student standing in front of health clinic

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time; 1 year part-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    CertNurs

  • Course code

    2004640

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

If you are interested in a career in health or as a registered nurse, the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing is a fantastic place to start your journey.

This course will prepare you for Diploma and Bachelor-level studies with four core units designed to develop your academic skills and to introduce you to foundational knowledge and skills in nursing and health. 

Graduates of this course are eligible for entry (subject to meeting English Language requirements) and up to four units of credit towards the Diploma of Health (Nursing) or the Bachelor of Nursing.

Owen Lednor, Director of Care at The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living Centre and SCU graduate stands in their offices in front of a bright yellow wall with comfortable seating behind him

“Accessing really contemporary thinking about care, and care that has people at the centre of everything we do was critical.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

-

GA2: Creativity

-

GA3: Ethical practice

-

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of foundational scientific and social concepts that are essential for successful tertiary study in nursing and health.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Apply independent learning and self-management strategies to university studies.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Identify and use different forms of communication relevant to defined health settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

-

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3

Career Outcomes

This award is a pathway to further study and a nursing career in a number of settings including primary health, mental health, chronic disease, leadership and care management. 

Graduates of this course are eligible for entry (subject to meeting English Language requirements) and up to four units of credit towards the Diploma of Health (Nursing) or the Bachelor of Nursing.

International student graduates of the course who also present an Academic IELTS 7.0, with no band less than 7.0 (or equivalent OET scores), qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University.

To be accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing, applicants need to meet the English Language standards specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, in order to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation standards.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants who are not Australian-born, Australian citizens and whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English, must have achieved an IELTS Academic test score equal to or above IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 (or equivalent).

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5
Reading6.5
Writing6.5
Listening6.5
Speaking6.5

Course requirements

Entry Award

To be eligible to receive the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing (2004640) students must complete 4 units (48 credit points), comprising:

  • 3 core units (36 credit points) and
  • 1 option unit (12 credit points).


Exit Pathway

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Nursing may be eligible to exit with the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing after completing 4 approved core units (48 credit points), as listed in the Schedule of Units, from the Bachelor of Nursing.


Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term5
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Gold Coast
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Lismore
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term3,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3,4
Term3,4
Gold Coast
Term3,4
Term3,4
Lismore
Term3,4
Term3,4
Online
Term3,4
Term3,4
Enrolment informationThis unit contains content on mental health and psychological trauma which may be triggering for some students. Please consider this when enrolling in the unit.
Option Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Select one (1) unit (12 credit points) from the following Option units:
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
To be eligible to exit from the Bachelor of Nursing with the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing, complete four (4) core units from the Bachelor of Nursing including at least one of the following units:
NURS1002Essentials of Nursing and Care
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
NURS1005Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
HLTH1007Foundations of Clinical Practice

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Coffs Harbour

Gold Coast

Lismore

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway