Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Master of Nursing
Go deep in your specialty. Then grow into research, education and leadership at Master’s level — 100% online.
Key facts
Figures drawn from IHM’s official Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing and Master of Nursing (Online) course pages.
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing
Master of Nursing (Online)
Progression and credit are subject to Master of Nursing admission requirements and credit assessment. Part-time duration after credit should be confirmed with Admissions.
Ready when you are. Applications open through IHM’s official portals.
Overview
IHM’s online specialisation pathway is built for registered nurses who want expert depth in their field and the Master’s-level capability to shape practice, teach others and lead teams.
You begin with the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing in one of 12 specialisations. Eligible graduates who are admitted to IHM’s Master of Nursing (Online) may receive one semester of credit — three units — following credit assessment.
From there, the Master of Nursing takes your specialty knowledge further — into research that improves care, education that develops other nurses, and leadership and management that shapes how services run.
Specialty knowledge is the foundation of advanced nursing practice. Starting with a specialisation means everything you learn at Master’s level is anchored in a field you know deeply.
Depth where it matters.
Modern healthcare is organised around specialty teams. Advanced knowledge of the conditions, treatments and evidence in your field strengthens your clinical reasoning and confidence with complex patients.
Grounded in your practice.
Study the specialty you work in now, or the one you want to move into, and apply it straight away on shift.
A specialty lens for your Master’s.
Your research questions, education projects and leadership initiatives in the Master of Nursing can draw on your specialty — so your degree builds expertise rather than starting from general principles.
A qualification in its own right.
Graduate with an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in your chosen specialisation, whether or not you continue.
Professional development that counts.
Relevant formal study can contribute to your annual NMBA continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
Choose your specialisation
Every specialisation comprises one common core unit and two specialisation units, and every specialisation sits within the pathway towards the Master of Nursing.
Specialisation 01 of 12
Advanced assessment and management of critically ill patients, including haemodynamic monitoring and organ support principles.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 02 of 12
Recognising and responding to clinical deterioration, and managing complex acute medical and surgical conditions.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 03 of 12
Triage, rapid assessment and time-critical care across the lifespan.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 04 of 12
Care of the well, preterm and unwell newborn, and family-centred care.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 05 of 12
Developmentally appropriate assessment and care of infants, children and adolescents.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 06 of 12
Recovery-oriented, trauma-informed mental health assessment and therapeutic engagement.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 07 of 12
Person-centred care of older people, including frailty, dementia and multimorbidity.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 08 of 12
Musculoskeletal assessment, trauma and elective orthopaedic care, and rehabilitation.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 09 of 12
Diabetes pathophysiology, management, self-management education and complication prevention.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 10 of 12
Symptom management, end-of-life care, and support for families and carers.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 11 of 12
Pre-operative, intra-operative and post-anaesthesia care and patient safety.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
Specialisation 12 of 12
Chronic kidney disease, dialysis therapies and transplant-related care.
Specialisation unit titles are listed on each official course page.
How the pathway works
Complete the Graduate Certificate, then continue into the Master of Nursing with credit for the semester you have already studied, subject to admission and credit assessment.
Graduate Certificate · Step 1
Choose and enrol
Choose your specialisation and enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing.
Graduate Certificate · Step 2
Study three units online
1 core unit and 2 specialisation units over 26 weeks full-time or 52 weeks part-time.
Graduate Certificate · Step 3
Graduate — AQF Level 8
Graduate with your Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, a complete qualification in its own right.
Master of Nursing · Step 4
Apply for the Master’s
Apply for the Master of Nursing (Online). Eligible GCAN graduates may receive one semester of credit (3 units).
Master of Nursing · Step 5
Complete at Master’s level
Around 1.5 years full-time remaining after credit, focusing on research, education and leadership and management.
Progression is open to Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing graduates who meet Master of Nursing admission requirements (including a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent). Credit is assessed individually under IHM’s Credit and RPL policy. Diploma-qualified graduates should discuss progression with Admissions.
At Master’s level
Three areas of focus run through the degree, and your final semester lets you choose where to go deepest.
What you will develop
Appraise evidence, design and conduct research, and translate findings into safer, better care in your specialty.
Units
Where it can lead
Nurse researcher, clinical research nurse, evidence-based practice and quality improvement roles
What you will develop
Design learning for colleagues and patients, mentor and precept, and build a professional portfolio.
Units
Where it can lead
Clinical nurse educator, staff development nurse, preceptor and academic pathways
What you will develop
Lead clinical teams, manage risk and patient safety, and respond to health policy and global health issues.
Units
Where it can lead
Associate nurse unit manager, nurse unit manager, team leader, patient safety and quality roles
Your final-semester choice: complete a research-focused Nursing Project (N9014), or take the education and global health option (N9011, N9012, N9013).
Course structure
Indicative pathway structure for review. Semester 1 credit, the proposed 32-credit-point mapping and semester sequence require confirmation by IHM. Select a semester to explore the proposed units.
All students also complete AI001 Academic Integrity and AI002 Aboriginal Health (0 credit points). Unit order and credit mapping may vary by intake; refer to the current Course Handbook.
Official Master of Nursing course pageThe details
Master of Nursing course learning outcomes. On successful completion, graduates will be able to:
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing learning outcomes are published on the official GCAN course page and course guide.
| Requirement | Graduate Certificate | Master of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent; or 3-year Diploma of Nursing leading to registration, plus at least 1 year of nursing work experience | Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent |
| Registration | Ahpra-registered nurse, or registered with the nursing board/council of the country of origin or residence | Same |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 59, no band below 52 | Overall 59, no band below 52 |
| OET | C+ in each component | Confirm current threshold with Admissions |
| EAP | Minimum 70% | Minimum 70% |
You may be eligible for an English language waiver under IHM’s English Language Entry Requirements. Diploma-qualified Graduate Certificate graduates should speak with Admissions about Master of Nursing eligibility.
Graduate Certificate
26 weeks full-time / 52 weeks part-time
Published intakes: 2 November 2026 and 1 February 2027.
Master of Nursing (Online)
Full course: 2 years full-time / 4 years part-time
With one-semester credit: around 1.5 years full-time remaining. Part-time duration after credit is confirmed at assessment.
Intakes: March, July and November each year.
All classes are online. Live sessions are recorded, so you can catch up around your roster. Intake dates should be confirmed with Admissions for your situation.
| Graduate Certificate — total tuition fee | AUD $7,750 |
| Graduate Certificate — administration fee (non-refundable) | AUD $250 |
| Master of Nursing (Online) — total tuition, full course | AUD $20,000 |
| Master of Nursing — tuition after credit | Ask Admissions |
Fees are subject to change annually. FEE-HELP may be available to eligible domestic students. Payment plans are available. Refunds are governed by IHM’s Fees, Charges and Refunds Policies.
Graduates of the pathway combine specialty depth with Master’s-level capability. Roles that Master’s-qualified registered nurses commonly pursue include:
Employment outcomes are not guaranteed. Appointment to specialist or senior roles depends on registration, experience and employer requirements.
Nursing registration in Australia
These courses are for registered nurses and do not lead to registration as a nurse in Australia. Internationally qualified nurses seeking Australian registration must apply to Ahpra and meet NMBA requirements, which may include the NCLEX-RN and the OSCE. Nursing Registration Process
Frequently asked
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