Specialist Certificate in Cancer Nursing
Course code: SC-CNCRNUR
January, June
AUD $7,000 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
AUD $7,456 (2026 indicative first year fee)
IELTS 6.5: with no band less than 6.0
Course structure
Overview
The course learning outcomes are adapted from competency standards for nurses in cancer control (The National Cancer Nursing Education Project (EdCaN), Cancer Australia, 2009).
Throughout the Specialist Certificate, you will:
Learn core pathophysiological concepts
You will examine the scientific basis of why disease occurs and how it manifests. You will learn how to apply this pathophysiological understanding when interpreting, identifying and analysing disease in your patients, so you can best assess how to implement treatment and prioritise care.
Develop an understanding of the complex care needs of people affected by cancer and approaches to best support them
You will explore the broad range of early and late effects of cancer and its treatment and the evidence-based multidisciplinary care to address these, identifying best practice specialist cancer nursing care.
Explore the contribution of nurses to interprofessional cancer control across the continuum of care
Australian and international trends in cancer data will be examined and the role of the specialist cancer nurse in meeting disease- and treatment-related health care needs for people with cancer will be explored.
Enhance your therapeutic communication skills
You will discuss the psychosocial, informational and spiritual impacts of diagnosis and treatment on people with cancer and their families. You will also develop your knowledge and skills in therapeutic communication and explore opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to enhance the experience of cancer survivors.
Course structure
To gain the Specialist Certificate in Cancer Nursing, you must complete two compulsory online subjects, each worth 12.5 credit points:
- Applied Pathophysiology – you must first complete this prerequisite subject
- Foundations in Cancer Nursing – you will then complete this subject offered in Term 2 and Term 4.
Workload
On average, it is estimated that students will be required to allocate 15-19 hours per week for study time for each subject. However, the time commitment required can vary based on individual task management and planning skills, familiarity with the material, reading style and speed.
Single subjects
You can also study single subjects to contribute to your professional development. For more information, please contact Student Support.
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this certificate.
Complete all of the following
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Applied Pathophysiology · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides a foundation for understanding the pathologic basis of disease across the lifespan. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to explain assessment data and prioritise patient care in a specialty area of practice based on scientific principles. Core pathophysiological concepts covered will include: cellular responses to stress; adaptation, injury and death; acute and chronic inflammation; tissue renewal and repair; infection; neoplasia; haemodynamic, genetic and immune system disorders and genetic predisposition to disease. Using a case study based approach, learners will be provided with opportunities to apply their knowledge
|
| Foundations in Cancer Nursing · 12.5 pts |
This subject is designed to promote the development of foundation theoretical knowledge for the specialist nursing of people affected by cancer. Key concepts explored in this subject include cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment planning, underpinned by the principles of cure, control, and symptom management. Cancer epidemiology is explained with a focus on cancer control in specific populations, including First Nations Australians. Surgery, systemic anticancer therapies and radiation therapy are examined as core treatments and elements of a multi-modal approach in the management of cancers. The physical and psychosocial impacts of diagnosis and treatment on people with cancer and their family are explored, as are opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to enhance the experience of survivors. Emphasis is placed on health assessment and implementing and evaluating patient-centred care through the delivery of evidence-based nursing interventions across the disease trajectory. |