Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery
Award abbreviation: BNursSc/BMid
QTAC code: 013461
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-9 / Rank-82
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to Program Requirements)
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC394
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student visa.

The Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery program aims to prepare graduates to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for the Midwife. The program will prepare students to practice in a range of health care settings and to contribute to improving health outcomes through nursing and midwifery practice. Graduates will be prepared to practice as a midwife as defined by the International Confederation of Midwives.

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 National Criminal History Check and obtain a Suitability Card. Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for registered midwives include hospital based and community midwifery, group practice, and team midwifery in metropolitan, rural and remote locations.
Career opportunities for registered nurses includes acute and community practice, general practice, rural and remote practice, and speciality practice.

Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse and also as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Graduates of the double degree will be eligible for membership to the Australian College of Midwives and the Australian College of Nursing.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia have a number of registration standards. Graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards in order to be eligible for registration. These include:

• English language standard: graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7 or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years prior to applying for registration.
• Criminal History standard: applies to all applicants and all registered health practitioners.
• Professional indemnity insurance arrangements standard: Nurses and midwives must not practise their professions unless they are covered in the conduct of their practice by appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
• Continuing Professional Development Standard: Nurses and midwives must meet the continuing professional development standards.
• Recency of practice registration standard: Nurses and midwives must have undertaken sufficient practice to demonstrate competence in their professions within the preceding five years.

Please refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website for additional information on the Board's Registration Standards.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the organisation responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation scheme across Australia. AHPRA supports the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, which is responsible for regulating nursing and midwifery. Please refer to the AHPRA website for detailed information.

Student registration

Students in nursing and midwifery programs are required to be registered with AHPRA as students under the National Law. The university arrange for your registration, you do not need to do anything to register. Please refer to the AHPRA website for detailed information.

Enquiries

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