Back to blog

7 courses and tips to level up your Rural and Remote training.

Matthew Power • April 8, 2024
Two nurses are looking at a clipboard together.

Training is essential for reaching the next steps in your nursing career. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 awesome courses and tips designed to help Rural and Remote nurses give their careers a boost. These courses are designed to help rural and remote nurses with the situations experienced, in rural healthcare facilities.


We’ve gathered a variety of opportunities you can take to boost your Rural and Remote career, gain CPD points, and have a good time while doing it. Check them out, here.  



1. Remote emergency care (REC)


Want to respond to emergency situations with confidence, or need a refresher? This is the course for you. It’s designed to help Rural and Remote nurses develop the knowledge and skills required for Rural and Remote (R&R) emergency situations. Remote Emergency Care is a valuable skill set that enables individuals to provide life-saving medical care in challenging and often unpredictable environments where traditional healthcare resources may be unavailable or inaccessible.


This course is offered by CRANAplus. You can check it out at the link below. 


https://crana.org.au/learning-opportunities/courses/remote-emergency-care



2. Maternity emergency care (MEC)


If you want to try your hand at maternity care, then the MEC course may be a great option. Maternity Emergency Care refers to the provision of emergency medical care specifically tailored to pregnant individuals and their unborn babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.


Maternity Emergency Care is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of pregnant individuals and their babies, particularly in settings where access to obstetric services is limited or where emergencies may occur unexpectedly. By acquiring MEC skills, healthcare providers can effectively manage obstetric emergencies and contribute to better maternal and neonatal outcomes.


This is a course offered by CRANAplus and you can check it out at the link below.


https://crana.org.au/learning-opportunities/courses/maternity-emergency-care



3. Immunisation course


Upskill yourself through the Cunningham Centre’s Immunisation course. This course is recognised nationally by the Health Education Services Australia (HESA). You’ll receive a certification in immunisation and all the skills and knowledge necessary to safely administer vaccines across Australia.


This is a completely online course provided by the Cunningham Centre Nursing and Midwifery Education and Training (NMET) service. You can check it out at the link below.


https://www.health.qld.gov.au/cunninghamcentre/learn/immunisation-course



4. Pharmacotherapeutics


Learn more about the use of medication, the risks associated with them, and strategies to increase the benefits and minimise risks of treatment. This course will deepen and expand your knowledge of medication and its application in treatment so you’re able to utilise medications.


The course is offered by the Centre for Remote Health and is completely online. Check it out at the link below.


https://www.crh.org.au/online-courses/pharmacotherapeutics-for-remote-area-nurses-online  



5. Advanced life support (ALS)


There’s a variety of Advanced life support courses available through multiple providers. Generally, an ALS is a requirement for all  R&R contracts in Emergency settings, so if you haven’t undertaken yours yet, get started soon. It’ll open even more opportunities for work across the country.  


Have a look around to find the best provider of an ALS course for your circumstances.



6. Country Health Service Triage Certification


If you’re looking to take up R&R opportunities in Emergency settings, then you’ll need a formal Triage Certification. It’s an essential qualification for any nurse seeking work in public health facilities, in the emergency department, or in a multipurpose facility.  


This isn’t a training course. Rather it recognises your prior experience and training in triage. You’ll need at least 2 years of experience in an Emergency Department or Critical Care environment where your triage role is completed. So, if you’re looking to work in these roles ensure you gain the required experience and undertake any courses which upskill your triage knowledge.



7. Resus

 

If you work in an emergency setting, undergoing a resuscitation course is crucial. Working in an emergency department means being prepared to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, and other life-threatening conditions. A resuscitation course equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to initiate and lead resuscitation efforts effectively, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

 

By undergoing a resuscitation course you’ll acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively manage medical emergencies and provide high-quality care to critically ill or injured patients.



Conclusion


Upskilling your knowledge and skills is essential to advancing your career in Rural and Remote nursing. Try out some of the courses provided to increase your qualifications and unlock new opportunities. You’ll find a lot more variety in the facilities you can work in and the roles you can fill. Add to that a mentor relationship with a senior nurse, and you can develop your abilities and knowledge faster to achieve your career goals.


For more tips around training, get in touch with us or check out our blog

More articles

May 28, 2026
Discover four simple app features that help you stay visible, pick up more shifts, and never miss an opportunity. Tips from the First Choice Care team
Smiling customer service agent in a headset at a computer in an office
May 27, 2026
Learn how to manage last-minute shift gaps without compromising patient care. Discover practical healthcare staffing strategies from First Choice Care.
May 12, 2026
What Flexible Nursing Means: Casual and Agency Nursing Explained Flexible work in nursing typically includes casual and agency roles, both of which give nurses greater control over their schedules. Casual nursing allows nurses to pick up shifts around personal commitments such as family life, study or travel. Agency nursing offers short-term and contract roles across a variety of healthcare settings, providing even greater flexibility and exposure to different clinical environments. There are common misconceptions about flexible nursing. Some believe these roles lack stability or consistency, while others assume they limit career progression. In reality, many nurses use flexible work to build schedules that suit their lifestyle. Working across multiple healthcare settings can also strengthen clinical capability, broaden experience and enhance employability. Benefits of Flexible Nursing for Work-Life Balance One of the key advantages of flexible nursing is improved work-life balance. Nurses can choose shifts that align with their personal priorities, whether that includes family commitments, study, travel or increased rest time. In addition, exposure to different healthcare environments helps build diverse clinical experience, expand skill sets and strengthen professional confidence. Moving Between Clinical Agency and Facilitation Roles in Nursing Flexible nursing can also support meaningful career progression over time. Many nurses begin in clinical agency roles to gain experience across a range of healthcare settings and build confidence in varied environments. From there, some progress into more specialised positions, including clinical nurse facilitation, where they support, mentor and guide other nurses in practice. Through First Choice Care, nurses can access opportunities across both metro agency roles and clinical nurse facilitation pathways, with the ability to move between them depending on experience, demand and goals. Challenges of Flexible Nursing (and How to Manage Them) While flexible nursing offers significant benefits, it also comes with considerations. Shift availability can vary, so planning ahead is important to maintain consistency in both income and scheduling. Working across different healthcare settings also requires adaptability, as nurses may need to quickly adjust to new teams, systems and processes. With the right planning and support, these challenges can be effectively managed, allowing nurses to fully benefit from the flexibility this career path offers. How to Take Control of Your Nursing Schedule Taking control of your schedule starts with understanding your priorities and setting clear boundaries around work. This includes identifying non-negotiables such as preferred days off, income goals and the types of shifts or locations that best suit your lifestyle. Casual and agency work allows nurses to build a schedule based on choice rather than fixed rostering. Over time, this approach supports a more balanced and intentional way of working, giving nurses greater ownership of both their time. The Future of Flexible Nursing in Australia The future of nursing is increasingly centred around flexibility, driven by ongoing workforce shortages and a stronger focus on wellbeing, retention and sustainability. Healthcare systems are evolving towards more adaptable workforce models, supported by digital rostering and shift management technology. These developments make it easier for nurses to choose when and where they work while still meeting service needs. As this continues to grow, flexible nursing is expected to become a core component of the healthcare workforce, offering greater autonomy, improved job satisfaction and long-term career sustainability. Find Flexible Nursing Opportunities with First Choice Care. Explore casual agency and clinical facilitation nursing opportunities here: https://www.firstchoicecare.com.au/all-jobs
More Posts