Curtin University

What you'll study

The programme develops advanced, evidence-based clinical knowledge and specialist skills across three interrelated practice areas: wound management, ostomy (stoma) care and continence management. Coursework combines theoretical content, clinical reasoning and practical skills development, with emphasis on prevention, assessment, intervention and multidisciplinary care planning.

• Core clinical modules covering anatomy and physiology relevant to skin integrity and pelvic floor function, assessment frameworks for complex wounds, stoma types and complications, and continence assessment tools.
• Advanced management and interventions including contemporary wound dressings and therapies, negative pressure wound therapy principles, skin integrity preservation, stoma appliance selection and peristomal skin care, and conservative and behavioural continence interventions.
• Clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice focusing on interpretation of clinical evidence, development of care pathways, risk assessment and clinical governance for specialist practice.
• Professional practice and service development addressing clinical leadership, education of patients and staff, quality improvement, ethical and medico-legal aspects of specialist practice, and working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Clinical practicum or workplace-based clinical requirements that provide supervised hands-on experience in wound, ostomy and continence care within health services or community settings. Students consolidate skills under the supervision of experienced clinicians.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to hold a relevant undergraduate qualification in nursing or a related allied health discipline and current professional registration in their practising jurisdiction. Applicants should have recent clinical experience in a relevant setting; many students are practising registered nurses with a background in acute care, community health, aged care or surgical/stoma services.

Curtin may also require evidence of professional references or a statement of intent outlining clinical experience and reasons for seeking specialist education. International applicants must meet Curtin's English language requirements and any additional local registration conditions for clinical practice placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for specialist clinical roles and leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Common career paths include:

• Wound care nurse specialist or wound consultant in hospitals, community nursing services or aged-care facilities.
• Stoma care nurse / ostomy nurse working in surgical wards, outpatient clinics, specialist stoma services or nonprofit organisations supporting people with stomas.
• Continence nurse advisor or continence clinician in community health, rehabilitation services, primary care and residential aged care.
• Clinical educator, clinical coordinator or quality improvement lead focusing on skin integrity, continence care programs and best-practice protocols.
• Opportunities in private practice, wound clinics, product industry clinical liaison roles, research and policy development related to wound, ostomy and continence care.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers clinical postgraduate education through a faculty with strong links to regional hospitals, community health services and specialist clinics, enabling practical placement opportunities and workplace‑relevant learning. The programme is taught by academics and practising clinicians with specialist expertise in wound, ostomy and continence care, emphasising applied skills, current evidence and interprofessional collaboration.

Curtin provides flexible delivery options to suit working professionals, access to simulation and clinical skills facilities, and support services for postgraduate students. Completing this programme equips practitioners to meet contemporary service needs and to pursue recognised specialist roles within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.