Charles Darwin University
1 year
This postgraduate certificate is designed for registered nurses seeking specialization in perioperative nursing. Students choose to focus on either anaesthetics and recovery or scrub/scout nursing, combining evidence-based practice with contemporary clinical standards delivered entirely online.
Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent international qualification and current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Division 1 registered nurse. Current employment in a perioperative nursing field is required, with details to be included in the application. Hospital-trained nurses with current registration may also be considered. Domestic students must meet standard English language proficiency requirements for higher education at CDU.
The course comprises 40 credit points structured as follows: Core unit (10 cp) - NUR551 Foundations of Perioperative Nursing covering essential knowledge underpinning evidence-based practice. Specialist electives (30 cp) - Students select either the anaesthetics and recovery pathway (NUR552 and NUR553) or the scrub/scout nursing pathway (NUR554 and NUR555), each totaling 20 credit points. All units are valued at 10 credit points and are designed using current healthcare needs and contemporary standards influential in perioperative care.
Charles Darwin University is recognized as #2 in Australia for postgraduate nursing starting salary and #3 for postgraduate nursing employment outcomes (GUG 2024), with #3 ranking for postgraduate learner engagement in nursing. CDU delivers nursing education through passionate and expert lecturers guided by evidence, innovation, and patient-centered care. The university offers flexible study options including online delivery, state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites, and practical placements across multiple Australian locations.
Graduates can pursue rewarding career opportunities in public and private healthcare settings and hospitals in perioperative nursing roles. Completion of postgraduate education opens pathways to advancement in management, leadership, education, academic research, and specialized nursing positions. Upon completing the Graduate Certificate, students may choose to continue their studies in a Master of Nursing degree for further career development and specialization.
Course fee
Start date
You will be redirected to the training provider to enquire directly. Workinitiatives is not the course or training provider. We aggregate and list courses only.