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 replaced the National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses and Midwives (2001).
We have taken on board student and industry feedback and made some quality improvements to our Immunisation for Health Practitioners course beginning August 2019. We have streamlined assessments and made the course more relevant for practice — enabling our students to be better equipped to take their skills to the workplace. ACN’s intent is to continually offer courses that are contemporary and relevant to meet the needs of our students and industry which includes an interactive and engaging learning delivery system with opportunities to interact with other students.
Intakes
January – 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 2019 – 2024, 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 national educational requirements as determined by the National Framework (2017). 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 at ACN 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 Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017) 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:
- define goals and importance of immunisation programs in the global and Australian context
- apply knowledge of the immune response to vaccines and the diseases they prevent
- apply knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to immunisation practice
- analyse the principles of immunisation evidence based practice to achieve optimal safe outcomes.
Admission
All applicants are required to hold a:
1. qualification leading to registration recognised by the relevant National Board
2. general registration as a nurse, midwife, or pharmacist with the relevant National Board.
NOTE: All health professionals applying to enrol in the course must confirm their eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers by checking Department of Health policy in their relevant state or territory.
Award
Students who have successfully passed this course will be awarded a certificate of completion and 120 CPD hours.
Resources
The following are some of the resources used which you can access online prior to course commencement:
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) 2018, Australian Immunisation Handbook. Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra, viewed 26 June 2019, 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 26 June 2019, https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-vaccine-storage-guidelines-strive-for-5
- Department of Health 2019, National Immunisation Strategy for Australia 2019-2024, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 24 May 2019, https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-immunisation-strategy-for-australia-2019-to-2024
- Australian Academy of Science 2016, The science of immunisation/Questions and answers, Author, Canberra, viewed 26 June 2019, https://www.science.org.au/files/userfiles/learning/documents/immunisation/immunisation-2016-low-res.pdf
- Australian Government Department of Health 2017, National immunisation education framework for health professionals, Author, Canberra, viewed 24 May 2019, https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-immunisation-education-framework-for-health-professionals
- Australian Government Department of Health 2019, National Immunisation Program 2019, Author, Canberra, viewed 24 May 2019, https://beta.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/national-immunisation-program-schedule#state-and-territory-immunisation-schedules
You can download, print, or order copies of these texts via the links above.
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 using Google Chrome, and all costs in relation to this are also additional and not part of the course fees.
Course dates
| Course code: | 306 |
|---|---|
| CPD hours: | 120 hours over 10 weeks |
| Mode of delivery: | Completely online |
| Course dates: | |
| January 2020 | 13/01/2020 - 22/03/2020 (applications close on 18/12/2019)* |
| February 2020 | 03/02/2020 - 14/04/2020 (applications close on 13/01/2020)* |
| March 2020 | 02/03/2020 - 10/05/2020 (applications close on 12/02/2020)* |
| April 2020 | 06/04/2020 - 14/06/2020 (applications close on 18/03/2020)* |
| May 2020 | 04/05/2020 - 12/07/2020 (applications close on 15/04/2020)* |
| June 2020 | 01/06/2020 - 09/08/2020 (applications close on 13/05/2020)* |
| *Enrolment is subject to vacancy availability after the closing date. | |
How to apply
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| 2020 Non-member price*: | 2020 ACN member price*: |
|---|---|
| $970.00 | $873.00 |
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 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.
Please refer to the Department of Health of your state or territory for specific restrictions and scope of practice as an authorised immuniser.
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.
Please refer to the Department of Health of your state or territory for specific restrictions and scope of practice as an authorised immuniser.
Will I have support?
Yes! 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 and clarify any queries you may have
- a nurse educator / course coordinator who can provide additional support
- IT support for troubleshooting access issues
How is the course structured and what content do you cover?
The course covers all the theoretical components of immunisation education. 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 (2 weeks)
Theme 2: The Law, Ethics and Immunisation (2 weeks)
Theme 3: The Immune System and Immunisation (2 weeks)
Theme 4: Immunisation Practice (4 weeks)
This course is 100% completed online where you will have the opportunity to interact with other students in a focussed learning environment.
Is there any clinical placement? Do I have to complete a clinical component to get the certificate?
There is no clinical component or face-to face classes.
ACN will not be organising any clinical placement for the course and is not a requirement to complete the course. A certificate of completion will be sent after the completion of all online assessments as required.
What are the course assessment items?
There are 5 assessment tasks that are completed online. Each theme is assessed using a multiple-choice quiz. The last assessment is a catch-up table based on scenarios.
All assessment tasks must be passed to pass the course which includes being completed on time. The assessments are all open from day 1 so it is possible to complete assessments early if you need to.
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 non- ACN 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 education updates as stipulated by the jurisdiction you are practicing in, you may not be required to complete this course again.
Face-to-face immunisation updates sessions as continuing professional development (CPD) are offered by ACN and are available around Australia.
I am a new graduate nurse looking for work. Can I still do the course?
Yes. You need not be currently employed to enrol in the course.
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 after completing this course 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 (link to form above), 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 https://www.ato.gov.au.
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.
Can I pay for this course in instalments?
Full fees will have to be paid on application.
Student testimonials
Hear straight from our students about their experiences with ACN’s Immunisation for Health Practitioners course.
Contact us
Need more information? Register your interest to be contacted by a Nurse Educator who can discuss the course in further detail with you.
For general course information:
Customer Services
t: 02 9745 7500 or 1800 265 534 (charges may apply)
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au