Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science
Award abbreviation: BNursSc
QTAC code: 013401
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: OP-15 / Rank-70
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1
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 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC391
CRICOS code: 058567D. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa, and an IELTS of 7 must be demonstrated.

Highlights

• Benefit from an intensive clinical placement program
• Connect with regional health services
• Follow with postgraduate study to specialise in midwifery, mental health, emergency advanced practice

A degree in nursing science will see you make a difference in the lives of others.

This 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. The program prepares nurses who are life-long learners, critical and creative thinkers and are able to care and contribute to the health of the population and the profession of nursing. You can complete a mental health major. Graduates achieve the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for Registered Nurses.

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

Nurse in acute care, armed forces, community, rural, mental health, Indigenous health, aged care and industry settings.

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.

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

Program structure

Introductory courses

8 required courses:
COR109 Statutory and Specialist Valuation
HLT100 Communication and Thought
LFS103 Anatomy and Physiology
NUR103 Introductory Bioscience
NUR111 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 1
NUR121 Caring Communities: Professional Studies 1
NUR131 Caring Communities: Health, Culture and Society
NUR142 Research Foundations for Health Practice

Advanced courses

14 required courses:
HLT221 Holistic Health Assessment
HLT301 Human Pathophysiology
NUR202 Caring Practices: Challenges to Mental Health
NUR211 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 3
NUR212 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 2
NUR222 Caring Practice: Child, Youth and Family
NUR231 Caring Communities: Professional Studies 2
NUR241 Drug Therapy
NUR272 Caring Practice: Health Alteration
NUR300 Continuing, Rehabilitative and Palliative Care(24 units) 
NUR311 Caring Practice: Nursing Internship
NUR331 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 4
NUR332 Caring Practice: Acute Health Alteration
NUR341 Caring Communities: Transcultural Health Practices

Elective courses

Select 1 elective from:
NUR312 Caring Practice: The Older Adult
NUR322 Caring Practice: Life Crisis
or another course with the approval of the Program Leader

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 your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.

Program requirements and notes

1. 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. 
2. National Criminal History Check is required.
3. Evidence of complete Hepatitis B vaccination is required before commencing clinical practice.
4. A current First Aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council.
5. Travel is required to attend clinical placements.
6. A level of computer literacy is required including word processing and email.
7. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
8. Refer to explanation of terms.
9. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
10. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
11. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
12. A sufficient command of the English language is required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients (s54 Nursing Act 1992), therefore an IELTS of 7 must be demonstrated.
13. 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.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5456 5005
Email: nursing@usc.edu.au

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