September intake (VET) now open. September intake (HE) now open. Apply direct now.

Important DatesPolicies & ProceduresEnquire NowAgent Hub
Acknowledge EducationAcknowledge EducationAcknowledge EducationAcknowledge Education
  • Courses

    Courses

    Study Area

    Education & Early ChildhoodEngineering Design & ConstructionEnglish StudiesHealth & CommunitySenior SecondaryTourism & Hospitality

    Study Level

    CertificateDiplomaEnglishPostgraduate DegreeSenior SecondaryUndergraduate Degree
  • Life at AE

    Life at AE

    Support for Under 18s

    Your Care Team - Welfare SupportHomestay and AccommodationAirport Pickup

    Community

    Industry EngagementAcademic SupportStudent CounsellingGraduates of AEGalleryAE Graduation Ceremonies

    Arriving From Overseas

    Before and After Arrival in AustraliaLiving InformationImportant information - International studentsWelcome Day
  • How to Apply

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    Check EligibilityEnrolment GuideStudent FeesFEE-HELPVET Student LoansBook an English Test
  • About

    About

    About

    About UsHistoryGovernance and ManagementCareers at AETestimonial Forms

    Our Locations

    MelbourneSydneyPerthBrisbaneAdelaide
  • Knowledge Hub

    Knowledge Hub

    Knowledge Hub

    CareersStudent LifeFAQsNews
Apply Now
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Health and nursing courses

Health and nursing courses

Healthcare puts you in the room when people need help most. The sector covers nursing, counselling, aged care and community health, which means it draws people who want their work to count every single day.

The demand for skilled and qualified healthcare practitioners in Australia has never been stronger. Health Care and Social Assistance is the country’s largest employing industry and added over 100,000 new workers in a single year. Nursing alone is Australia’s largest regulated profession, with more than 500,000 nurses and midwives registered with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

At Acknowledge Education, our health and nursing courses cover the qualifications that bring students into this workforce. The Diploma of Nursing prepares you to apply to register as an enrolled nurse in 18 months, whilst the Graduate Certificate of Health and Community is designed for degree-qualified professionals already working in the sector who want to step into more senior or specialist roles.

Human Studies
Ribbon Badge Shape
Graduate Certificate of Health and Community
CRICOS Code: 115053J

Acquire a wealth of skills and knowledge for your future career in health or community services.


Find out more
Health
Ribbon Badge Shape
Diploma of Nursing
CRICOS Code: 114531C

Our enrolled nurse course, the Diploma of Nursing, gives you the confidence and skills to work as an EN and make a life-changing difference.

Find out more
Human Studies
Ribbon Badge Shape
Master of Counselling
CRICOS Code: 112554A (registered by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors - AIPC)

Turn empathy into a career. Study a Master of Counselling and start making a real difference every day.

Find out more

Why Study with AE?

Real outcomes for international students in Australia. We understand your goals and provide pathways to achieve them.

Industry-aligned curriculum
Our courses are shaped by employer input and current industry standards, so what you learn today is exactly what workplaces are looking for tomorrow.

Structured study pathway
We offer clear progression from vocational training through to higher education, with qualifications that build on each other so you always know what's next.

Hands-on applied learning
You'll learn by doing through practical projects, industry-standard tools, and simulated environments that get you ready for the real world from day one.

Multiple Australian campuses
With campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, you can choose the location that suits you best and enjoy the same quality experience wherever you study.

Joining a community
You'll become part of a diverse, supportive community of students, educators, and industry connections that extend well beyond graduation.

image-20240913-005911-24665387

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best course to study in health?

The best health course depends entirely on the career you’re working toward. A Diploma of Nursing prepares you to register as an enrolled nurse with AHPRA in just 18 months, whilst the Graduate Certificate of Health and Community is designed for degree-qualified professionals already working in the sector who want to step into more senior or specialist roles.

For example, those drawn to mental health and wellbeing work tend to start with a counselling qualification. Most of them then specialise in grief, trauma, addiction, or family work over time, which could take them to private practice or advanced clinical work at hospitals later on. You can start general and specialise in what interests you the most once you’ve got some experience.

How do I become a nurse in Australia?

The qualification you need depends on which nursing level you’re aiming for. To become an enrolled nurse in Australia, you’ll need to complete a Diploma of Nursing and register with AHPRA. To become a registered nurse, you’ll need a Bachelor of Nursing.

Our Diploma of Nursing is an 18-month ANMAC-accredited programme with 440 hours of clinical placement. Graduates who want to go further can enter directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing and cut a full year off the degree.

What are the benefits of working in the health and healthcare industry?

Health workers in Australia have an extremely robust job market to hunt from. Health Care and Social Assistance is the country’s largest employing industry and added over 100,000 new workers in a single year. Demand for these positions is expected to keep climbing as Australia's population continues to age.

The work itself is also very engaging. You can work in hospitals, community health centres, clinics, and aged care facilities, and most health careers reward ongoing development with clear pathways into specialisation and senior practice. This is also one of the few careers where you’ll see how your work affects the people you work with every single day, which is why many love working in healthcare.

AE Logo - WhiteNavigate to link
svgexport-39-whiteNavigate to link
svgexport-40-whiteNavigate to link
tiktok-svgrepo-com-whiteNavigate to link
svgexport-42-whiteNavigate to link

Enquire Now

 

Courses

Health & Community

Education

Engineering & Construction

Tourism & Hospitality

Senior Secondary (VCE)

English (ELICOS)

Students

How to Apply

Current Students

Important Dates

International Student Fees

Domestic Student Fees

Courses

Downloadable Brochures

Forms

Higher Education Student Handbook

VET Student Handbook

VCE Student Handbook

ELICOS Student Handbook

Student Surveys

About

About Us

Campus Locations

News

Contact Us

History

Policies & Procedures

Governance and Management

Governing Board

Academic Board

Careers at AE

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Remediation Payment Program

Agents

Australian-Flags-08-768x268 1

We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

lgbtiq-progress-flag-50x30-1

We respect and welcome people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures.

© Copyright 2025 Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd | ABN 15 005 596 565 | CRICOS 00197D | PRV 12146 | RTO 4112 | SCHOOL 1997

Apply NowEnquire NowCheck Eligibility