Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)
Award abbreviation: BNursScGE
QTAC code: 013411
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: GPA requirement
Duration: 2.3 years full-time (2 years full-time plus an 8-week block) or equivalent part-time
Commence:  Semester 1 (only part-time option available—3 years minimum)
                     Semester 2 (full-time option available—2.3 years minimum)
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisites:

• 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. Applicants in this category must be registered nurses with a current practicing certificate. Registered nurses without a current practicing certificate, should refer to the Bachelor of Nursing Science and may be eligible for advanced standing.

Recommended prior study: English
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: 192
USC program code: SC392
CRICOS code: 072637M. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Fast-track a career in nursing with this accelerated graduate entry program.

This accelerated program is for people who already have an undergraduate degree or have met professional competence to apply for registration as a nurse. It builds on your prior knowledge and skills, and provides learning and practice opportunities. It 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. 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 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

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete all courses as listed below.

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

• Studying part-time is the only option available to students who commence from Semester 1.
• 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 (2)

HLT100 Anatomy and Physiology
NUR141 Nursing, Assessment and Technology

Advanced courses (12)

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
NUR300 Nursing Internship
NUR311 Nursing Practicum 4
NUR331 Acute Health Alteration
NUR332 Transcultural Health Practices

Elective course (1)

Select 1 elective course from:
NUR272 Palliative, Rehabilitation and Continuing Care
NUR341 Caring for the Older Client

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.

Year 1

• Eight (8) required courses

Required courses: (8)

Year 2

• Six (6) required courses:
  NUR300 must be studied in Session 6
• One (1) elective Course

Required courses: (6)

Elective course: (1)

Select 1 elective course from:

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.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

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:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• 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:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering