Transforming Aged Care
Postgraduate Qualifications in Aged Care Nursing
Skills for Modern Nurses
Australia’s ageing population is creating a shift in the healthcare and welfare sectors, presenting both challenges and opportunities for health professionals.
Currently, those aged 65 and over make up 16 percent of the population. By 2026, this number is projected to exceed 22 percent.
This shift, combined with rising life expectancies means that the healthcare system will need to expand and adapt significantly.
To meet this need, the University of New England (UNE) has launched two specialised postgraduate courses in aged care that will provide nurses with vital skills tailored to the specific challenges of aged care environments.
Healthcare professionals will play a pivotal role in preparing for and shaping this evolving landscape.
“We have to ensure that policies, care models and service delivery are not only capable of meeting increased demands but is also designed to address older adults’ unique needs.
”By supporting the health and wellbeing of Australia’s older population, we contribute to shaping a society that values ageing, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.”
Gaps in Aged Care
A report by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted major gaps in skills and training, especially in areas such as palliative care and infection prevention.
The Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing and the Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Nursing will address these gaps and equip Registered Nurse (RNs) with the skills and expertise essential for delivering safe, high-quality care to older Australians
The two postgraduate courses have been developed with direct input from leading healthcare providers, including Bupa and local aged care facilities, to meet the needs of aged care providers.
RNs gain leadership skills in high-demand areas such as infection control, palliative care, and health management.
For RNs, these qualifications not only enhance career progression but ensure they can meet modern standards of aged care by providing holistic and respectful support to older adults, whether in residential facilities, hospitals, or community settings.
Virtual Simulated Placement
A unique feature of the program is the virtual simulated placement, an immersive, scenario-based experience that replicates a day in an aged care facility using AI-driven simulations.
Students engage in realistic scenarios—such as responding to falls, managing infections, and making palliative care decisions—spread across a simulated week. This hands-on component allows RNs to gain confidence in navigating complex aged care settings from the comfort of their own home.
Developed by UNE Senior Lecturer in Nursing, Dr Anthea Fagan, this virtual placement is the first of its kind at UNE. While traditional placements remain part of UNE’s nursing program, this simulation enhances learning by mirroring real-world challenges in aged care and promoting critical thinking skills.
Course Outcomes
- Develop Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of the unique needs of older adults and aged care in diverse settings.
- Enhance Clinical Skills: Learn advanced clinical skills to manage complex health conditions commonly seen in aged care settings.
- Lead in Aged Care: Take on leadership roles in aged care facilities and influence best practices in nursing care.
- Support the Future of Aged Care: Be part of a growing field that is essential to the well-being of older Australians.
Career Opportunities
Aged Care Nurse: Provide advanced specialised nursing care to older adults in residential aged care facilities, community settings, or hospitals, focusing on promoting health, managing chronic conditions, and enhancing the quality of life for older patients.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Aged Care): Take on a leadership role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, providing expert advice, developing care plans, and leading clinical teams in the delivery of complex care to older adults.
Nurse Educator (Aged Care): Educate and train the next generation of nurses or upskill current nursing staff in aged care practices, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care to older adults.
Aged Care Coordinator/Manager: Oversee the operations of aged care facilities or community care programs, managing staff, coordinating care services, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving service delivery.
“I believe these programs will shift perceptions of aged care. There’s so much more to aged care than people often realise—it’s about person-centred care, building relationships, and providing holistic support.”
“This courses are designed by nurses for nurses. The skills learned in these programs are practical, needed, and directly applicable to aged care settings.”
Click for more information about UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Nursing and Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing.
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