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

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Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery

Care for people with compassion as a registered nurse and midwife.

This is your opportunity to earn two qualifications in nursing and midwifery in only four years. Our accredited nursing and midwifery program is delivered by teaching staff who are qualified in the areas of nursing or midwifery, education and research.

Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013461
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 7 Rank - 87
UniSC program code
SC394
Commence
Semester 1
Duration
4 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; at least one science subject
Other 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. Not available to applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree in either nursing or midwifery, contact the Faculty for alternative study options.
Fee type 2015
  • What will I pay?
Total units
384

This is your opportunity to earn two qualifications in nursing and midwifery in only four years. Our accredited nursing and midwifery program is delivered by teaching staff who are qualified in the areas of nursing or midwifery, education and research.

You’ll learn both clinical nursing and midwifery skills in a simulated environment that is as close as possible to the real situation before you go into a health care facility or community setting.

You’ll gain extensive clinical experience with seven of the eight semesters in a variety of clinical placements. Complete a total of 800 hours of clinical practicum for nursing. You’ll engage with 20 women throughout pregnancy, at antenatal visits, labour and birth as well as postnatal visits for 400 hours.

In addition, you’ll complete all the national midwifery requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Graduate prepared to meet the NMBA Competency Standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives.

At the end of your degree, consider postgraduate study to pursue a career as a clinical nurse/clinical midwife, nurse or midwifery researcher, nurse practitioner or privately practicing midwife or independent midwife.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking clinical placement, students must obtain and maintain a current first aid and CPR certificate, provide evidence of hepatitis B immunisation, undergo a criminal history check and obtain a Blue Card. Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Registered midwife / nurse in hospital or community settings, metropolitan, rural and remote locations or independent practice.

Membership

Australian College of Midwives; Australian College of Nursing.

Registration

Students in nursing and midwifery programs are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as students under the national law. USC arranges registration. Refer to the AHPRA website for detailed information.

Program structure

For students commencing Semester 1, 2015. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.

Introductory courses (12)

COR109 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
HLT100 Technology and Innovation in Tourism, Leisure and Events
HLT121 Event Management
HLT122 Business Events #
HLT123 Communication and Thought #
HLT131 Anatomy and Physiology
HLT132 Midwifery Foundations
LFS103 Developing Midwifery
NUR103 Midwifery Practice 1
NUR121 Practice Principles for Midwifery and Nursing
NUR131 Health Assessment in Nursing and Midwifery Practice
NUR212 Introductory Bioscience

Advanced courses (18)

HLT201 Nursing Practicum 1 ^
HLT202 Health, Culture and Society #
HLT203 Research Foundations #
HLT221 Caring for Child, Youth and Family
HLT301 Therapeutics in Midwifery
HLT310 Midwifery Practice 2 %
HLT311 Advancing Midwifery ^
HLT312 Human Pathophysiology %
NUR202 Challenges to Mental Health
NUR211 Preparing for Midwifery Practice
NUR222 Midwifery Practice 3
NUR231 Midwifery Internship
NUR241 Nursing Practicum 3
NUR300 Nursing Practicum 2
NUR311 Health Law and Ethics
NUR331 Drug Therapy
NUR332 Health Alteration
NUR341 Nursing Internship

# Students should be aware these courses are not available until 2014
^ Students should be aware these courses are not available until 2015
% Students should be aware these courses are not available until 2016

Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • complete all courses (384 units) as listed below
  • attend courses offered in Sessions (where applicable) 

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)
  • hold a current First Aid and CPR certificate from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council

Students are expected to:

  • travel to attend clinical placements
  • make time commitment to complete the required clinical requirements including midwifery continuity of care experiences; students are required to complete 20 continuity of care experiences with women and their families, which will mean engagement in the program across the full calendar year 
  • 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) and undertaking some courses in Session 4 (Winter) or 8 (Summer).
  • 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 available to students studying in the Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery program.
  • When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.