University of New England (UNE)
1 to 4 years part-time
This postgraduate diploma prepares experienced registered nurses to provide advanced, specialized care to older adults in aged care settings through evidence-based practice, virtual simulations, and leadership development. Ideal for nurses seeking career advancement and specialization in aged care nursing.
Entry requires either a completed Bachelor of Nursing qualification at AQF Level 7 or equivalent, current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or completion of the UNE Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing. All applicants must meet standard English language requirements, which can be satisfied through English as first language, completion of senior secondary study, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or approved English programs. International applicants studying online must meet both academic and English language requirements.
The course comprises 48 credit points across 8 units covering: Mental Health and Older Adults, Perspectives on Ageing, Assessment and Management of Complex Behaviours, Management Practices in Health and Social Care, Infection Prevention and Control, Nursing Older Adults, Fundamentals of Palliative Care in Aged Care, and Working with Aboriginal People. Students engage with virtual aged care simulated activities to develop practical skills in realistic yet controlled environments. The curriculum addresses holistic care delivery, evidence-based nursing practice, leadership and governance in aged care, infection prevention strategies, palliative and end-of-life care, and culturally safe care for diverse populations.
UNE is the only public university in Australia awarded 20 consecutive years of five-star ratings for Overall Experience and consistently receives five stars for Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. The university pioneered distance education for working adults in the 1950s and remains the leader in online education in Australia, earning a Diamond rating for digital learning from ASCILITE TELAS 2025. UNE's teaching staff are experts in their fields, and the course is developed in collaboration with industry partners and specialist nurses, ensuring relevance to current aged care practice.
Graduates are well-positioned for diverse career opportunities within the aged care sector including: Aged Care Nurse providing specialized nursing care in residential facilities, community settings, or hospitals; Clinical Nurse Specialist (Aged Care) taking leadership roles in expert advice and clinical team management; Nurse Educator (Aged Care) training next-generation nurses in aged care practices; and Aged Care Coordinator/Manager overseeing facility operations and care service coordination. The qualification also prepares nurses for roles as Infection Prevention and Control leads within residential aged care facilities.
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