Currently, those aged 65 and over make up 16 percent of the population, but by 2026, this number is projected to exceed 22 percent.
This shift, combined with rising life expectancies—81 years for boys and 85 years for girls born today—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.
Senior Lecturer in Nursing, Dr Tash Hawkins, said healthcare professionals will have 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 these increased demands but is also designed to address older adults’ unique needs,” Dr Hawkins said.
“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.
“The Royal Commission highlighted major gaps in skills and training in aged care, 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, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and able to make a real difference.
Registered Nurses gain leadership skills in infection control, palliative care, and health management—high-demand areas due to government mandates for infection control leads and quality improvement post-Royal Commission.
For RNs, this qualification not only enhances career progression but ensures they can meet modern standards of aged care, and provide holistic and respectful support to older adults, whether in residential facilities, hospitals, or community settings.
“This is a course designed by nurses for nurses. The skills learned in this program are practical, needed, and directly applicable to aged care settings,” Tash said.
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.
Read the Shorthand Story here.
Course Outcomes
Our course is designed for nurses who want to:
- 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.
Upon completion graduates will be well-positioned for a range of career opportunities within aged care, including:
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 this program will shift perceptions of aged care,” Tash added. “There’s so much more to aged care than people often realise—it’s about person-centred care, building relationships, and providing holistic support.”
How to enrol
More information about UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Nursing and Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing.
