Pathway Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:59 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:59 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Acute Care
Acute Care
Pathway
National Code
—
—
State Code
AD77
AD77
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Original TGA Release Date
30/04/2021
30/04/2021
Field of Education
0603 - Nursing
0603 - Nursing
Approved Date
18/11/2021
18/11/2021
Stream of Study
Subsequent to Initial Vocational (4000)
Subsequent to Initial Vocational (4000)
Duration
3 Semesters
Current Release Version
6.00
6.00
Current Release Date
22/12/2025
22/12/2025
Nominal Hours
750
750
Description
This qualification reflects the role of enrolled nurses with advanced skills who work in a specialised area of nursing practice under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered nurse.
Enrolled nurses integrate and adapt specialised, technical and theoretical knowledge to address a diverse range of clinical situations and challenges in their area of specialisation.
They contribute to the continuous improvement of clinical practice using research and participation in broader organisational quality processes. Enrolled nurses retain responsibility for their own actions while remaining accountable to the registered nurse for all delegated functions.
Enrolled nurses integrate and adapt specialised, technical and theoretical knowledge to address a diverse range of clinical situations and challenges in their area of specialisation.
They contribute to the continuous improvement of clinical practice using research and participation in broader organisational quality processes. Enrolled nurses retain responsibility for their own actions while remaining accountable to the registered nurse for all delegated functions.
Packaging Rules
Ten (10) units must be completed:
- Three (3) core units
- Seven (7) elective units, consisting of:
- units required for one (1) specialisation as detailed below.
- remaining units from the electives listed below, elsewhere in the HLT Health Training Package, or any current Training Package or accredited course.
The selection of electives must be guided by the job outcome sought, local industry requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification.
Packaging for each specialisation:
- Five (5) Group A electives, including HLTENN040, HLTENN055 and HLTENN056, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Acute care).
- All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Aged care and individual support work).
- All Group C electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Critical care).
- Five (5) Group D electives, including CHCMHS005, CHCMHS006 and HLTENN063, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Mental health).
- All Group E electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Perioperative).
- All Group F electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Renal care).
- Five (5) Group G electives, including HLTENN040, HLTENN048 and HLTENN064, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Rural and remote).
- Five (5) Group H electives, including CHCCSM002, CHCDIS003, and HLTENN047, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Community and primary health care).
All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Note: Unit marked with an asterisk * includes prerequisite units of competency. Refer to unit of competency for prerequisite requirements.
- Three (3) core units
- Seven (7) elective units, consisting of:
- units required for one (1) specialisation as detailed below.
- remaining units from the electives listed below, elsewhere in the HLT Health Training Package, or any current Training Package or accredited course.
The selection of electives must be guided by the job outcome sought, local industry requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level of this qualification.
Packaging for each specialisation:
- Five (5) Group A electives, including HLTENN040, HLTENN055 and HLTENN056, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Acute care).
- All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Aged care and individual support work).
- All Group C electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Critical care).
- Five (5) Group D electives, including CHCMHS005, CHCMHS006 and HLTENN063, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Mental health).
- All Group E electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Perioperative).
- All Group F electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Renal care).
- Five (5) Group G electives, including HLTENN040, HLTENN048 and HLTENN064, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Rural and remote).
- Five (5) Group H electives, including CHCCSM002, CHCDIS003, and HLTENN047, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Community and primary health care).
All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Note: Unit marked with an asterisk * includes prerequisite units of competency. Refer to unit of competency for prerequisite requirements.
1. Core Units
All three (3) units must be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI62 | HLTENN066 | Contribute to improvement for advancement of clinical practice | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODI78 | HLTENN052 | Provide advanced clinical assessment | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI39 | HLTENN065 | Research and report on nursing trends and practice | 50 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Electives – Acute Care Specialisation
Five (5) Group A electives, including HLTENN040, HLTENN055 and HLTENN056, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Acute care).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI95 | HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy | 250 | Unit of competency |
| ODI75 | HLTENN056 | Apply nursing practice in the cardiovascular care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODI84 | HLTENN049 | Apply nursing practice in the orthopaedic care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODI72 | HLTENN060 | Apply nursing practice in the paediatric care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODI79 | HLTENN050 | Apply nursing practice in the rehabilitation care setting | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODI49 | HLTENN055 | Apply nursing practice in the respiratory care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODK16 | HLTENN067 | Apply, implement and monitor nursing care in a contemporary paediatric setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI74 | HLTENN057 | Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI66 | HLTENN068 | Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice | 80 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B Electives – Aged Care and Individual Support Specialisation
All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Aged care and individual support work).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI32 | HLTENN061 | Apply nursing practice in the contemporary aged care setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| AVC26 | CHCCSM002 | Implement case management practice | 60 | Unit of competency |
| AVC10 | CHCDIS010 | Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs | 45 | Unit of competency |
| AVC87 | CHCAGE005 | Provide support to people living with dementia | 60 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C Electives – Critical Care Specialisation
All Group C electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Critical care).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI95 | HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy | 250 | Unit of competency |
| ODI75 | HLTENN056 | Apply nursing practice in the cardiovascular care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODI77 | HLTENN053 | Apply nursing practice in the critical care setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI93 | HLTENN048 | Apply nursing practice in the emergency care setting | 25 | Unit of competency |
| ODI49 | HLTENN055 | Apply nursing practice in the respiratory care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
5. Group D Electives – Mental Health Specialisation
Five (5) Group D electives, including CHCMHS005, CHCMHS006 and HLTENN063, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Mental health).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI68 | HLTENN063 | Apply nursing practice in the contemporary mental health care setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| AVB64 | CHCMHS006 | Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers | 40 | Unit of competency |
| AVC26 | CHCCSM002 | Implement case management practice | 60 | Unit of competency |
| AVC73 | CHCCCS003 | Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | 80 | Unit of competency |
| AVB65 | CHCMHS005 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | 80 | Unit of competency |
| AVC58 | CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | 40 | Unit of competency |
6. Group E Electives – Perioperative Specialisation
All Group E electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Perioperative).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI95 | HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy | 250 | Unit of competency |
| ODI75 | HLTENN056 | Apply nursing practice in the cardiovascular care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODI58 | HLTENN058 | Apply nursing practice in the perioperative setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI49 | HLTENN055 | Apply nursing practice in the respiratory care setting | 60 | Unit of competency |
| AVA29 | HLTINF003 | Implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 | Unit of competency |
7. Group F Electives – Renal Care Specialisation
All Group F electives must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Renal care).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI95 | HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy | 250 | Unit of competency |
| ODI56 | HLTRNL004 | Apply renal replacement therapy | 140 | Unit of competency |
| ODI57 | HLTRNL003 | Contribute to the nursing care of a person with renal impairment | 50 | Unit of competency |
| AVA29 | HLTINF003 | Implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 | Unit of competency |
| AVC26 | CHCCSM002 | Implement case management practice | 60 | Unit of competency |
8. Group G Electives – Rural and Remote Specialisation
Five (5) Group G electives, including HLTENN040, HLTENN048 and HLTENN064, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Rural and remote).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI95 | HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy | 250 | Unit of competency |
| ODI93 | HLTENN048 | Apply nursing practice in the emergency care setting | 25 | Unit of competency |
| ODI38 | HLTENN047 | Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI37 | HLTENN064 | Apply nursing practice in the rural and remote setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI67 | HLTENN046 | Contribute to maternal and infant health care | 70 | Unit of competency |
| AVB65 | CHCMHS005 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | 80 | Unit of competency |
9. Group H Electives – Community and Primary Health Care Specialisation
Five (5) Group H electives, including CHCCSM002, CHCDIS003, and HLTENN047, must be selected for award of the Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Community and primary health care).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI95 | HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy | 250 | Unit of competency |
| ODI38 | HLTENN047 | Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODI96 | HLTENN039 | Apply principles of wound management | 55 | Unit of competency |
| AVC26 | CHCCSM002 | Implement case management practice | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODI66 | HLTENN068 | Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice | 80 | Unit of competency |
| AVB65 | CHCMHS005 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | 80 | Unit of competency |
| AVC17 | CHCDIS003 | Support community participation and social inclusion | 55 | Unit of competency |
10. Other Electives
Up to two (2) units may be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of each specialisation.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB87 | Acute Care | Pathway |
Note
To be eligible to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse and to practice in Australia, individuals must complete a Diploma of Nursing program accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved as ‘an approved program of study’ by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) in accordance with the Enrolled Nurse Accreditation Standards. To confirm the education provider holds the necessary accreditation check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) at www.ahpra.gov.au.
The scope of practice for enrolled nurses is determined by legislative requirements and the policies and procedures of the employing organisation.
No other licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
The scope of practice for enrolled nurses is determined by legislative requirements and the policies and procedures of the employing organisation.
No other licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who are currently working in Australia as an enrolled nurse and hold current registration as an enrolled nurse without notation with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au.
