Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs)
Overview
Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs)
Aged Care Transition to Practice Program (ACTTPP)
~ 90hrs over 6 months
Online with virtual workshops
Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
The Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs) is an evidence-based mentorship program developed to equip registered nurses working in the aged care sector with skills to assist older people in living well across all communities and groups.
In partnership with:
Learning outcomes
What will you gain from completing the GNCs program?
- The knowledge and skills required to work effectively with older people and their families.
- A portfolio of evidence about your essential or enhanced level of specialist practice.
- A mentor to support and guide you
- A career pathway for new graduates, early career and experienced Registered Nurses.
- Qualify for advanced standing or credit towards a postgraduate qualification (for those participants completing their portfolios)
- Eligible for Continuing Professional Development points
About
Overview
The Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs) is an evidence-based mentorship program for registered nurses working with older people. The program is delivered interactive workshop (virtual) activities complemented with online learning activities.
There are two courses offered in a sequential pathway:
- Essential GNCs Course
- Enhanced Leadership GNCs Course
As well as facilitation by gerontological researchers in the workshops and online, every participant is allocated an expert mentor from practice to provide support and guidance throughout the course.
At the end of the program, participants will attain specialised gerontological nursing knowledge and skills required to work effectively with older people and their families. The outcome of completing the GNCs program is a portfolio of evidence for essential or enhanced level of specialist practice.
The GNCs program provides a career pathway for new graduates, early career and experienced registered nurses working in community, acute and residential aged care. The evidence in the portfolio will be a combination of work-based and professional development activities.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to:
- New graduate registered nurses
- Early career registered nurses
- Experienced registered nurses
- Nurse practitioners
Entry requirements:
- Registered as an RN with AHPRA
- Proficiency in English (as the course is delivered in English)
- (For fully funded positions only) have worked no longer than 2 years for an aged care provider in Australia as an RN.
Course Fees
Contact usThe GNCs has received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC). Fully funded places in the course are available to eligible participants. Please contact us for more information or to confirm your eligibility.
Upcoming Dates
All dates listed are provisional and are subject to change without prior notice. We recommend
contacting us to confirm dates.
2025
GNCs Essentials AUT25A
Wed, Apr 30 2025
Closed (Invite only)
GNCs Essentials AUT25B
Thu, Apr 03 2025
Closed (Full)
GNCs Essentials AUT25B
Thu, May 01 2025
Closed (Full)
GNCs Essentials WIN25A
Wed, Jun 25 2025
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials WIN25B
Wed, Jul 23 2025
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials SPR25A
Wed, Sep 03 2025
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials SPR25B
Wed, Oct 15 2025
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials SPR25C
Wed, Nov 19 2025
Upcoming
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2026
GNCs Enhanced SUM26A
Thu, Feb 05 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials AUT26A
Wed, Mar 18 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials AUT26B
Wed, May 06 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials WIN26A
Wed, Jun 17 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials WIN26B
Wed, Aug 26 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Essentials SPR26A
Wed, Oct 21 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Enhanced SPR26B
Wed, Dec 02 2026
Upcoming
GNCs Enhanced SPR26C
Thu, Dec 03 2026
Upcoming
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Learn more
GNCs Core Competencies
The GNCs consist of 11 core competencies and 33 domains of practice.
The core competencies are:
1
Living well for older people across communities and groups
2
Maximising health outcomes
3
Effective communication
4
Facilitating transitions in care
5
Facilitating choices within legal and ethical frameworks
6
Partnering with family carers
7
Promoting mental health and psychological well-being
8
Evidence-based dementia care
9
Pain assessment and optimal pain management
10
Providing palliative care
11
Enabling access to technology
Testimonials
I felt a bit privileged to have a mentor ... to enhance my knowledge and expand my vision to move forward in my career.
GNCs Mentee
They (mentees) feel more empowered. I think their self-confidence and their self-esteem really improved.
GNCs Mentor
Changed my way of thinking which has contributed to enhancing my practice and career.
GNCs Mentee
The outcome is beneficial for the client as well... person centred care... Good care.
GNCs Mentor
Resources
Register your interest
Registered Nurses
Open to new graduate or more experienced registered nurses.
Learn more about the Gerontological Nursing Competencies. Enhance your skills and knowledge in gerontological nursing through the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Organisations
Include the GNCs as part of a new or existing Transition to Practice Program.
Provide your registered nurses with an evidence-based program to enhance their knowledge and skills in gerontological nursing.
Mentors
Are you an experienced aged care nurse? Help develop the next generation of aged care nurses.
Learn about the GNCs while providing guidance and support to participants through the five steps of the program.
Awards & recognition
Best Talent Development Program 2023
The Gerontological Nursing Competencies program was awarded Winner of the Best Talent Development Program at the OpenLearning Awards 2023.
Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM)
The Gerontological Nursing Competencies program has received an official commendation from Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM).
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