Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice (SC-NP)
Specialist CertificateYear: 2020 Delivered: Online
About this course
Coordinator
Natasha Morris
Contact
Email: continuing-education@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149 Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm.
Weekends and University of Melbourne observed Public Holidays 10am to 5pm.
Overview
Award title | Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2020 |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | Non-AQF |
Credit points | 25 credit points |
Duration | 6 months part-time |
The Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice is a 25 credit point clinical coursework program designed to advanced nurses’ knowledge and skills for professional practice in a range of clinical settings including: acute and subacute settings. The course is nationally and international relevant, providing students with a sound understanding of the scientific knowledge and evidence that underpins knowledge and skill development in nursing practice. Students will develop the ability to apply knowledge to understand the practice of providing nursing care to individuals experiencing acute alterations in their health status.
The Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice is a nested course in the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice and is to Registered Nurses part-time over two consecutive terms. The course’s graduate attributes are aligned with those of The Melbourne Graduate.
The Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice provides students with advanced knowledge, preparing them for advanced nursing practice and providing a pathway for further learning including the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice and the Masters of Advanced Nursing Practice. Students undertaking the Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice complete two 12.5 credit-point core subjects, including Applied Pathophysiology and Nursing Specialty 1.
The course delivers theoretical content through fully online study. Students begin the course by enrolling in Applied Pathophysiology, which is the pre-requisite subject to Nursing Specialty 1.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- A three-year undergraduate degree in the discipline of nursing, or equivalent; and
- At least one (1) year documented evidence of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse working in an acute, sub-acute or community health care service within the preceding five years from the time of application
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the work experience.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Notes:
- a) Graduates of the Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice who meet the entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice will be eligible to apply for 25 credit points of advanced standing for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providing support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice, graduates will have:
- Specialised theoretical and technical knowledge, including demonstrating the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge in nursing practice;
- Cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise new and existing knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems;
- Cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas;
- Specialised technical and evidence-based knowledge to inform nursing practice;
- A high level of verbal and written communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts;
- The cognitive skills to understand and critically appraise evidence-based research to inform nursing practice;
Generic skills
- Increased capacity to develop problem-solving and analytically skills.
- Increased confidence when facing unfamiliar problems and an increased capacity to problem-solve and mange patient-related problems.
- Increased ability to articulate their knowledge and understanding in written modes of communication
- Increased ability to critically analyse and evaluate research and professional literature in the area of health.
Graduate attributes
Graduates from the Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice are aligned with those of The Melbourne Graduate; and further distinguished by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), Level 8.
The Melbourne Graduate
- The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares well-rounded graduate who are academically outstanding, practically grounded and socially responsible. Melbourne's graduates are distinguished by their broad outlook and openness to different perspectives. Melbourne's degrees develop research and reasoning skills that equip graduates to be influential citizens with high leadership potential. The University's graduates engage with national and global issues and are attuned to social and cultural diversity. They have high levels of self-awareness and value their personal integrity and well-being.
Academic distinction
- A Melbourne degree provides graduates with in-depth knowledge of their specialist disciplines and skills in examining issues with multiple disciplinary perspectives. Melbourne graduates are critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills. They can apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of contexts and are effective oral and written communicators. The Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates to be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders. Melbourne graduates bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces and communities. They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship
- Melbourne graduates have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues and developed an appreciation of the Asian region. They have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment. Melbourne graduates are aware of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values. The Melbourne experience supports a commitment to civic service in graduates' lives and careers, equipping them to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society. Graduates have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities, with the capacity to work effectively across disciplines and cultures. Through advocacy and innovation they are able to lead change for a sustainable future.
Integrity and self-awareness
- Melbourne graduates are motivated, self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities. They are able to work effectively both independently and in groups. They are also highly self-aware and reflective, with skills in self-assessment, and place great importance on their personal and professional integrity. The opportunities offered by the Melbourne experience help prepare graduates who are enthusiastic, self-assured and confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations. Melbourne's graduates are willing to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes. They have empathy and concern for the welfare of others and can manage their own well-being.
Course structure
To qualify for the Specialist Certificate in Nursing Practice, students must successfully complete two core compulsory subjects (25 credit points). Students are required to successfully complete Applied Pathophysiology, the pre-requisite subject to Nursing Specialty 1.
Applied Pathophysiology can be undertaken as a 'stand-alone' subject for continuing professional development.
Last updated: 21 February 2025