Nursing is one of the most rewarding and sought-after careers in healthcare – with a lot more job options available to you than you might first think.
We offer nursing programs tailored to those different career goals, from becoming a registered nurse (RN) to advancing into clinical leadership and specialised roles.
In this article, we’ll break down the different pathways into nursing, explore how you can progress your career and give you an insight into job prospects in the industry.
Become a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing Science
If you’re wanting to become a registered nurse (RN), a Bachelor of Nursing Science is the way to go – it’s the most popular and practical option for those wanting to get into the occupation.
The degree is designed to give you a solid mix of hands-on clinical experience, theoretical knowledge and professional training – so you’re ready to hit the ground running in the healthcare industry.
Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible to register as a nurse and start working in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings.
As an RN, you’ll play a crucial role in patient care – administering medications, monitoring health conditions, and supporting both patients and their families.
Healthcare professionals – especially Registered Nurses – are in high demand too, meaning a career in this field offers strong job security and plenty of room for career progression.
If you want a shorter pathway, become an Enrolled Nurse
Not everyone has the time or life certainty to commit to a full bachelor degree.
If that’s you, becoming an enrolled nurse (EN) could be a great option.
ENs work under the supervision of registered nurses, assisting with medical procedures, administering medication, and supporting patients with their daily needs.
A lot of ENs eventually decide to take the next step and transition into a Bachelor of Nursing Science to become RNs, which is easy enough to do through bridging qualifications.
Fast-track your nursing career with the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)
If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you can apply for our accelerated pathway to become a Registered Nurse – the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry).
Because this program builds on your existing academic experience, you can complete your degree quicker than a standard nursing program.
It has a strong focus on clinical training, evidence-based practice, and hands-on learning, meaning you’ll graduate ready to step into the workforce as a Registered Nurse.
Take your nursing career to the next level with a Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership)
If you're an RN looking to specialise, lead, or teach, you might be interested in a Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership).
With a master’s degree, you can step into advanced practice roles such as:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Focus on improving patient outcomes in areas like pediatrics, oncology, or mental health
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Take on a more independent role in diagnosing, treating, and prescribing medications for patients
- Nurse Manager or Educator – Lead teams, influence healthcare policies, or train the next generation of nurses.
Specialise in aged care with a graduate certificate
A lot of Australia’s population is approaching, or at the age where they require extra healthcare, meaning skilled aged care nurses are in hot demand.
If you enjoy working with older adults, a Graduate Certificate in Aged Care can help you develop expertise in gerontology, chronic disease management, and patient-centred care.
This program is ideal for registered nurses and healthcare professionals who want to specialise in aged-care – helping improve the quality of life for elderly patients.
What about job prospects?
If you’re looking for job security, competitive salaries, and diverse career opportunities, nursing has plenty to offer.
According to the Jobs and Skills Australia, the Health Care and Social Assistance sector is the largest employment industry in Australia, accounting for 15.8 percent of the workforce.
Nurses are needed across a variety of settings, including:
- Public and private hospitals – roles in general medicine, emergency care, surgery, and intensive care
- Aged care facilities – supporting the health and well-being of elderly Australians
- Community and home healthcare – palliative care, rehabilitation, and disability support
- Specialist clinics and private practices – working in dermatology, fertility, mental health, and more
- Rural and remote healthcare – providing critical care in areas with limited medical services.
Ready to start your nursing journey?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, we have nursing programs to match your goals.
We put a big focus on hands-on learning, having strong industry connections with hospitals and healthcare providers and we’re known for offering some of the best teaching quality in Australia – meaning you’ll be job-ready when you graduate.
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