The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is authorised to deliver the Immunisation for Health Practitioners course under the newly approved National Immunisation Education Framework For Health Professionals (2017). The Immunisation for Health Practitioners course is based on the National Framework, which replaces the National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses and Midwives (2001).
Intakes
February – December
Duration
10 weeks
Study mode
Online
Why study this course
Health care providers are at the forefront in protecting the community’s health and well-being. Immunisation as a national public health strategy continues to be a cost-effective means in reducing the mortality and morbidity rates related to vaccine-preventable diseases in Australia. In line with the emphasis of National Immunisation Strategy 2013 – 2018, it is also recognised that having appropriately trained health professionals is crucial in ensuring successful delivery of immunisation services to improve immunisation coverage rates nationally.
The design of the Immunisation for Health Practitioners course hinges on the educational requirements as determined by the National Framework. This course aims to equip health practitioners with the essential attributes to be an immunisation advocate and promote immunisation uptake nationally. Health practitioners who have successfully passed this course should refer to the Department of Health in the jurisdiction they practice in, or wish to practice in, for information and conditions leading to authorisation to immunise independent of a medical officer.
Registered nurses and midwives who have previously completed the Immunisation for Registered Nurses course under the former National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses and Midwives (2001) should refer to the jurisdictions they are working in for the conditions to continue to maintain their authority to immunise independent of medical officers.
Course overview
Learning outcomes
Using the National Immunisation Framework for Health Professionals and the current best practice standards and recommendations in the current version of The Australian Immunisation Handbook, it is anticipated that on successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- reflect upon your current practices and benchmark against the standards in the current version of The Australian Immunisation Handbook
- define the goals and importance of immunisation programs in the global and Australian context
- apply immunological and epidemiological principles to the management of vaccine preventable diseases
- apply legislation, professional and ethical standards, guidelines and policies to clinical practice scenarios within the contemporary immunisation practice environment
- evaluate the effectiveness of immunisation programs and recommend strategies and resources to improve immunisation coverage rates
- identify and discuss the components required for safe and comprehensive provision and coordination of evidence based immunisation services in culturally diverse environments
- analyse and recommend strategies to promote relationships to achieve optimal immunisation outcomes.
Admission
All applicants are required to hold a:
- qualification leading to registration recognised by the relevant National Board
- general registration as a nurse, midwife, pharmacist with the relevant National Board.
NOTE: All health professionals applying to enrol in the course must confirm eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers by checking health policy in their relevant state or territory.
Resources
The following are some of the resources used and you can access it online prior to course commencement.
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) 2018. Australian Immunisation Handbook, 10th edn. Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra, viewed 18 September 2018, https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/
- Department of Health and Ageing 2013, National vaccine storage guidelines: Strive for 5, 2nd edn, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, viewed 7 March 2018, https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-vaccine-storage-guidelines-strive-for-5-2nd-edition
- Department of Health 2013, Immunisation Myths and realities: Responding to arguments against immunisation, 5th edn, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 7 March 2018, https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/myths-realities-about-immunisation
- Australian Academy of Science 2016, The science of immunisation/Questions and answers, Author, Canberra, viewed 7 March 2018, https://www.science.org.au/learning/general-audience/science-booklets/science-immunisation
You can download, print the texts, or order copies via the links.
If you choose to print off course resources and materials, this will incur additional costs not covered within the course fees.
It is a requirement that you have internet access and all costs in relation to this are also additional and not part of the course fees.
Award
Students who have successfully passed this course will be awarded a certificate of completion and 150 CPD hours.
Course dates
| Course code: | 306 |
|---|---|
| CPD hours: | 150 hours over 10 weeks |
| Mode of delivery: | Online |
| Course dates | March 2019 ^ 04/03/2019 - 12/05/2019 (applications close on 04/02/2019) April 2019 ^ 01/04/2019 - 09/06/2019 (applications close on 04/03/2019) May 2019 ^ 06/05/2019 - 14/07/2019 (applications close on 08/04/2019) June 2019 ^ 03/06/2019 - 11/08/2019 (applications close on 06/05/2019) July 2019 ^ 01/07/2019 - 08/09/2019 (applications close on 05/06/2019) August 2019 ^ 05/08/2019 - 13/10/2019 (applications close on 10/07/2019) September 2019 ^ 02/09/2019 - 10/11/2019 (applications close on 07/08/2019) |
| Prerequisites: | 1. Hold a qualification leading to registration recognised by the relevant National Board 2. General registration as a nurse, midwife, pharmacist with the relevant National Board NOTE: All health professionals applying to enrol in the course must confirm eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers by checking health policy in their relevant state or territory. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for further information. |
^ Enrolment is subject to vacancy availability after the closing date.
How to apply
| Non-member price: | ACN member price: |
|---|---|
| $942.00 | $847.80 |
Refunds are not applicable on or after course commencement date. Withdrawals prior to course commencement date are subject to a non-refundable administration fee. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for further information.
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
How will this course benefit my practice?
Immunisation remains a simple, safe and effective means of protecting one from illness, disability and death caused by vaccine-preventable diseases (WHO, 2016).
The ‘No jab, no pay’ immunisation requirements introduced in 2016 by the Australian government means that there are greater career opportunities for authorised nurse immunisers to be involved in leading and delivering immunisation services Australia-wide.
The Immunisation for Health Practitioners course will benefit your practice by helping you to develop a better understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to competently deliver a professional immunisation service to the communities in Australia.
What are the prospects of completing the immunisation course?
Completing this course will help to enhance your employability and widen your career options. Being equipped with the knowledge and skills in immunisation may just help you clinch your next ideal job. You could be combining work and travel to the beautiful exotic locations that Australia has to offer.
Will I have support?
As a student, you will be supported by:
- a tutor who is experienced in the field of immunisation. Your tutor will help and guide you through the course, mark your assessments and provide you with feedback and clarify any query you may have
- a nurse educator/course coordinator who can provide additional support.
How is the course structured and what content do you cover?
Students will be guided by the study and assessment timetable for this 10-week course. The contents meet the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017) requirements:
Theme 1: The Global and Australian Context for Immunisation
Theme 2: The Law, Ethics and Immunisation
Theme 3: The Immune System and Immunisation
Theme 4: Immunisation Practice
What are the course assessment items?
Assessments types include multiple choice quizzes and catch-up schedule planning.
There will be a study and assessment timetable to help you plan and manage the workload in this course.
Is there recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
If you have previously completed a course that meets the requirements as stipulated in The National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017), you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please email customer services at customerservices@acn.edu.au to receive an information package for RPL.
I have completed the immunisation for registered nurses course with ACN. Do I need to do this course again?
If you have previously completed the Immunisation for Registered Nurses course with ACN, and have maintained the updates education as stipulated by the jurisdiction you are practicing in, you may not be required to complete this course again.
Information on immunisation updates sessions as continuing professional development (CPD) will be available at a later date.
Can enrolled nurses, midwives and pharmacists study this course?
Yes they can.
The Immunisation for Health Practitioners course is suitable for registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other allied health workers. Evidence of registration with a relevant professional board is required on application. All health professionals applying to enrol in the course must confirm eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers by checking health policy in their relevant state or territory.
Please refer to the jurisdictional conditions in the State / Territory you practice in for further information regarding authorisation as immunisers.
How do I enrol?
To enrol, you will need to complete the Immunisation Enrolment Form, and submit it online.
You must include a copy of your registration certificate from the relevant National Board when you enrol.
Can I claim this course as a tax deductible expense?
It is best to speak to your accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office (http://www.ato.gov.au).
Can I pay for this course in instalments?
Full fees will have to be paid on application.
Can I defer to another intake?
All applications to defer from a course must be in writing to Customer Services: customerservices@acn.edu.au.
Deferment of the course is only allowed within 10 working days of the commencement of the course. Only one deferment is permitted.
Student testimonials
Hear straight from our students about their experiences with ACN’s Immunisation for Health Practitioners course.
Contact us
Customer Services
T: +61 2 9745 7500 or 1800 265 534 (charges may apply)