Australian Catholic University (ACU)
1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Master your specialty nursing practice with this flexible online program offering nine clinical specialisations. Choose between project-based or research-focused streams to advance your clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and career in healthcare.
To be eligible for admission, you must hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent qualification and maintain current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you may be eligible for a new selection rank based on your study level, duration, and grade point average. Prior learning and work experience aligned with course learning outcomes may qualify you for credit recognition, allowing you to complete the course in a shorter timeframe.
The Master of Clinical Nursing comprises 120 credit points across multiple specialisations. Core modules include Advanced Pathophysiology for Specialty Nursing Practice, Evidence-based Person-centred Family Care, Quality and Safety in Health Care, Interpreting Health Research, and Healthcare Ethics. Specialisation-specific content covers: Correctional Health (prisoner mental health, physical health, chronic conditions, accelerated ageing); Gerontological Nursing (aged-related conditions, pain management, risk assessment, elder abuse); Medical Nursing (acute and chronic conditions, respiratory care, infection control); Renal Nursing (acute renal conditions, dialysis, vascular access); Surgical Nursing (pre/post-operative care, surgical safety, complication management); Neuroscience Nursing (neurological conditions, critical care concepts); Cardiac Care (coronary syndromes, heart failure, ECG interpretation, cardiac rehabilitation); Intensive Care (critical care pathophysiology, ICU-specific pathologies); and Perioperative Nursing (operating theatre environment, pain management, surgical risk). Students choose either a Project Stream (applying knowledge to workplace healthcare challenges) or Research Stream (independent dissertation with qualitative or biostatistical focus).
Australian Catholic University is a leading provider of nursing education with extensive experience in postgraduate clinical nursing programs. ACU's online delivery model provides flexibility for working healthcare professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The university's commitment to person-centred, evidence-based healthcare education is reflected in the curriculum's emphasis on holistic care, ethical practice, and research-informed decision-making. ACU's Faculty of Health Sciences offers comprehensive support services, recognised qualifications, and pathways to further research study, ensuring graduates are equipped to lead clinical innovation and advance healthcare practice.
Graduates of the Master of Clinical Nursing are prepared for advanced clinical roles across government and private healthcare facilities. Career pathways include Clinical Nurse Specialist positions in chosen specialties, Nursing Educator roles, Clinical Leadership and Management positions within healthcare services, and community nursing opportunities. The Research Stream provides a foundation for doctoral study and healthcare research careers, while the Project Stream emphasises practical leadership and problem-solving in clinical settings. Graduates are positioned to influence healthcare policy, drive quality improvement initiatives, and contribute to advancing nursing knowledge and practice in their chosen specialty area.
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