• AQF level 8
• 26 weeks full time
• On Campus / Online
• TEQSA accreditation

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing – Australian Nursing Practice, an applicant is required to:

• Have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or an equivalent qualification
• Be an AHPRA registered nurse; or
• Be a registered nurse with the Nurses’ Board/Council from the country of origin or place of residence
• Registered Nurses having a three-year Diploma Of Nursing qualification and at least three years of experience as a registered nurse are eligible to enrol in this course.
• English Language proficiency requirement for International Students:
  • Nurses currently registered and working in English Speaking Countries do not need this requirement. The recognised countries are: Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and South Africa; OR
  • Direct entry through a pass in English for Academic Purpose (EAP) course with the minimum score of 70%

English Requirement

• IELTS: 7 in each or equivalent
• PTE: Overall 56 and no band less than 46
• OET: B for each test component

• Gain work experience in Australian healthcare system as the program is offered under student visa scheme to assist with AHPRA registration process
• Gain full one-semester credit to Master of Nursing course offered by IHM. Complete the Master of Nursing in 1½ years and gain stay-back up to three years
• Opportunity to work in various roles in nursing including teaching positions once gain registration with AHPRA

Course Structure and Delivery

Three units constitute the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Australian Nursing Practice course. One core unit and two units of specialisation.

The course includes four weeks OSCE in preparation for OBA registration testing in Australia and a four-week Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in healthcare facilities.

Melbourne (North Mel)

Every Month

Course Fees

AUD 12,000

AHPRA Registration Steps

We at IHM assist all overseas nurses to apply for nursing registration and complete their initial assessment. IHM also offers its students Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) at no cost. Moreover, it assists students preparing for NCLEX with its preparatory course that helps candidates enhance their professional knowledge and prepare for the Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) examination that is part of the Outcomes Based Assessment (OBA) in Australia.

Step 1 – Self Check

If you are an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM) who wishes to register in Australia, you will need to complete the Self-check before applying for registration. This is an online check where you will need to enter your qualification information into the Self-check. Based on your qualification you will be assigned to one of three streams for registration.

The three streams are:

• Stream A – IQNMs who hold a qualification considered to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved qualification
• Stream B – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is relevant to the profession, but is not substantially equivalent, nor based on similar competencies to an approved qualification
• Stream C – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is not substantially equivalent or relevant to an approved qualification

*There is no fee to use the Self-check

IQNMs that do not hold a relevant qualification (under section 53 of the National Law) or do not meet the required assessment criteria will need to upgrade their qualification in Australia before being eligible to apply for registration.

Step 2 – IQNM Assessment Process

Those who successfully complete the self-check must proceed in the IQNM assessment process.

For IQNM assessment process students will need to pay a non-refundable assessment fee of $640 AUD.

This fee contributes towards AHPRA’s costs in checking IQNM documentation provided, and for the IQNM to undertake their orientation.

Step 3 – Orientation: Part A

90 mins of video orientation and quiz based on that video.

Step 4 – Portfolio Stage

At this stage you will have to upload all the attested documents as required.

Step 5 – NCLEX-RN (Multiple Choice Questions)

Multiple choice questions exam, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is an online test taken through Pearson VUE test centres in most countries.

For registered nurses, the NCLEX-RN registration fee is $200 USD (Approx. AUD 288), plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD (Approx. AUD 216) ($350 USD in total) (Approx. AUD 504).

Step 6 – OSCE

A clinical exam to assess whether candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competence of a graduate-level nurse or midwife from an Australian NMBA-approved program of study.

The OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and “patient” scenarios which Registered Nurses are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. Nurses are expected to utilise a contemporary evidence base and effectively demonstrate the safe practical application of nursing skills.

The OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and “patient” scenarios which Registered Nurses are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. Nurses are expected to utilise a contemporary evidence base and effectively demonstrate the safe practical application of nursing skills. The fee for sitting the OSCE is $2,000 AUD. The OSCE fee replaces previous bridging program fees from private providers. This fee pays for AHPRA’s costs in running and maintaining the OSCE. AHPRA and the NMBA are funded only by fees, which must cover all costs of assessing IQNMs for registration in Australia.

Step 7 – Orientation: Part B

IHM’s faculty includes highly skilled, well experienced Australian Registered Nurses who help students understand the foundation of nursing in Australia and nurture them to strive for the best. Since 2019, IHM has trained over 1700 IQNMs to get registered in Australia through the bridging program. With immense knowledge and experience, IHM has formulated this course to help nurses overcome OBA – MCQ exam.

The online learning platform used by IHM is interactive and innovative, through which students receive immense support, flexibility, and quality virtual learning experience. With IHM’s Online learning platform students can experience learning that is centred around them, their work and other life commitments. Studying online with IHM means, care and support that students will receive at their fingertips, 7-days a week.

Through the program, nurses will learn about the Australian Healthcare system, the diversity of Australian culture and more importantly the standards of nursing practice required by Australian employers. NCAP for NCLEX – RN will build on the foundation of your professional knowledge and skills in nursing.

At IHM, we have dedicated admission staff members who are able to assist you throughout the process. It is highly recommended that you apply for this course by clicking the “apply now” button. You will be contacted by a member of the admissions staff, who will provide you with relevant assistance, such as guidance with the AHPRA registration process, guidance with the processing of visas, and orientation to Australian student life, as well as short courses to gain jobs while studying in Australia.