Nurses can advance their careers and increase wages by undertaking Central Queensland University’s postgraduate degree in clinical practice.

The Masters of Clinical Practice (Specialisation) is a new degree offered in 2006 via distance learning which enables nurses to develop knowledge and expertise in speciality areas.

Specialisation streams are available in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Cardiac Nursing, Peri-operative Nursing, Wound Management, Neonatal Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Adolescent and Child Health Nursing, Midwifery and General Practice Nursing.

The degree also offers exit awards: Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma. Program coordinator Jenny Anastasi said the program was designed to meet the growing needs of registered nurses, practicing midwives and midwives returning to practice.

“The program uses a partnership model of graduate clinical education where the theory offered through CQU is integrated and assessed in the context of clinical practice,” she explained.

Graduates of the Masters program will benefit from career advancement and wage rises, while the exit awards also have financial benefits.

“Completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma enable employees of Queensland Heath to be paid an additional 3% and 5% in wages respectively,” Ms Anastasi said.

All applicants must be registered nurses and should be employed in the area of specialisation for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

The Royal College of Nursing offers scholarship schemes for students studying this program.

For further information regarding the program and enrolment contact Jenny Anastasi on 4930 9823 or email j.anastasi@cqu.edu.au.

--ENDS-- For interview contact Jenny Anastasi on 4930 9823.