Microcredential
Parkinson's Care and Advancing Professional Practice
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 April 2025 | 14 April 2025 | 16 May 2025 | 23 June 2025 | 14 September 2025 | 29 September 2025 |
| 2 July 2025 | 7 July 2025 | 8 August 2025 | 15 September 2025 | 7 December 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
| 24 September 2025 | 29 September 2025 | 5 November 2025 | 8 December 2025 | 29 March 2026 | 13 April 2026 |
| 14 January 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 20 February 2026 | 30 March 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| 8 April 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 15 May 2026 | 22 June 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 |
Overview
The Australian College of Nursing, supported by the Department of Education, is offering an opportunity to advance your nursing expertise with the Parkinson’s Care and Advancing Professional Practice microcredential.
This microcredential is designed for health professionals who care for people diagnosed with and living with Parkinson’s and allows students to extend their knowledge of this speciality area. It will review epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, and motor and non-motor clinical features of Parkinson’s. Students will examine contemporary assessment and management techniques while critiquing therapeutic approaches to care at all stages, with reference to best practice guidelines. Multidisciplinary consultation and referral pathways, legal and ethical issues, and advances in care will also be considered.
This microcredential will also explore the dimensions of professional nursing practice, including individualised, research-based, interprofessional, and ethical-based capabilities. Students will gain an understanding of the professional considerations and broader global issues that influence Australian nursing practice and healthcare delivery for the provision of culturally safe, quality care. By undertaking this microcredential the student will build knowledge and skills to advance professional practice by developing autonomy, professional judgement, adaptivity, and leadership capabilities.
This microcredential course (12 credit points) can be stacked towards a Graduate Certificate (24 credit points) priced at $12,000. This is a saving of up to $5000.
Entry requirements
Applicable to all registered nurses who work with people with Parkinson’s.
Scope of future study
The microcredential can be completed as a standalone course.
However, if you complete microcredential 872, you will gain advanced standing equivalent to two units in the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing, reducing the time and coursework needed to complete the qualification.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- analyse the professional considerations that influence the delivery of care in the contemporary healthcare system
- analyse evidence-based –practice impacting the care outcomes for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s
- critically reflect on practice to advance clinical leadership and professional capability
- critically review the legal, ethical and cultural issues of care for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their support network
- examine the influence of research and digital health innovation on professional practice
- evaluate health outcomes to plan health promotion strategies for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: The physiology and pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease
- Module 2: Introduction to Parkinson’s specific assessment
- Module 3: Clinical management and therapeutic approaches to care
- Module 4: The multidisciplinary approach to Parkinson’s care
- Module 5: Ethico-legal considerations
- Module 6: Professional considerations in nursing practice
- Module 7: Cultural safety and diversity in healthcare
- Module 8: Research and digital health innovation in professional practice
- Module 9: Advancing professional capability
Assessment
- Assessment 1: Learning goals
- Assessment 2: Poster presentation
- Assessment 3: Analysis of care
- Assessment 4: Leadership questions
- Assessment 5: Concept map and essay
Fees
$1,111
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education Funding – Places are limited so apply early to secure your place.
FEE-HELP is also available for eligible students. Further information can be found here.
Meet your Nurse Educator
Sheetal Kumar, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, BScN, MN (Clinical Teaching), Diploma in Practice Management, Diploma in Nursing, Justice of Peace - NSW
e: sheetal.kumar@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sheetal is the coordinator for our Graduate Certificate course in Paediatric Nursing Studies, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. Her nursing journey began in 2011 in Fiji, where she graduated and practiced as a general and obstetric nurse before transitioning to Australia. Over the years, Sheetal has cultivated a diverse background in practice and surgical nursing and dedicated six years as a critical care nurse in the emergency department, caring for both adult and paediatric patients. This is where her passion for paediatric care truly flourished.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Sheetal has established a strong foundation in nursing education, earning her Master’s degree in Nursing (Clinical Teaching). Her teaching journey includes roles as a sessional academic, online facilitator, and tutor/marker across various tertiary institutions, demonstrating her commitment to shaping the next generation of paediatric nurses. Her enthusiasm for advancing her teaching practice and sharing her knowledge with others is both inspiring and impactful.
Sheetal’s blend of clinical and educational experience ensures that students in the Graduate Certificate course receive exceptional guidance rooted in both theory and practice.
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Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Application will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
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Why study with ACN
*The ACN Member discount cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry).
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For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
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