Acute Care Nurse

An Acute Care Nurse provides advanced nursing care to patients in a hospital or other specialist health care facility. You might work in an emergency department, an intensive care unit or work with patients who are recovering from surgical procedures. Acute Care Nurses might perform clinical assessments and liaise with other health care professionals.

Acute Care Nurses should have excellent observational abilities and strong attention to detail. Interpersonal skills are important and you’ll need to be able to work as part of a team. Acute Care Nurses should be good communicators and must be able to follow correct procedures. You’ll need to be able to use your analytical skills and make important decisions quickly.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $94,640
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a acute care nurse?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT54121

Diploma of Nursing

On Campus
20 months
$14,779 - $31,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT51020

Diploma of Emergency Health Care

Blended
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT41120

Certificate IV in Health Care

Blended
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT64121

Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Acute care)

Blended
12 months
Unavailable
  • Are employed as a Enrolled Nurse
Additional requirements may apply.
  • Are employed as a Enrolled Nurse
Additional requirements may apply.
Acute Care Nurse

Bachelor of Nursing

Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $76,320
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)

Blended, On Campus
24 months
$0 - $10,014
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

On Campus
24 months
$0 - $10,014
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery

Blended, On Campus
4 years
$0 - $22,280
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing

Online
8 - 12 months
$0 - $13,128
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

What can you do with a Diploma of Nursing?

2nd February 2021)

Why is Nursing a Good Career Choice in Australia?

25th November 2022)

Career Pathways for Graduates After Studying a Diploma of Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing

4th October 2024)