ACN’s Transition to Practice Program

The Transition to Practice program must be completed within 6 months of its commencement.

To successfully complete the program, you will be required to attend all 4 study days (online), complete all online modules, complete assessment items and engage in the mentoring process.

Employers value nurses who demonstrate initiative, commitment to ongoing professional development and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings. This program provides 90 CPD hours, structured mentor support, authentic assessments and a professional portfolio, all tangible evidence of your dedication to safe practice and continuous learning.

A workplace graduate program is employer-led and primarily focused on orientation to a specific organisation’s practices. In contrast, the Transition to Practice Program is profession-led and nationally focused, providing a structured six-month framework that strengthens clinical reasoning, reflective practice and professional identity in a way that is transferable across settings. It complements workplace learning by offering dedicated mentor support external to the immediate employer, development of a professional portfolio to evidence career progression, and national engagement through Australian College of Nursing membership.

Assessments within the program are designed to be practical, meaningful and directly relevant to your professional growth. Rather than traditional examinations, you will complete authentic assessments that reinforce learning and demonstrate your progression as a transitioning nurse.

This includes the development of a professional portfolio, enabling you to document reflective practice, evidence of competence and career goals, a valuable resource for employment and ongoing professional development. Formative quizzes throughout the program support knowledge consolidation and provide timely feedback, while active engagement in online discussions encourages critical thinking, professional communication and peer learning.

Refunds are not applicable for this program and are not permitted unless requested within the first 10 working days from program enrolment AND the program has not been accessed.

Withdrawals can be made at any time by sending an email to courses@acn.edu.au, no refund will be given in this instance. The program cannot be transferred to another person or redeemed as credit. For further information, contact the Customer Services team on 1800 265 534.

Full fees will need to be paid at the time of application for enrolment.

Please email courses@acn.edu.au with a purchase order so that an invoice can be created.

Group purchases can also be coordinated by emailing the admin team as above.

It is best to speak to your accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office.

The program is designed for newly qualified Registered and Enrolled Nurses. Once graduated and registered with AHPRA, you can access the program.

The program is not intended to replace any current graduate programs nor placement programs. The Transition to Practice program would better support participants and give them a better chance of obtaining employment.