In this dual qualification you first complete the Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled / Division 2) at TAFE Queensland (SBIT campus in Brisbane or SCIT campus on the Sunshine Coast) and then complete the degree at USC.
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.
- ^ SCIT option not available to international students on a Student visa.
- * Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement subject to professional accreditation
- ^ SCIT option not available to international students on a Student visa.
- * Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement subject to professional accreditation
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 SBIT and SCIT 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 TAFE diploma.
Program structure
Program structure
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 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.
- 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 Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
Introductory course
1 required course
NUR131 Second Language Acquisition and Learning
Advanced courses
13 required courses
HLT221 Second Language Teaching Methodologies
HLT301 Interlanguage Phonology
NUR202 Language, Culture and Second Language Learning
NUR211 Advanced Social Research
NUR212 Planning and Environmental Law
NUR222 Environmental Impact Assessment
NUR231 Environmental Economics
NUR241 Environmental Health Risk Management
NUR272 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
NUR300 Reading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writing
NUR311 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
NUR331 Globalisation, Development and Indigenous Peoples
NUR341 Research Foundations
Plus select 1 elective course from:
NUR312 Human Pathophysiology
NUR322 Challenges to Mental Health
OR another course with the approval of the Program Leader