In a nutshell
The Graduate Diploma of Nursing from James Cook University helps Registered Nurses, who have previously completed a Bachelor of Nursing, embrace advanced practice and expand their skills.
Students develop the theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to apply advanced nursing concepts in a clinical environment. Choosing between two majors, Leadership and Management or Education, students will learn how to lead and manage healthcare teams; develop complementary business-related skills in areas such as finance and budgeting, and acquire the skills needed to facilitate effective adult learning.
The course is 100% online, allowing flexibility for career and family commitments and offering real-time support and engagement.
What you’ll need
To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification, and;
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia;
- Completed a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience, or the part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse.
- Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Subject summary
In this nursing course, the subjects you may study include:
Leadership and Management major
- Leading and Managing in Health
- Ethics and Health Management
- Effective Clinical Governance
- Persuasive Communication
- Informatics for Health Professionals
- Business and Finance for the Health Manager
- Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Healthcare
- Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Education major
- Principles of Education for the Health Professional
- Teaching in Practice Settings
- Clinical Coaching
- Persuasive Communication
- Informatics for Health Professionals
- Contemporary Healthcare Education
- Effective Clinical Governance
- Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Why James Cook University Online?

Get equipped with the skills to succeed when you study with one of Australia’s leading universities, James Cook University Online! Choose to undertake a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters and gain the knowledge and confidence to make your mark in the industry.
Their flexible online study option means you can learn on the go, or from the comfort of your own home while still having full access to leading academic materials. JCU has created an interactive and dynamic online learning platform packed with videos, group chats and more to keep you connected with your teachers and peers.
Enjoy a first-class learning experience when you learn with JCU, ranked in the top 2% of universities from around the globe (Academic Ranking of World Universities – ARWU) and home to some of the world’s leading academics.
The success and happiness of their students is James Cook University’s first priority.
From day one through to graduation, students at JCU Online will have the support of a one-on-one Success Advisor. Each advisor will be readily available to help you with any administration, navigating the system, staying motivated and more.
Got a question for your tutor? They’ll be available for any questions and advice via online chat.