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CL22 - Master of Clinical Nursing

Overview

Course Overview

The Master of Clinical Nursing is aimed at preparing Registered Nurses for enhanced clinical decision making activities, alongside clinical and professional leadership that supports quality care within an evidenced-based and ethical framework.

As a student, you will draw on international and national evidence-based theoretical and practical applications of care within your specialisation area of practice. You will examine contemporary issues impacting on care delivery, and develop your clinical, professional and leadership skills. This will build your capacity to lead and support clinical outcomes responsive to patient situation, location and condition. You will also have the opportunity to learn and apply research skills to undertake a research project.

The following outline provides an overview of the program of study:

The first academic year of study includes clinically based practice and theory within a work integrated learning model of study, in collaboration with the university and your health service. The second academic year of study focuses on enhancing professional and clinical skills within your specialist area of practice. Specialist practice areas include renal nursing, medical and surgical nursing, intensive care, coronary care, rural and remote nursing, generalist nursing, orthopaedic nursing, oncology and palliative care. The third academic year of study focuses on the acquisition of research skills to develop nursing knowledge and practice.

Career Information

The Master of Clinical Nursing provides Registered Nurses with a nursing specific high level post-graduate qualification.This qualification has the potential to create many exciting and rewarding opportunities for graduates including increased financial remuneration from some employers. Graduates will attain competency and confidence to be able to undertake the many nurse leadership positions available within the health care industry; Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Consultant and Nurse Unit Manager roles. This qualification will also provide registered nurses with the competitive edge in order to apply for promotion.The research component of the course will allow graduates to move into research roles and even lead applied clinical research.

Course Details
Duration 3 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 72
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in postgraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Postgraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) MClinNurs
AQF Level Level 9: Masters Degree (Coursework)
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $28,992
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $8,520
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $17,040
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $27,756
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,040
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $34,080
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $26,184
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $25,416

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Online

Term 1 - 2025

Online

Term 1 - 2024

Online

Term 1 - 2023

Online

Term 2 - 2022

Online

Term 1 - 2022

Online

Term 2 - 2021

Online

Term 1 - 2021

Online

Term 2 - 2020

Online

Term 1 - 2020

Online

Term 2 - 2019

Online

Term 1 - 2019

Online

Term 2 - 2018

Distance

Term 1 - 2018

Distance
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Online

Term 1 - 2025

Online

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
Entry Requirements - What do I need to start?
Academic Requirements

To enter this course you must have:
- current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse; and
- letter of employment which demonstrate that you are currently employed with an approved clinical partner for new graduates; or
- letter of support from employer demonstrating support to undertake the course and employment in your nominated area of specialisation.



Assumed Knowledge

N/A

Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CL18 - Graduate Diploma of Clinical Nursing CL16 - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing
Accreditation
  • Core

    NA

Residential School Requirements

No Residential School for this course.

Practicum/Work Placement

Not applicable

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 18
2023 14
2022 25
2021 54
2020 191
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy, Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedure, Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Treating personal information obtained in classroom and clinical settings as private and confidential.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
  • Supporting students experiencing difficulties including referring to appropriate supports eg. Counselling services, Librarian, Academic Learning Centre
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, to constructive feedback and to direction from academics and clinical staff.
  • Interacting positively and effectively in groups with other students while attending activities related to the course.
  • Contributing to on-line discussion forums and tutorials with peers and academics whilst using respectful language and tone.
  • Coping with emotions, responses and behaviour effectively when dealing with challenging situations in the clinical setting.
  • Attending work only when fit for work and timely notification of inability to work.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with the requirement for student registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Adhering to the policies, procedures, guidelines and statements specific to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
  • Complying with mandatory reporting requirements.
  • Understanding and adhering to professional and University policy around the use of social media.
  • Undertaking nursing care within the scope of practice relevant to the required knowledge and level of progression through your course of study.
  • Understanding and adhering to legal requirements associated with the administration of medications.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Responding appropriately to a care request in the clinical environment.
  • Providing the health care team with verbal handover reports related to patient care.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course.
  • Incorporating the use of effective non-verbal cues such as eye contact when communicating with academics and peers during activities related to the course, building positive learning relationships.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of the health care team, peers, patients and others and responding appropriately during clinical placement.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to grammar and punctuation.
  • Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge into a logical and easily understood written form for assessment requirements.
  • Constructing a legible nursing report in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
  • Accurately documenting in patients' charts and records meeting legal and professional requirements.
  • Accessing a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the internet for research, and email for communication with peers and university staff.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and performing clinical skills within reasonable set timeframes.
  • Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in the clinical setting.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge and understanding of health history when undertaking patient assessment during admissions in clinical practice.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and clinical situations.
  • Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions associated with the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing format used by the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting plans of care and medication orders for patients.
  • Completing nursing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Performing accurate drug calculations in a timely manner in medication administration assessments and in clinical practice.
  • Demonstrating accurate recording on a fluid balance chart.
  • Recognising when a calculator may have given an incorrect answer.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far, e.g. reading learning resources such as lecture and tutorial screens face-to-face on-campus or on-line, reading examination papers and/or on-line computer quizzes; or during clinical placement.
  • Observing non-verbal behaviour and other situations in a variety of professional settings.
  • Accurately drawing up and administering medication.
  • Observing and detecting subtle changes in wounds.
  • Detecting changes in skin colour and general tissue perfusion.
  • Hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
  • Accurately interpreting the verbal communication and direction of clinical staff during emergency situations.
  • Accurately detecting a blood pressure measurement, listening to heart, lung and bowel sounds by auscultation using a stethoscope.
  • Responding to a care request by activation of a call bell or calls for help.
  • Detecting changes in circulation observations e.g. assessing skin temperature and palpating pulses.
  • Conducting a physical assessment detecting anatomical abnormalities e.g. swelling or alteration in texture.
  • Using touch appropriately as an alternative means of conveying positive messages to patients such as emotional support and encouragement.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Adhering to the registered nurse standards for practice, in particular Standard 2
  • Establishing, sustaining and concluding relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships.
  • Communicating effectively and being respectful of a person's dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights.
  • Recognising that people are the experts in the experience of their life.
  • Providing support and directing people to resources to optimise health related decisions.
  • Advocating on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person's autonomy and legal capacity.
  • Using delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes.
  • Actively fostering a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person-centres care.
  • Participating in and/or leading collaborative practice.
  • Reporting notifiable conduct of health professionals, health workers and others.


Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Adhering to the registered nurse standards for practice, in particular Standards 1 and 7.
  • Accessing, analysing and using the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice.
  • Developing practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice.
  • Respecting all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures.
  • Complying with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions.
  • Using ethical frameworks when making decisions.
  • Maintaining accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision making, actions and evaluations.
  • Contributing to quality improvement and relevant research.
  • Evaluating and monitoring progress towards the expected goals and outcomes.
  • Revising the plan based on the evaluation
  • Determining, documenting and communicating further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant person. 



Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course.
  • Undertaking examinations and on-line quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Participating in learning clinical skills and engaging in simulation activities during on-campus learning and teaching situations.
  • Performing consistent care and complete repetitive tasks during clinical practice with sustained concentration and physical energy for an 8 to 12 hour period of time that may be at night.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course.
  • Maintaining balance while safely mobilising and transferring individuals or resources.
  • Moving with ease around patients' bedsides, bathrooms and equipment items while performing delivery of care activities and responding to emergency situations.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Inserting a urinary catheter.
  • Manipulating intricate surgical instruments and equipment while dressing a wound.
  • Manipulating syringes and needles during preparation and administration of medications addressing safety to self and others.
  • Priming, accurately inserting and setting prescribed rates on an infusion device.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Adhering to the registered nurse standards for practice, in particular Standard 2.
  • Establishing, sustaining and concluding relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships.
  • Communicating effectively, and being respectful of a person's dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights.
  • Recognising that people are the experts in the experience of their life.
  • Providing support and directing people to resources to optimise health related decisions.
  • Advocating on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person's autonomy and legal capacity.
  • Using delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes.
  • Actively fostering a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person-centres care.
  • Participating in and/or leading collaborative practice.
  • Reporting notifiable conduct of health professionals, health workers and others.


 


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Accessing relevant CQUniversity sites to facilitate effective engagement with course content and demonstrating understanding of course requirements.
  • Accessing and entering information into a digital health system to enable safe patient care in the simulated environment and while attending clinical placement.
Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Apply expert knowledge and technical skills in a specific clinical specialty
  • 2. Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility
  • 3. Practice creatively and with initiative to adapt to new situation in the clinical dynamic
  • 4. Plan and execute a research project that contributes to the body of knowledge in a clinical nursing specialty
  • 5. Demonstrate advanced professional communication in the clinical setting.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice
2. KNOWLEDGE Have an understanding of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work and/or learning
3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
5. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
6. SKILLS Have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
7. SKILLS Have technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to use creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to use high level personal autonomy and accountability
10 APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship.
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Communicate, interact and collaborate with others effectively in culturally or linguistically diverse contexts in a culturally respectful manner
More Details

MORE DETAILS CL22

Application for Credit Transfer

Credit (also known as credit transfer, advanced standing or exemptions) may be granted towards CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing where students are able to demonstrate appropriate formal and/or informal/ non-formal learning.

If you have undertaken study in the last 10 years, or relevant in-formal or non-formal learning, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. Study completed over 10 years ago is not normally considered for credit. Please note, a shorter time limit may apply due to professional accreditation requirements.

The course allows the recognition of students' appropriate previous study and experience gained from working in industry, through 'Recognition of Prior Learning' (RPL).

The maximum amount of credit based on RPL which can be granted for students enrolling into the CL22 Master of Clinical Learning is 36 credit points (6 units). Any further credit up to the 67% maximum, as outlined in policy, will only be considered where a student is able to demonstrate a clear passing grade or successful completion of AQF 9 (Masters Level) tertiary studies which are equivalent in content and assessment to the CQUniversity unit.

To apply for or obtain further information on CQUniversity credit transfer process, please refer to http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer .

Admission requirements and application documents for CL22

  • Current AHPRA registration number
  • Employment letter:
    • evidence of being in your third year of practice as a registered nurse
    • verifying specialist area a minimum of one year of practice in specialty

o    detailing a minimum of 16 hours per week work in your clinical specialty area to meet your clinical competency requirements.

    • Please ensure the letter is on Health Service letterhead with a printed name, signature, and contact details for verification if required.
  • Pathway 2 credit requires – the verified copy of a Graduate Certificate from a recognised Australian Institution (if applying for the additional 12 credit points)

Recognised specialty areas include:

·         Generalist

·         Gerontology

·         Medical/Surgical

 

Pathways for this course include:

There are two pathways into this course only.

Students who are in partnered Graduate Programs and wish to complete the Graduate Certificate of Clinical Nursing (CL16) must enrol in CL16 i.e. DO NOT ENROL IN CL22.

Pathway 1 and credit: Experienced registered nurses in their third year of clinical practice, or thereafter, with one year working in the specialty to be studied, may be eligible for 24 points of credit on enrolment when evidence is supplied (see Table 1 below).

Those students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate of Clinical Nursing (CL16) when enrolled in a partnered graduate program, may articulate into the Master of Clinical Nursing (CL22) and be eligible for 24 points of credit (first four units only).

Table 1: Pathway 1 - CL22 majors and associated credit application highlighted

Graduate Certificate Level - Year 1 MCN – promoting confidence & competence

Units of study

Qualification on completion of Yr 1 units

NURS20170

NURS20171

 

NURS20169

NURS20172

Credit Unit CL16

Grad. Certificate of Clinical Nursing (Generalist)

NURS20170

Credit Unit CL16

DCHA20003

NURS20169

 

HAGE20001

Grad Cert of Clinical Nursing (Gerontology)

Graduate Diploma Level - Year 2 MCN – developing specialty knowledge

Units if study

Qualification on completion of Yr 1 & 2

NURS20166

NURS20175

NURS20165

NURS20176

Grad Diploma of Clinical Nursing (Generalist)

NURS20166

NURS28004

NURS20165

NURS29002

Grad Diploma of Clinical Nursing (Med/Surg)

NURS20166

HLTH28001

NURS20165

HLTH29031

Grad Diploma of Clinical Nursing (Gerontology)

Master Level - Year 3 MCN – leadership development

Units of study

Qualification on completion of Yr 1, 2, & 3

NURS20167

NURS20173

NURS20168

NURS20174

Master of Clinical Nursing (Spec)

 

 

 

 

Pathway 2 and credit: Experienced registered nurses in their third year of clinical practice, or thereafter who hold a Graduate Certificate from a Higher Education institution in the area of specialty, and can demonstrate current employment in this specialty area, may be eligible for a further 12 credit points towards course units (see Table 2).

Table 2: Pathway 2 - CL22 majors and associated credit application highlighted

Graduate Certificate Level - Year 1 MCN – promoting confidence & competence

Units of study

Qualification on completion of Yr 1 units

NURS20170

NURS20171

 

NURS20169

NURS20172

Credit Unit CL16

Grad. Certificate of Clinical Nursing (Generalist)

NURS20170

Credit Unit CL16

DCHA20003

NURS20169

 

HAGE20001

Grad Cert of Clinical Nursing (Gerontology)

Graduate Diploma Level - Year 2 MCN – developing specialty knowledge

Units if study

Qualification on completion of Yr 1 & 2

NURS20166

NURS20175

NURS20165

NURS20176

Grad Diploma of Clinical Nursing (Generalist)

NURS20166

NURS28004

NURS20165

NURS29002

Grad Diploma of Clinical Nursing (Med/Surg)

NURS20166

HLTH28001

NURS20165

HLTH29031

Grad Diploma of Clinical Nursing (Gerontology)

Master Level - Year 3 MCN – leadership development

Units of study

Qualification on completion of Yr 1, 2, & 3

NURS20167

NURS20173

NURS20168

NURS20174

Master of Clinical Nursing (Spec)

 

Computing Requirements

It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.

It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.


Professional Standards and Conduct

All students are expected to behave in a sensible and appropriate manner. The use of abusive language, threatening behaviour, misuse of campus property and sexual harassment, will be treated as serious matters and may result in suspension or exclusion.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedure which is available through the following link https://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/structure/governance/glossary/items/behavioural-misconduct. In addition, nurses and midwives must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), and meet the NMBA's professional standards in order to practise in Australia. For more information on the NMBA’s professional standards visit http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards.aspx.