Content
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
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-14 / Rank-71
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
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, Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to Program requirements)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC391
CRICOS code: 058567D. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Make a difference in the lives of others with a degree in nursing science.
This 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. The 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. 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. 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 with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Graduates may also become members of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.
Registration
Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Australia through 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.
Graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7, with 7 in all subtests, or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years.
Please visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board website for full details of other requirements.
Enquiries
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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Communication and Thought
HLT100 Anatomy and Physiology
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
NUR103 Nursing Practicum 1
NUR111 Practice Foundations
NUR121 Health, Culture and Society
NUR131 Research Foundations for Health Practice
NUR142 Holistic Health Assessment
Advanced courses (14)
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
NUR332 Transcultural Health Practices
NUR341 Caring for the Older Client
Elective course (1)
Select 1 course from:
NUR312 Life Crisis
NUR322 The Child Client
OR another course with the approval of the Program Leader.
Study Plan
This Bachelor of Nursing Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.
Year 1
- Eight (8) required courses:
COR109 should be studied in Semester 1.
Required courses: (8)
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| COR109 Communication and Thought | Semester 1, Semester 2 | Anti: COR102 or COR106 | 12.00 |
| LFS103 Introductory Bioscience | Semester 1 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391, SC394, SC395, SC372, SC344, SC342, SC343, SE301, SB302, UU301 or XU301
Anti: NUR101 or (SCI105 and (LFS100 or SCI103)) | 12.00 |
| NUR111 Practice Foundations | Semester 1 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 | 12.00 |
| NUR121 Health, Culture and Society | Semester 1 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 or SC394
Anti: NUR252 or PAR121 | 12.00 |
| HLT100 Anatomy and Physiology | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 or SC392 or SC394
Anti: LFS112 or LFS201 or LFS202 | 12.00 |
| NUR103 Nursing Practicum 1 | Semester 2 | Pre: NUR111 and enrolled in Program SC391 or SC394
Coorequisite: NUR142 | 12.00 |
| NUR142 Holistic Health Assessment | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 or SC394
Anti: NUR141 | 12.00 |
| NUR212 Caring for Child, Youth and Family | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in SC391, SC392 or SC394 | 12.00 |
Year 2
- Eight (8) required courses
Required courses: (8)
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| HLT221 Human Pathophysiology | Semester 1 | Pre: LFS112 or HLT100 and enrolled in Program SC211, SC391, SC392, SC394 or SC395
Anti: LFS302 or LFS303 or NUR221 or PAR221 | 12.00 |
| NUR211 Nursing Practicum 2 | Semester 1 | Pre: (NUR103 and Program SC391 or SC394) or (NUR141 and enrolled in Program SC392)
Co: NUR241 | 12.00 |
| NUR231 Drug Therapy | Semester 1 | Pre: (LFS112 or HLT100 and enrolled in Program SC391 or SC394) or (HLT100 and enrolled in Program SC392)
Anti: PAR231 | 12.00 |
| NUR241 Health Alteration | Semester 1 | Pre: (NUR142 or NUR141) and (LFS112 or HLT100) and enrolled in Program SC391, SC392 or SC394 | 12.00 |
| NUR131 Research Foundations for Health Practice | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 or SC394
Anti: NUR321 or PAR131 | 12.00 |
| NUR202 Nursing Practicum 3 | Semester 2 | Pre: NUR211 and enrolled in Program SC391, SC394 or SC392. | 12.00 |
| NUR222 Health Law and Ethics | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391, SC392 or SC394
Anti: PAR222 | 12.00 |
| NUR331 Acute Health Alteration | Semester 2 | Pre: NUR241 and enrolled in Program SC391, SC392, SC394 or SN301 | 12.00 |
Year 3
- Six (6) required courses:
NUR300 must be studied in Semester 2.
- One (1) elective course
Required courses: (6)
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| HLT301 Challenges to Mental Health | Semester 1 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391, SC392, SC394 or SC395
Anti: PAR341 or NUR301 | 12.00 |
| NUR272 Palliative, Rehabilitation and Continuing Care | Semester 1 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391, SC392 or SC394 | 12.00 |
| NUR311 Nursing Practicum 4 | Semester 1 | Pre: NUR202 and enrolled in Program SC391, SC392 or SC394 | 12.00 |
| NUR341 Caring for the Older Client | Semester 1 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391, SC392 or SC394 | 12.00 |
| NUR300 Nursing Internship | Semester 2 & Session 6 | Pre: (HLT301 or NUR301) and NUR311and NUR331 and enrolled in Program SC391 or SC392 | 24.00 |
| NUR332 Transcultural Health Practices | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391, SC392 or SC394 | 12.00 |
Elective course: (1)
Select 1 elective course from:
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| NUR312 Life Crisis | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 or SC392 | 12.00 |
| NUR322 The Child Client | Semester 2 | Pre: Enrolled in Program SC391 or SC392 | 12.00 |
OR another course with the approval of the Program Leader.
Why choose USC?
It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.
Am I eligible for university study?
Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.
If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
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When should I apply?
Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.
What happens next?
Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.
Where can I ask more questions?
If you have more questions about how to apply:
- Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
- Email: information@usc.edu.au
- Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
- In person: Student Central, Building C
If you have questions about your program:
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Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:
- Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
- Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
- Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
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- Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
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