Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Develop your nursing career by expanding your knowledge and skills.
A range of courses (5 - 10 credits) is delivered through on line media and/or face-to-face sessions over three to five days. Delivery of face-to-face content is mostly at our Manawa campus, near Christchurch Hospital.
Registered Nurses can commence studying for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing immediately after graduating. A number of courses at Level 7 are available, including Health Assessment, Cardiology Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Perioperative Nursing, Rural Nursing, Emergency Nursing, Pressure Injury Assessment, Wound Care, Mental Health and Illness, Child Health Assessment, Management of Diabetes, Pain Management and ECG Analysis.
The programme is designed to be studied part-time, with up to six years to complete. You may choose to do one or two courses, or work towards the whole 60-credit qualification.
Please note:
- This programme is intended as professional development for New Zealand Registered Nurses.
- We regret that online applications can’t be accepted for this programme.
Part time: 2 - 6 years
For detailed information about this programme please contact:
Michelle Thompson
Academic Manager
michelle.thompson@ara.ac.nz
This qualification is open to New Zealand Registered Nurses holding a current Practising Certificate issued by the New Zealand Nursing Council. Additional information is specified for some courses.
Individual courses may, by request, be taken by other professionals with qualifications in a specialty area.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
This is an excellent opportunity for New Zealand Registered Nurses to gain a formal qualification as recognition of your on-going professional development. You will graduate with the confidence and skills to plan and coordinate complex patient care demands.
Study pathways
Many study options are available and this certificate is recognised as essential professional development for nurses.
Recommended school subjects
- For registered nurses only
Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Develop your nursing career by expanding your knowledge and skills.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Graduate Certificate / Diploma |
| Code | CH3890 |
| Application close date | Accepted throughout the year |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | Accepted throughout the year for NZ RNs who are international students |
| Credits | 60 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolment |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH3890-STRU |
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreCredit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
- Registered Nursing Timetable 2024 PDF, 368 KB
- Enrolled Nursing Timetable 2024 PDF, 324 KB
- Registered Nursing Timetable 2025 PDF, 261 KB
- Enrolled Nursing Timetable 2025 PDF, 244 KB
Area of Interest
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