Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Critical Care Nursing
Course code: SC-PAECCN
January, June
AUD $7,000 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
January, June
AUD $7,000 (2026 indicative first year fee)
IELTS 6.5: with no band less than 6.0
Course structure
Overview
On completion of this course, graduates should be able to:
- Apply scientific knowledge to the assessment and evaluation of the critically ill paediatric patient from birth to adolescence;
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology across the continuum of care to understand common presentations and interventions in critically ill paediatric patients;
- Identify appropriate treatment and nursing management strategies for paediatric patients with common critical care presentations, including interpretation of patient assessment findings;
- Evaluate and communicate contemporary research underpinning foundational paediatric critical care nursing practice; and
- Apply problem solving skills appropriate for evaluation of critical care nursing to the paediatric patient as a beginning level specialist nurse
Skills
- Apply a high level of problem-solving skills
- A high level of critical thinking and analytical skills
- Feel confident when tackling unfamiliar problems
- A high level of oral and written communication skills
Course structure
To gain the Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Critical Care Nursing, you must complete 25 points comprised of:
- One core pre-requisite subject; and
- One core subject.
Note: Students must successfully complete the core pre-requisite subject Applied Pathophysiology (NURS90076) before progressing to Foundations in Paediatric Critical Care (NURS90085).
Workload
The estimated hours required for each subject is between 15-19 hours per week, but this varies for each student and depends on your task management and planning, familiarity with the material, reading style and speed.
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this degree.
Students must successfully complete thethe following core subjects
| 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 Paediatric Critical Care · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides the theoretical foundation for competent practice in paediatric critical care. Students will extend their knowledge from Applied Physiology to develop an understanding of acute and complex illnesses and diseases commonly seen in the critically ill paediatric patient. The biological basis for and evidence-based principles underpinning treatment and symptom management of common diseases and illnesses will be explored. The application of technology used in paediatric critical care will be examined. Students will gain essential knowledge to assess, plan, manage and evaluate interventions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of and integration of patient and family perspectives of illness and disease to their clinical practice. |