If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice
Graduate Certificate
GC-WOCP
Outline
Develop a professional career in an area of rapidly increasing need for Australia’s ageing population.

If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
Work experience
Learn aspects of this course in a health care environment.
Top 1 %
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021.
Get the Curtin edge
Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice specialisation is available to study as a graduate certificate and as part of the Master of Advanced Practice. This specialisation responds to the increasing need for specialist nursing practice in the prevention and management of patients with acute or chronic wounds, ostomies and incontinence.
Key components include:
- core concepts and pathophysiological processes of diseases and injuries relevant to wound, ostomy and continence
- advanced knowledge of assessment, management and healing
- clinical decision-making, evidence-informed specialty practice, patient advocacy and holistic specialty practice.
You will also complete two weeks of speciality clinical practice that includes a focus on interprofessional learning and collaboration.
The Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice is offered on a part-time basis only and is available in semester 1 only at both Curtin Perth and Curtin Singapore.
Note: This Graduate Certificate is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
Why study
- Curtin is an industry-partnered university and we have designed this specialisation to meet the health sector’s demand for advanced expertise in wound, ostomy and continence practice.
- The graduate certificate for this specialisation is progressive in that you can choose to pause your postgraduate studies after gaining that qualification or continue studying for your master’s degree.
What you'll learn
- analyse critically, and evaluate advanced concepts of specialty nursing practice; integrate expert knowledge and integrated understanding to demonstrate competency at a level in accordance with specialty competency standards
- critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise the environmental, physical and psychosocial aspects of the individual for effective clinical decision making; recognise own abilities and level of professional competence
- investigate, analyse and synthesise complex evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making in specialty practice
- integrate advanced communication skills within a legal and ethical framework related to complex clinical issues in area of specialty; interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- effectively anticipate, plan for and use complex technology applications relevant to specialty practice
- integrate autonomous, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a lifelong learner in specialty practice; participate in research and critically appraise research findings and incorporate evidence based knowledge into clinical
- critically appraise, evaluate and incorporate national and global health issues and strategic health care directions into specialty nursing practice
- incorporate culturally aware and respectful specialty care to multicultural groups and indigenous communities
- incorporate advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge and judgment, including advanced leadership and autonomy into specialty practice; work professionally in specialty practice demonstrating expert judgement, leadership and independence as a nurse in area of specialty; act as an experienced positive role model to peers and other members of the healthcare team
Admission criteria
Applicants must hold a bachelor degree in nursing or equivalent AND have current registration as a comprehensive or general nurse in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Entry to this course is competitive and as such the course weighted average of your prior degree may be used to determine entry.
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Webform: Submit here
Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Domestic fee paying postgraduate
Fee year: 2022
Student type | Cost |
---|---|
Domestic | $12,300* |
Fee year: 2023
Student type | Cost |
---|---|
Domestic | $12,300* |
Fees are indicative only.
* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
Apply nowHelp is at hand
See our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us below.
- What are the alternative pathways into Curtin?
- What scholarships are available?
- What are my options to manage my study load?
- Browse all FAQs
- Opening hours:
- Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm, except Tues: 9.30am – 4.30pm (AWST). Closed public holidays.
The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: GC-WOCP
- Last updated on: June 29, 2022
Useful links