307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners (HESA accredited)

 
The Australian College of Nursing’s (ACN) 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners course is based on the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017) and has been accredited by the ANMAC subsidiary Health Education Services Australia (HESA) to deliver this course. HESA is the National body for health education accreditation and ACN is the first institution to have its Immunisation course accredited.

ACN aims to continually offer self-directed courses that are contemporary and relevant to meet the needs of our students and industry which includes an interactive and engaging learning delivery system with opportunities to interact with other students while also having a dedicated tutor for support.


Intakes
Start instantly!


Duration
Flexible, self-paced
(a minimum of 21 days up to a maximum of 120 days)


Study Mode
Online
self-directed courses


CPD
Equivalent to 
120 hours

 

Why study this course

Health care providers are at the forefront in protecting the community’s health and wellbeing. Immunisation as a national public health strategy continues to be a cost-effective means in reducing the mortality and morbidity rates related to vaccine-preventable diseases in Australia. In line with the emphasis of the National Immunisation Strategy 2019 – 2024, it is also recognised that having appropriately trained health professionals is crucial in ensuring successful delivery of immunisation services to improve immunisation coverage rates nationally.

The design of the 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners (HESA accredited) course hinges on the national educational requirements as determined by the National Framework (2017). This course aims to equip health practitioners with the essential attributes to be immunisation advocates and promote immunisation uptake nationally. Health practitioners who have successfully passed this course should refer to the Department of Health in the jurisdiction they practice in, or wish to practice in, for information and conditions leading to authorisation to immunise independent of a medical officer.

 

Course overview

 

How to apply

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Before applying

COVID-19 vaccines and training is not specifically included in this course. For the COVID-19 training modules please access this website.

Please note that completing the 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners (HESA accredited) course does not necessarily change your scope of practice or allow you to immunise without a medical officer. Direct entry midwives or dual registration nurse/midwives who do not have current RN registration, enrolled nurses, registered nurses in the ACT and other health care professionals are responsible for checking their standards of practice as designated by the NMBA or other applicable registering authority. State and Territory jurisdiction and guidelines must be followed by all health care professionals and you are advised to check with your practising authority to consider if this course is appropriate for you to use in your desired clinical setting. For more information please refer to our FAQ ‘Can enrolled nurses, midwives and pharmacists study this course?‘.

Scholarship

Eric Murray Achievement Award
The Eric Murray Achievement Award is a scholarship that can be applied for by current immunisation students. More information can be found here

Course price

2023 Member price*: 2023 Non-Member price*:
$895.50 $995.00


Refunds are not applicable for this course and are not permitted unless requested within the first 10 business days from course application AND the course has not been accessed. If an applicant meets certain criteria with extenuating circumstances, a refund voucher may be requested within the first two months of the course only. This will permit the applicant to re-enrol into the course at a later date within 12 months.
*Fees are subject to change without notice.

Current intake

TitleOpen DateClose DateApply
Immunisation for Health Practitioners 2023 March1/03/202331/03/2023Apply Now

 
Apply now and start today. Only the current month will be displayed and is available for enrolment. Enrolment for future start dates is not permitted.

Christmas closure
Please note that ACN will be closed for Christmas and New year from the Thursday 22 December 2022 until Wednesday 11 January 2023 inclusive. During this time, the learning management system for course access will be open and available to all students wishing to enrol in the course. A nurse educator will also be available (at a limited capacity) to all students during this time.

 

Frequently asked questions

Pre-enrolment — eligibility & intake

How do I enrol?

Click on the ‘apply now’ green button at the bottom of this page. Have your Ahpra number ready as this must be entered to progress with your application.

Can enrolled nurses, midwives and pharmacists study this course?

Yes they can.
The 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners (HESA accredited) course is suitable for registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other allied health workers. Evidence of registration with a relevant professional board is required on application. All health professionals applying to enrol in the course must confirm eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers after completing this course by checking health policy in their relevant state or territory.

Please refer to the jurisdictional conditions in the state / territory you practice in for further information regarding authorisation as immunisers.


State / Territory

Information

Weblinks

Australian Capital Territory

Current legislation does not cover an authority for nurses to immunise without the direction of a medical officer, see ACT Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

New South Wales

Authority for registered nurses and midwives

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Documents/authority-for-RNs-and-midwives.pdf

Authorised Nurse Immunisers (policy directive)

https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2020_050.pdf

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

Pharmacist initiation and administration of vaccines

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/pharmacists/Pages/default.aspx

Expansion of NSW pharmacist vaccination program from 1 January 2019

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/pharmacist-vaccination-expansion.aspx

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

Northern Territory

Immunisation: health professionals

https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/centre-for-disease-control/immunisation-health-professionals

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

Queensland

Queensland Health information and authority for RNs and ENs

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/immunisation/registration-qualifications

South Australia

Vaccine administration code

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/about+us/legislation/controlled+substances+legislation/vaccine+administration+code

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

Tasmania

Authorised immunisers in Tasmania

https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/communicable_diseases_prevention_unit/immunisation/nurse_immuniser

Information for Immunisation providers

https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/communicable_diseases_prevention_unit/immunisation/information_for_immunisation_providers

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

Victoria

Immunisers in Victoria

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/immunisers-in-victoria/nurse-immunisers/nurse-immunisers-requirements-responsibilities

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/immunisers-in-victoria/nurse-immunisers

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/immunisers-in-victoria/pharmacist-immunisers

Western Australia

Immunisation education

https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Immunisation-education

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – Vaccination services

https://www.guild.org.au/programs/vaccination-services

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia – Immunisation training

https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/programs/immunisation/

What intakes are available or when can I start?

This course is self-paced and flexible meaning that you start as soon as you apply. Please ensure you check your junk mail for course enrolment details during this time as our emails can sometimes end up here.

I am a new graduate nurse looking for work. Can I still do the course?

Yes. You need not be currently employed to enrol in the course.

I have completed the Immunisation for Registered Nurses course with ACN. Do I need to do this course again?

If you have previously completed the Immunisation for Registered Nurses course with ACN, and have maintained the education updates as stipulated by the jurisdiction you are practicing in, you may not be required to complete this course again. Immunisation updates sessions as continuing professional development (CPD) are offered by ACN and are available around Australia.

Do I need to re-do the course if I completed this prior to 2001?

Registered nurses and midwives who have previously completed the Immunisation for Registered Nurses course at ACN under the former National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses and Midwives (2001) should refer to the jurisdictions they are working in for the conditions to continue to maintain their authority to immunise independent of medical officers.

I had completed the 306 course before HESA approval. Should I do the course again? Can I get RPL?

If you have previously completed the Immunisation for Registered Nurses course (046) with ACN or the Immunisation for Health Practitioners (306) course, and have maintained the education updates as stipulated by the jurisdiction you are practicing in, you may not be required to complete this course again. RPL cannot be granted from 306 to 307 as the courses are not fundamentally different, instead grandfathering may be used where States and Territories recognise 307 and its predecessors, 306 and 046. Please contact your Immunisation coordinator or PHU for further information for your jurisdiction.

Is there recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?

If you have previously completed a non-ACN course that meets the requirements as stipulated in The National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017), you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please email immunisationadmin@acn.edu.au to receive an information package for RPL.

How is the Australian College of Nursing’s (ACN) course different from other HESA accredited courses?

ACN has been delivering immunisation courses for over 15 years to thousands of nurses, and other health professionals and was the first to gain HESA accreditation and National recognition in 2020.

This self- directed course is 120 hours’ worth of study and designed for students to use their critical thinking skills, rather than just rote learning, and apply this in practice to become safe and independent nurse immunisers.

Due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACN have extended the course from 10 weeks to 17 weeks which gives students extra time to complete all online course requirements with the support of a dedicated tutor. 

During the course

How do I login?

Your username is your email address. If you are not logged in and need to retrieve your username or password, select Sign in from the menu followed by Forgot username? or Forgot password?
If you are still having issues logging in after attempting to retrieve your username or password please contact our IT support team at website.support@acn.edu.au  alternatively phone 02 9745 7500.

How will this course benefit my practice?

Immunisation remains a simple, safe and effective means of protecting one from illness, disability and death caused by vaccine-preventable diseases (WHO, 2016).
The ‘No jab, no pay’ immunisation requirements introduced in 2016 by the Australian government means that there are greater career opportunities for authorised immunisers to be involved in leading and delivering immunisation services Australia-wide.
The 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners (HESA accredited) course will benefit your practice by helping you to develop a better understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to competently deliver a professional immunisation service to the communities in Australia.
Please refer to the Department of Health of your state or territory for specific restrictions, requirements and scope of practice as an authorised immuniser.

What are the prospects of completing the immunisation course?

Completing this course will help to enhance your employability and widen your career options. Being equipped with the knowledge and skills in immunisation may just help you clinch your next ideal job. You could be combining work and travel to the beautiful exotic locations that Australia has to offer. Please refer to the Department of Health of your state or territory for specific restrictions and scope of practice as an authorised immuniser.

Will I have support?

Yes! Even though this is a self-directed course, you will have access to the following support as required and when requested:

  • a tutor who is experienced in the field of immunisation. Your tutor will help guide you through the course and clarify any queries you may have
  • a nurse educator / course coordinator who can provide additional support
  • IT support for troubleshooting access issues.

We offer live zoom sessions at least twice per week where students can ask questions on catch-up planning and navigating appropriate resources.

How is the course structured and what content do you cover?

Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017) requirements:
Theme 1: The Global and Australian Context for Immunisation (24 hours)
Theme 2: The Law, Ethics and Immunisation (24 hours)
Theme 3: The Immune System and Immunisation (24 hours)
Theme 4: Immunisation Practice (48 hours)
This course is 100% completed online where you will have the opportunity to interact with other students in a focussed learning environment.

Is there any clinical placement? Do I have to complete a clinical component to get the certificate?

There is no clinical component or face-to-face classes.
ACN will not be organising any clinical placement for the course and it is not a requirement to complete the course. A certificate of completion will be sent after the completion of all online assessments as required.

What are the course assessment items?

There are five assessment tasks that are completed online. Each theme is assessed using a multiple-choice quiz. The last assessment is a catch-up table based on scenarios.
All assessment tasks must be passed to pass the course which includes being completed on time.
There will be a recommended study and assessment timetable to help you plan and manage the workload in this course.

Course recognition

How long will the certificate be valid?

The certificate has no expiry date as long as the required education updates stipulated by the jurisdiction you are practicing in are maintained annually. If you have not completed the required updates you may be required to complete the course again, you would be advised to check with your local immunisation coordinator or Public Health Unit (PHU) regarding the need for this.

Can I use this 307 HESA accredited course in my jurisdiction?

Currently the 307 HESA accredited course is valid nationally.
Please ensure you check with your jurisdiction regarding your ability to practice using this certificate in your profession and any other requirements.

What does HESA approval mean?

HESA stands for Health Education Services Australia which is a new subsidiary of ANMAC. HESA has been established to support institutions with health education projects and accreditation, including immunisation education.

Financial matters

Can I get a refund, deferral or withdraw from the course after I have already applied?

Refunds are not applicable for this course and are not permitted unless requested within the first 10 working days from course application AND the course has not been accessed. If an applicant meets certain criteria with extenuating circumstances, a refund voucher may be requested within the first two months of the course only. This will permit the applicant to re-enrol into the course at a later date within 12 months.

Withdrawals can be made at any time by sending an email to immunisation@acn.edu.au, no refund will be given in this instance. The course cannot be transferred to another person or redeemed as credit. For further information contact the Customer Services team on 1800 265 534.

Can I pay for this course in instalments?

Full fees will need to be paid at the time of application for enrolment.

My employer wants to sponsor me to do the course. How can they do it?

Please email immunisationadmin@acn.edu.au with a purchase order so that an invoice can be created.
Group purchases can also be coordinated by emailing the admin team as above.  

Can I claim this course as a tax deductible expense?

It is best to speak to your accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office.

 

Student testimonials

Hear straight from our students about their experiences with ACN’s 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners (HESA accredited) course.

“I commenced my training in 1988 (dinosaur era!) and have nursed ever since in a multitude of settings. Within these years I’ve undertaken numerous certificate and short courses and can wholeheartedly say that this one has provided me with THE most support, encouragement and guidance I’ve ever had. Entering into an online setting was quite foreign and a little daunting, however with your assistance I’ve found it quite enjoyable, despite the challenges and look forward to exploring some more education later this year. Thank you once again, you’ve made a huge difference!”
“Many thanks for all I have learnt in this course. I have found it so beneficial for my work, very relevant, completely up to date and very professionally delivered. The weekly learning and assessment tasks were very well structured, carefully building the knowledge base. I did find the final assessment task extremely challenging, but very rewarding and extremely practical and relevant. Again a very big thank you to all involved in putting the Immunisation for registered nurses course together. I most definitely will recommend this course to others.”
“I loved the course, the information and resources (articles, websites etc) were invaluable”
“I have really enjoyed this course,. I have found the content really interesting and look forward to putting it in to practice and continuing to learn out in the community. I would highly recommend this course”
“Having not attended any online study before I did find the course challenging, but interesting. To complete each of the assessments I have to be very organized time wise to complete the tasks as required”
”I found the course to be very thorough with excellent support and resource material available”
“regardless of your location the course was delivered to suit the needs of each state listed, it has been challenging however very rewarding . The forum provides a great platform to discuss the course content with fellow students and tutor”
“This course has been highly relevant to my practice and well worth completing”
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the course despite the heavy workload – an assignment per week is a tall order when already working. Logical order, well written information and I enjoyed each assignment and found them a great way to consolidate the information.”
“I went from feeling very over whelmed at the start to actually enjoying the course"
“I thought the course was very well designed and structured, I was actually really impressed with the content. Very interesting and relevant.”
“I have learnt so much from this course, and will highly recommend this course to my friends and colleagues. It is a heavy 10 weeks course, but I truly enjoyed it, especially learning all vaccines and catch up schedule. The website is easy to use, the course schedule and assessment is very easy to read and clear. Tutor or course coordinator of this course are contactable and approachable. Communication via messaging or phone call is easy. Thank you so much for the learning opportunity.”
 
 
 

Contact us

Need more information? You can contact our dedicated administrative team to help you with all of your general enquiries or to send purchase orders through for employer paid applications. If you need more assistance with deciding if this course is right for you please email the course coordinator .

For general enquiries:
Customer Services
t: 02 9745 7500 or 1800 265 534 (charges may apply)
e: immunisationadmin@acn.edu.au
 
For specific course assistance:
Linlin Ho – Nurse Educator, Higher Education 
Myra Sookraj-Baran MACN – Nurse Educator, Higher Education 
Rachel McCullough – Nurse Educator, Higher Education
Sally Byrne – Nurse Educator, Higher Education
Thuy-An Le (An) – Nurse Educator, Higher Education

e: immunisation@acn.edu.au