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IF YOU DO NOT FIND THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS HERE, PLEASE CONTACT THE COURSE COORDINATOR

Course coordinator Tracy Murphy, tracym@unimelb.edu.au

DO I NEED TO BE WORKING IN GENERAL PRACTICE OR PRIMARY CARE?

No, the course has been developed for nurses working in general practice or wanting to move into primary care.

CAN AN ENROLLED NURSE COMPLETE THIS COURSE?

No, you must be a registered nurse with at least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse to enrol in this course.

CAN OVERSEAS STUDENTS COMPLETE THIS COURSE?

Not usually, if you are overseas temporarily then you can continue to study. Overseas students cannot enrol in the course but may take some subjects as electives in the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice.

HOW DO I ENROL IN A SINGLE SUBJECT SUCH AS THE IMMUNISATION COURSE?

Single units of study are taken through the Community Access Program (CAP).  This is useful when students wish to 'road test' a subject prior to enrolling in a course or when they only wish to study a specific unit. These subjects are assessed and can be credited to the Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing subject to University Policy.

For more information about the Community Access Program, please refer to the Single Subject Study page.

WHAT IS THE COURSE CODE FOR CAP SUBJECTS?

Please enter NA_CAPPG

CAN I USE THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PRIMARY CARE NURSING TO MEET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE MASTER OF NURSING PROGRAMS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING?

Yes, subject to any additional course requirements.  For example, you must have a WAM of at least 65% to enrol in the dual degree.

IS YOUR IMMUNISATION COURSE RECOGNISED IN OTHER STATES?

Yes, the course is accredited with Health Education Services Victoria (HESA) and recognised in all states. Please check for any additional regional requirements with the individual State Health Authority before practicing as a nurse immuniser.

IS THE CLINICAL PLACEMENT FOR IMMUNISATION MANDATORY?

No, the clinical placement is optional. You may decide to complete a placement after considering your previous immunisation experience and your planned career goals.

DO YOU OFFER A NURSE CERVICAL SCREENING COURSE?

Nurses wishing to complete a cervical screening course should complete the elective Clinical Sexual & Reproductive Health (POPH90070). This is run via the School of Population Health and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.

HOW MUCH OF THE COURSE CAN BE COMPLETED ONLINE?

The three core subjects are all offered online. If you choose an online elective, then the course can be completed entirely on-line.

DO I NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION TO COMPLETE THE COURSE?

Yes, you will need a reliable internet connection, adequate computer hardware and software and basic computer literacy skills. All course materials and assessment will be completed online.  Assignments must be submitted directly via Turnitin the online web-based software that is connected to Learning Management System (LMS).

HOW LONG DOES THE COURSE USUALLY TAKE?

The graduate certificate is usually completed part time over one year although students study one subject per semester. The course can be completed full time over six months. Each subject is equivalent to 170 hours of study. Students should evaluate their study load, work, and family commitments before enrolling in multiple subjects. The Graduate Certificate must be completed within three years of course commencement.

CAN I GET ADVANCED STANDING (ALSO KNOWN AS RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING OR CREDIT)?

Credit will be considered for core subjects and for specific electives such as the University of Melbourne short course Immunisation (Nurse Immuniser).   Students should complete a request for credit during the enrolment process.

CAN I TAKE TIME OFF FROM MY SUBJECT?

Yes, you can apply for leave of absence (LOA) for up to 12 months.