Units in first semester 2021 may be delivered online and in alternative formats whilst restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic are in place.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice
Graduate Certificate
GC-WOCP
Outline
Enhance your professional career development in wound, ostomy and continence practice across healthcare settings.

Units in first semester 2021 may be delivered online and in alternative formats whilst restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic are in place.
Work experience
Learn aspects of this course in a health care environment.
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The Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice is designed to provide you with the theoretical foundations of nursing science, together with the clinical knowledge and skills associated with the specialisation.
It focuses on the prevention and management of patients with an acute or chronic wounds; patients with an ostomy (gastro-intestinal or genito-urinary diversion for feeding or drainage of effluent, or a tracheostomy for respiratory function), and patients with urinary or faecal incontinence.
Students will have the opportunity to combine learning from the applied clinical sciences to the practice context. The course aims to take nurses who wish to specialise in the area to be competent in all aspects of wound, ostomy and continence practice.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
Why study
- The first established school of nursing in a West Australian university, Curtin's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine has continued to set the pace for nursing education in our region.
- Teaching staff are highly qualified, both academically and professionally.
- The School ensures its leading position in nursing education through industry partnerships integrated with its teaching and research programs.
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
Entry to this course is competitive and as such the course weighted average of your prior degree may be used to determine entry.
Domestic entry requirements: Specifically, 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).
Singapore entry requirements: Curtin Singapore applicants must hold a degree in nursing recognised by Curtin University AND have current registration as a registered nurse with the Singapore Nursing Board.
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
---|---|
Writing | 7.0 |
Speaking | 7.0 |
Reading | 7.0 |
Listening | 7.0 |
Overall band score | 7.0 |
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
Other requirements and notes for this course
This course can only be undertaken on a part-time basis. It is recommended that students undertake 1-2 units of study per semester.
In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.
Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)
Many of our courses require students to comply with additional essential requirements. Failure to comply with any of the essential requirements may potentially prevent the successful completion of the course and/or achieving professional registration.
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:
Email: crl@curtin.edu.au
Tel: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Domestic fee paying postgraduate
Fee year: 2021
Student type | Cost |
---|---|
Domestic | $12,000* |
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).
Use the Fee Calculator for an estimate of individual unit fees. There may also be some additional costs. For more information, see other fees and charges.
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
2021
Trimester 2A
- On Campus
2022
Trimester 1
- On Campus
Trimester 1A
- On Campus
2023
Trimester 1
- On Campus
Trimester 1A
- On Campus
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.
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- Curtin course code: GC-WOCP
- Last updated on: March 3, 2021
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