Program summary

Program title: Diploma of Nursing Care (Enrolled / Division 2 Nursing) / Bachelor of Nursing Science
QTAC code: SBIT - 155808 (PGF) or 155826 (fee) 
                    SCIT - 511808
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: Not applicable
Duration: 3.5 years full-time (minimum) ^
Commence: SBIT - Semester 2 
                    SCIT - Semester 1 or 2
                    USC - Semester 1 intake only
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisites: Minimum age 17 years on or before 31 January 2012
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses) being 192 (normally 16 courses) completed at the University of the Sunshine Coast and 96 units advanced standing (equal to 8 courses) upon completion of the Diploma at Southbank Institute of TAFE (SBIT) or Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE (SCIT)
CRICOS code: SBIT - 056696M (TAFE) / 058567D (USC)
                       SCIT -  (TAFE) / 058567 (USC) 

^ Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Note: New students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their TAFE diploma.

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 Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Graduates may also become members of the Royal College of Nursing 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. Visit the AHPRA website for current information about registration.

The English language proficiency requirements for entry into the University may differ from SBIT / SCIT. Please refer to USC's English language requirements.

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.

Enquiries

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

Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE (SCIT)
Tel: +61 7 5457 1000
Email: sct.information@det.qld.gov.au
Refer to www.sunshinecoast.tafe.qld.gov.au

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

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