Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This program develops advanced clinical knowledge and decision-making across key areas of acute and chronic patient care. Core study areas include advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pathophysiology linked to common and complex presentations, pharmacology and therapeutics, evidence-based practice and clinical research methods, and contemporary approaches to patient-centred care and clinical governance.

Typical modules and topics you may encounter:

• Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
• Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology for Nurses
• Clinical Management of Acute and Chronic Conditions
• Evidence-Informed Practice and Quality Improvement
• Professional Practice, Leadership and Interprofessional Care
• Applied Clinical Project or workplace-based clinical practicum

Delivered online, the program combines interactive units, case-based learning, simulated clinical scenarios and assessments that are practice-integrated. Where clinical skill demonstration is required, assessments are normally completed in your workplace under approved supervision or at an approved clinical site.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold current general registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or the equivalent regulatory authority for international applicants. Typical academic entry includes a recognised Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent qualification; alternatively, substantial recent clinical experience may be considered alongside formal qualifications.

Other usual admissions requirements include:

• Evidence of a specified period of recent clinical practice as a registered nurse (usually a minimum of one to two years, depending on the applicant’s prior study)
• A curriculum vitae outlining relevant clinical experience
• Referees or employer support statements for workplace-based components
• English language proficiency to the university’s postgraduate standard for international students

Career prospects

Graduates build the clinical expertise required for advanced practice roles within hospitals, community health services and specialised clinics. Common career directions include clinical nurse specialist positions, roles in emergency, medical or surgical wards, chronic disease management, wound care, and community or primary health nursing. The qualification also prepares nurses for leadership responsibilities in clinical governance, education or quality improvement, and provides a clear pathway into higher degree study such as a Master of Nursing or Master of Clinical Nursing.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises professional practice, ethical care and service in health contexts, with a curriculum informed by close links to clinical partners and practising clinicians. The online delivery is designed for working nurses, offering flexible study options, applied assessments and support from nursing academics and clinical educators.

Students benefit from ACU’s network of clinical placement partners, a focus on student support and career development, and opportunities to translate learning directly into workplace practice while remaining employed. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based care and interprofessional collaboration equips nurses to meet contemporary healthcare challenges.