Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)

Program summary

QTAC code: 013411
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: Rank-84
Award abbreviation: BNursScGE
Duration: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Total units: 192 (normally 16 courses)
Fee type: Commonwealth supported places, domestic fee-paying places, international fee-paying places
Recommended prior study: 

  • completion of an Australian undergraduate degree (unspecified) or equivalent degree from an international university
    or
  • completion of a nursing degree from an international university deemed by the profession to be equivalent to pre-registration standard
    or
  • completion of a certificate in nursing and a current license to practice as a registered nurse

Commence: Semester 1 only
CRICOS code: 058568C

Program overview

This accelerated program is designed for those who have gained an undergraduate degree (in any discipline) or, through prior study, have met professional competence to apply for registration as a nurse. This program builds upon prior knowledge and skills, and offers you quality learning and practice opportunities through which you can meet your career aspirations. The program has a philosophical foundation based on caring and community engagement, a strong foundation in science, and emphasises the integral nature of clinical experience to the development of competence in nursing.

This program will prepare nurses who are lifelong learners, critical and creative thinkers, and are able to care and contribute to the health of the population and the profession of nursing. Graduates seeking initial registration will demonstrate achievement of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for Registered Nurses and be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Queensland.

Students have the ability to complete a Mental Health major as part of the program.

Professional membership

Graduates seeking initial registration 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 eligible to apply for membership to the Royal College of Nursing Australia (affiliated with the International Council of Nurses).

Career opportunities

Nurses may choose employment in a number of healthcare settings, including:

  • armed forces
  • community settings
  • hospitals
  • Indigenous health environments
  • industrial sites
  • remote and rural area health clinics

This foundation degree can lead to further study to develop careers in:

  • midwifery
  • nursing specialities (mental health, intensive care, emergency, perioperative nursing)
  • research
  • management
  • education

Special features

  • intensive clinical placement program
  • close relationships with regional health services

Program structure

Introductory courses

1 required course:
NUR141 Nursing, Assessment and Technology

Advanced courses

13 required courses:
NUR211 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 2
NUR202 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 3
NUR212 Caring Practice: Child, Youth and Family Care
NUR221 Human Pathophysiology
NUR222 Caring Communities: Professional Studies 2
NUR231 Drug Therapy and Disease Transmission
NUR241 Caring Practice: Health Alteration
NUR272 Continuing, Rehabilitative and Palliative Care
NUR300 Caring Practice: Nursing Internship (24 units)
NUR301 Caring Practice: Challenges to Mental Health
NUR311 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 4
NUR331 Caring Practice: Acute Health Alteration
NUR332 Caring Communities: Transcultural Health Practices

Electives

Plus select 1 elective course from:
NUR312 Caring Practice: Life Crisis
NUR322 Caring Practice: The Child Client

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 

  1. A current first aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council before commencing clinical placement.
  2. 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.
  3. Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination is required before commencing clinical practice.
  4. A level of computer literacy is required including word processing and email.
  5. Refer to the Academic Rules.
  6. Refer to explanation of terms.
  7. Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern.
  8. A sufficient command of the English language is required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, (s54 Nursing Act 1992) and
  9. 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.

How to apply

Apply for an undergraduate program.

Enquiries 

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au 

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