Build your nursing qualifications one step at a time.
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 TAFE 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.
The new program structure for Semester 1, 2017 is pending external accreditation
- Present your completed Diploma of Nursing to the University of the Sunshine Coast to enable 8 courses (96 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record for the Bachelor of Nursing Science
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 TAFE 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
Refer to the 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.
Registration
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards—graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards to be eligible for registration. For example, graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7, with 7 in all subtests, or equivalent before being considered for professional registration.
For full details of the AHPRA Registration Standards, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board website.
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the 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.
Please note: new students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their Diploma studies.
Program structure
This program is an articulation between TAFE Queensland East Coast and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
TAFE Queensland East Coast
Students study the Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2) at TAFE Queensland East Coast and USC will award credit for the Diploma as specified below.
8 courses credit:
COR109
HLT100
LFS103
NUR104
NUR111
NUR116
NUR117 (6 units)
NUR121
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Students will complete 17 courses at USC.
Introductory courses (1)
Advanced courses (14)
HLT301
NUR212
NUR222
NUR226
NUR227 (6 units)
NUR231
NUR241
NUR286 (6 units)
NUR287 (6 units)
NUR300 (24 units)
NUR311
NUR331
NUR332
PAR311
Elective course (2)
Select 2 courses from:
OR another course with the approval of the Program Leader.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 198 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Present your completed Diploma of Nursing to enable 8 courses (90 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record
In order to commence clinical practice you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card from the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA), throughout the duration of your program. You should allow 12 weeks for PSBA 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)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- 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 Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- When enrolling, please refer to the Plan your study tab