Program summary
Program overview
Career opportunities
Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
Program structure
Program requirements and notes
Enquiries
Recommended enrolment pattern
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 individuals 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 quality learning and practice opportunities through which participants can meet their 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.
Career opportunities
Following registration, initial nursing graduates will be able to develop a career as a professional nurse in Queensland, interstate and some overseas countries in acute care (public or private hospitals in metropolitan, regional, interstate and overseas), in the community (domiciliary nursing, community health), in rural areas (hospitals, community nursing, flight nursing), in industry (mining, service, manufacturing, correctional services). Other graduates who have achieved professional entry to practice will find increased opportunities to develop their career within nursing.
As a lifelong learner, this foundation degree can lead the graduate to further study to develop careers in midwifery, nursing specialities (mental health, intensive care, emergency, perioperative nursing), research, management or education.
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).
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 their USC program, students may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- A current first aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council before commencing clinical placement.
- 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.
- Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination is required before commencing clinical practice.
- A level of computer literacy is required including word processing and email.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern.
- Students must have sufficient command of the English language to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, (s54 Nursing Act 1992) and
- 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