Graduate Certificate in Nursing

Summary

This programme offers a wide range of short professional development courses designed for Registered Nurses working in today’s complex clinical environments. You can complete individual courses for professional development or combine 60 credits to gain the Graduate Certificate in Nursing. New Zealand Registered Nurses can begin studying towards the Graduate Certificate as soon as they’ve completed their undergraduate nursing qualification.

Key highlights Flexible study » Choose from fully online or blended options (face-to-face and online). Face-to-face content is delivered over three to five days at our Manawa campus near Christchurch Hospital. The programme is designed to be studied part-time. Build clinical competence and confidence » Courses support the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s standards of competence and strengthen your skills in planning and coordinating complex patient care. Choose your own pathway » Study individual courses (5-10 credits) as standalone professional development or complete 60 credits within six years to achieve the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.

2026 Schedule Explore the 2026 schedule of courses and upcoming dates in the documents section.

Important information This programme is intended for New Zealand Registered Nurses. Online applications are not available for this programme. Please contact us and we’ll guide you through the enrolment process. For programme details, study advice or course selection support: Gayle RoseGraduate Certificate Programme CoordinatorGayle.Rose@ara.ac.nz Kirsty DonaldsonHead of Nursing/Portfolio ManagerKirsty.Donaldson@ara.ac.nz