reflective practice — critical appraisal of literature, translating evidence into practice and evaluating clinical outcomes.

The delivery format is designed to suit working clinicians, typically combining online study with practical skills workshops or supervised clinical components supported by workplace mentors. The programme is concise and can be used as a stand‑alone qualification or as a stepping stone to further postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

• Current registration as a health professional (for example, registered nurse, midwife or relevant allied health practitioner) with the appropriate national or state registration body.
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant health discipline or equivalent professional experience as recognised by the University.
• Demonstrated clinical experience working in contexts where wound, ostomy or continence care is provided; employer support may be required for clinical practice components.
• English language proficiency that meets Curtin University's standard requirements for postgraduate coursework, where applicable for international applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates develop specialist skills that prepare them for roles in a range of clinical and education settings. Typical career pathways include:

• Wound care clinician or wound nurse specialist in hospitals, community health services or specialised clinics.
• Stomal therapy nurse or ostomy care clinician providing perioperative and long‑term ostomy support.
• Continence nurse advisor or continence clinician working in aged care, community nursing or rehabilitation services.
• Clinical educator or clinical nurse consultant roles focused on policy, training and quality improvement.
• Opportunities in industry, product education, or as a clinical researcher with further postgraduate study.

Why study at Curtin University

• Clinical relevance — curriculum developed with practising clinicians and aligned with contemporary best practice to support immediate application in workplace settings.
• Flexible delivery — designed for working health professionals, blending online learning with targeted practical skills sessions and supported clinical components.
• Interdisciplinary learning — opportunity to learn alongside nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, reflecting the collaborative nature of wound, ostomy and continence care.
• Strong clinical partnerships — connections with hospitals, community services and specialist clinics that support practice‑based learning and professional networking.
• Research-informed teaching — access to staff with research expertise in wound healing, continence care and stoma management, and pathways to further postgraduate research or coursework study.