- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 013401
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BNursSc
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses)
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and at least one of the sciences
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to 'Program requirements')
Commence: Semester 1
USC program code: SC391
CRICOS code: 058567D
Program overview
As a Bachelor of Nursing Science graduate, you will demonstrate achievement of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for Registered Nurses and will be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Queensland.
The Bachelor of Nursing Science program prepares nurses who are lifelong learners and critical and creative thinkers, and produces professionals who are able to contribute to both the health of the population and the profession of nursing.
Courses in the program have a philosophical foundation based on caring and community engagement; a strong foundation in science; and emphasise the integral nature of clinical experience to the development of competence in nursing.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a Mental Health major (eight courses), to broaden your career opportunities in this expanding specialist area.
Professional recognition
Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Queensland with the Queensland Nursing Council (reciprocal registration eligibility with other Australian states and territories). Students and graduates are also eligible to apply for membership of the Royal College of Nursing Australia, which is affiliated with the International Council of Nurses.
Career opportunities
Nurses may choose employment in a range of healthcare settings, including:
- armed forces
- community settings
- hospitals
- Indigenous health environments
- industrial sites
- remote and rural area health clinics
Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing Science may undertake further study to develop careers in:
- midwifery
- nursing specialties (mental health, intensive care, emergency, perioperative)
- research
- management
- education
Special features
- intensive clinical placement program
- close relationships with regional health services
- opportunity to undertake further study in specialist areas
Program structure
Introductory courses
8 required courses:
LFS112
LFS122
LFS103
NUR103
NUR111
NUR121
NUR131
NUR142
Advanced courses
14 required courses:
NUR202
NUR211
NUR212
HLT221
NUR222
NUR231
NUR241
NUR272
NUR300 (24 units)
HLT301
NUR311
NUR331
NUR332
NUR341
Elective courses
Select 1 elective from:
NUR312
NUR322
Nursing students have the ability to complete a Mental Health major as part of the program
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- A current Working with Children Blue Card is required from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian before commencing clinical practice. This application process can take up to 10 weeks for processing.
- Criminal History Check is required.
- Evidence of complete Hepatitis B vaccination is required before commencing clinical practice.
- A current First Aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council.
- Travel is required to attend clinical placements.
- A level of computer literacy is required including word processing and email.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- A sufficient command of the English language is required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients (s54 Nursing Act 1992), and
- The Queensland Nursing Council may require graduates to undertake and pass an examination determined by Council to determine English competence (s57 Nursing Act 1992) before a license to practice is issued.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including; namely essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5456 5005
Email: nursing@usc.edu.au