In this dual qualification you first complete the Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled / Division 2) at either TAFE Queensland Brisbane or TAFE Queensland East Coast and then complete the degree at USC's Sippy Downs Campus.
This diploma focuses on the foundation nursing philosophy of caring and is presented in four broad study areas: dimensions of health care; foundations of nursing; assistance with human needs; and promoting integrated care / nursing. Areas covered include: working with culturally diverse people; workplace health and safety; medications; emergency actions; aged care; mental health; legal and ethical issues; and the Australian health care system. In the final TAFE semester you can take electives from a range of health care areas. The bachelor component provides education to qualify for registration as a nurse in Queensland. Refer to the Bachelor of Nursing Science for more information.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Present your completed Diploma of Nursing Care to the University of the Sunshine Coast to enable 8 courses (96 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record for the Bachelor of Nursing Science
- Present your completed Diploma of Nursing Care to the University of the Sunshine Coast to enable 8 courses (96 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record for the Bachelor of Nursing Science
This diploma focuses on the foundation nursing philosophy of caring and is presented in four broad study areas: dimensions of health care; foundations of nursing; assistance with human needs; and promoting integrated care / nursing. Areas covered include: working with culturally diverse people; workplace health and safety; medications; emergency actions; aged care; mental health; legal and ethical issues; and the Australian health care system. In the final TAFE semester you can take electives from a range of health care areas. The bachelor component provides education to qualify for registration as a nurse in Queensland. Refer to the Bachelor of Nursing Science for more information.
Career opportunities
Refer to the Bachelor of Nursing Science.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Graduates may also become members of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.
Registration
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards—graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards 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 website.
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the diploma modules and the University's Bachelor of Nursing Science courses. Diploma modules are face-to-face teaching with performance based assessment. The University's Bachelor of Nursing Science courses involve three or four hours of contact per course per week, generally in the mode of a one-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial. Students complete a further six or seven hours of self-directed learning per course per week. The self-directed learning consists of readings, research, assignments and other assessment items.
Please note: new students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their Diploma studies.
Program structure
For students commencing in the current semester. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Introductory course
1 required course
NUR131 Research Foundations
Advanced courses
13 required courses
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
HLT301 Challenges to Mental Health
NUR202 Nursing Practicum 3
NUR211 Nursing Practicum 2
NUR212 Caring for Child, Youth and Family
NUR222 Health Law and Ethics
NUR231 Drug Therapy
NUR241 Health Alteration
NUR272 Palliative, Rehabilitation and Continuing Care
NUR300 Nursing Internship
NUR311 Nursing Practicum 4
NUR331 Acute Health Alteration
NUR341 Caring for the Older Client
Plus select 1 elective course from:
NUR312 Life Crisis - Translating Theory Into Caring Practice
NUR322 The Child Client
OR another course with the approval of the Program Coordinator
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete all courses as listed below.
- Present your completed Diploma of Nursing Care to enable 8 courses (96 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record.
In order to commence clinical practice you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card from the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA), throughout the duration of your program. You should allow 12 weeks for PSBA 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.
- 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.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Study Overseas program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Coordinator to discuss timing and course issues.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.