Bachelor of Nursing Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Nursing Science

  • Benefit from an intensive clinical placement program
  • Connect with regional health services
  • Follow with postgraduate study to specialise in midwifery, mental health, emergency advanced practice

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science
Award abbreviation: BNursSc
QTAC code: 013401 (Sippy Downs); 013501 (Gympie) *
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-15 / Rank-68
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 and 2 *
(Note: Semester 2 commencement — duration 3 years full-time plus 8 week internship)
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG), Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to Program requirements)
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC391
CRICOS code: 078086M. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

* Only first-year courses are offered at Gympie — Gympie and Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement subject to professional accreditation.

Make a difference in the lives of others with a degree in nursing science. 

This program prepares nurses who are life-long learners, critical and creative thinkers and are able to care and contribute to the health of the population and the profession of nursing. Studies include a philosophical foundation based on caring and community engagement, a strong foundation in science, and an emphasis on the integral nature of clinical experience to the development of competence in nursing. You can complete a mental health major. Graduates achieve the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for Registered Nurses.

Additional admission requirements

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.

Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking clinical placement you are required to obtain and maintain a current First Aid and CPR Certificate, provide evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination, undergo a National Criminal History check and obtain a Suitability Card (CCYPCG). Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Nurse in acute care, armed forces, community, rural, mental health, Indigenous health, aged care and industry settings.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Students will be registered with NMBA for the duration of study.  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 .

Registration

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Australia with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The NMBA is a Board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards—graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards in order to be eligible for registration.

For example, graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7, with 7 in all subtests, or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. For full details of the AHPRA Registration Standards, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website.
Enquiries
  • Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
  • Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete all courses as listed below.
  • (Optional) Select a Mental Health Major, after consultation with the Program Leader.
  • Register any selected Majors with Student Administration.

In order to commence clinical placement you must:

  • Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the clinical practice component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
  • Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state / territory authority).
  • Show evidence of complete Hepatitis B vaccination (3 inoculations over a period of six months).
  • A current First Aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council before commencing clinical practice.
  • Travel to attend clinical placements.
  • Have a level of computer literacy, including word processing and email.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • The Global Opportunities (GO) Program is not currently available to nursing students.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
  • When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Introductory courses (8)

COR109 Research into Journalism
HLT100 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
LFS103 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics
NUR103 Creativity and Literature: Victorians to Moderns
NUR111 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
NUR121 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature
NUR131 Environment, Heritage and Tourism
NUR142 Politics and the Media

Advanced courses (14)

HLT221 Communication and Thought
HLT301 Anatomy and Physiology
NUR202 Introductory Bioscience
NUR211 Nursing Practicum 1
NUR212 Practice Foundations
NUR222 Health, Culture and Society
NUR231 Research Foundations
NUR241 Holistic Health Assessment
NUR272 Human Pathophysiology
NUR300 Challenges to Mental Health
NUR311 Nursing Practicum 3
NUR331 Nursing Practicum 2
NUR332 Caring for Child, Youth and Family
NUR341 Health Law and Ethics

Elective course (1)

Select 1 course from:
NUR312 Drug Therapy
NUR322 Health Alteration
OR another course with the approval of the Program Leader.

Study Plan

* Mid-year entry commencement subject to professional accreditation approval

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