Program summary

• Study a diploma and degree in four years
• Combine vocational training with university education
• Expand qualifications and career opportunities

In this dual degree you undertake initial study at TAFE Queensland (SBIT campus in Brisbane or SCIT campus on the Sunshine Coast) and 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 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

See separate entry for Bachelor of Nursing Science.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the and Midwifery Board of Australia*. Graduates may also become members of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.

* Subject to program approval by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Registration

For professional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), graduates are required to demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7 or equivalent. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years prior to applying for registration. For current information about AHPRA registration go to http://www.ahpra.gov.au/

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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

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.

Program structure

Year 1

Required courses: (8)

Year 2

Required courses: (7)

Elective course: (1)
Select 1 elective course from:

OR another course with the approval of the Program Leader

TOTAL UNITS 192

The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.

Enquiries

How to apply

Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT)
Tel: +61 7 3244 5000
Email: southbank.tafe@det.qld.gov.au
Refer to the www.southbank.edu.au

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

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