As a student of this course, you will:

Examine core pathophysiological concepts

Explore the underlying pathophysiology of paediatric diseases and develop knowledge and skills required to prioritise care of paediatric patients.

Extend your knowledge of patient assessment and management

Broaden your knowledge and theory of paediatrics and learn how to assess infants, children and adolescents. Develop specialist knowledge in the principles of growth and development, nutritional requirements, fluid and electrolyte management, paediatric respiratory illnesses, and other common paediatric conditions including management of paediatric surgical patients.

Apply your new knowledge in the clinical setting

You will receive supervised training in your employing hospital, undertake accurate assessment of paediatric patients, and provide age and developmentally appropriate nursing care, demonstrating that you can integrate theoretical knowledge with technical skill.

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing is a 50-point program designed to be undertaken part time over 12 months, including supervised clinical practice at your employing hospital. You must complete:

• One core online subject, worth 12.5 points
• Three core clinical specialty subjects including one practice subject at your employing hospital, each worth 12.5 points

Please note: if you commence study in the winter intake you will have a 6 month break after completing the first subject Applied Pathophysiology and recommence in the year after. Consequently, starting this course in the winter intake will take 1.5 years to complete.

Workload

On average, it is estimated that students will be required to allocate 15-19 hours per week for ‘study’ time for each subject. However, the time commitment required can vary based on individual task management and planning skills, familiarity with the material, reading style and speed.