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Core Program
Rural Urgent Care Nursing
The RUCN program begins with core online modules designed specifically to support nurses to feel prepared and confident when working in urgent care. Each core module will be approximately 2-3 hours of self-directed learning. They will not be assessed, and you will be supported by the RUCN team for ten weeks to complete a module per week. You will then retain access after the program to revise or finish the modules in your own time. Once the core modules are completed, other elements of the program are open to learners including face-to-face workshops, clinical placements, bedside teaching and elective modules.
Enrolments applications are open.
The RUCN program will now be delivered in intakes throughout the year. This allows for a structured path through the program that includes more support from the RUCN team, including online discussion boards and optional virtual tutorials.
The new ten-week program includes reduced online learning modules of approximately 2-3 hours of learning per week. You will have access to the program beyond the initial ten weeks, however we do encourage you to complete module per week to get the most out of the program.
Please click on the link below if you would like to apply to RUCN and select your preferred intake date.
Intake Dates:
18th August - 24th October, 2025
6th October - 12th December, 2025
1st December - 6th February, 2026
2nd February - 10th April, 2026
30th March - 6th June, 2026
1st June - 7th August, 2026
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
Core Modules
24 hours
8 core online modules - empowered clinical practice, history taking and primary survey, triage, secondary assessment, early signs of deterioration, managing clinical deterioration, simulation of clinical deterioration & stabilisation and transfer
Online
Be employed by, and work EFT in a VIC public UCC
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
Online Tutorials
0.5 hours
Topics based on elements of modules 1-8 or an elective module
Online
Be enrolled in the RUCN-CDP
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
Elective Modules
1-7 hours
Complete all 8 core RUCN-CDP online learning modules
Online
Complete all 8 core RUCN-CDP online learning modules
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
Face-to-face workshop
8 hours
Consolidate learnings from modules 1-8
Face-to-face
Complete all 8 core RUCN-CDP online learning modules
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
Clinical Placements
3-5 shifts
Placement in a large UCC or regional ED for eligible nurses.
Face-to-face
Attended a RUCN-CDP Face-to-face workshop. Further eligibility criteria applies
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
26 hours
A Program for Senior UCC Nurses: Empowering Education and Clinical Support for Nurse Leaders and Educators
Hybrid format: online self-directed learning, virtual tutorial and in-person workshop
There are no prerequisites for completing the Core RUCN program. Applicants must have the support of their Urgent Care Centre, with endorsement from the Director of Nursing (DON) or equivalent leadership
Program Element
Time
Description
Mode of Delivery
Pre-requisite
