Transform how we care for our ageing population – make real change with postgraduate Gerontology Nursing at Otago.
Why study postgraduate Gerontology Nursing?
Gerontology Nursing is all about understanding the unique needs of older adults through a nursing lens. As our population ages, health professionals with specialised knowledge in ageing are more vital than ever.
By studying Gerontology Nursing at Otago, you’ll build advanced skills in assessment, care planning, and leadership, specifically tailored for older populations. This isn’t just theory: you’ll learn how to improve quality of life, support complex health needs, and advocate for best practice in aged care. With this qualification, you can make a genuine difference in the lives of older people, their families, and the healthcare system.
Career opportunities
When you complete your Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Nursing (Gerontology), you’re well positioned for expert roles in ageing care:
- Clinical nurse specialist in aged-care facilities
- Nurse leader or manager in older-person services
- Educator or trainer in gerontological nursing
- Policy advisor for health organisations on ageing issues
- Nurse researcher focusing on gerontology, frailty or ageing-related health
What it’s like to study at this level
When you study Gerontology Nursing at Otago, you’ll combine academic rigour with practical relevance. The PGCertHealSc (Gerontology) is offered through our Christchurch campus and via distance learning, giving you the flexibility to balance work and study.
The programme is delivered with a combination of remote and in-person teaching. You’ll engage with both clinical and theoretical content that reflects real-world aged-care challenges.
This is for you if ...
To thrive in this programme, you should be a registered nurse (or hold an equivalent health-professional qualification), have at least three years of tertiary-level study, and currently work or have experience in nursing or aged-care. A strong academic record and readiness for advanced-level study are also required.
Build your skills to lead better care for ageing communities
You’ll build a strong foundation in gerontological nursing by expanding your knowledge of ageing within social, cultural and political contexts, and understanding the environments and complexities that shape care for older people. You will explore nursing models, frameworks and strategies that support you to assess, plan and evaluate culturally appropriate care. You will also build advanced health assessment skills across the life span, including how to obtain a comprehensive health history, how to formulate differential diagnoses and how to develop a clear and effective plan of management.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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| The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Nursing (Gerontology) is available through Distance Learning. |
Contacts
Coordinator, Student Experience
University of Otago, Christchurch
Email postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz
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