Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)
Award abbreviation: BNursScGE
QTAC code: 013411
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: GPA requirement
Duration: 2.3 years full-time (2 years full-time plus an 8-week block) or equivalent part-time
Commence:  Semester 1, 2011 (part-time option only available—3 years minimum)
                     Semester 2, 2011 (full-time option available—2.3 years minimum)
Prerequisites:

• completion of an Australian undergraduate degree (unspecified) or equivalent degree from an international university; or
• completion of a nursing degree from an international university deemed by the profession to be equivalent to pre-registration standard; or
• completion of a certificate in nursing and a current license to practice as a registered nurse. Applicants in this category must be registered nurses with a current practicing certificate. Registered nurses without a current practicing certificate, should refer to the Bachelor of Nursing Science and may be eligible for advanced standing.

Recommended prior study: English
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: 192
USC program code: SC392
CRICOS code: 058568C. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa, and an IELTS of 7 must be demonstrated.

Highlights

• Accelerated program offers completion in two years of full-time study
• Benefit from an intensive clinical placement program

If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, you can fast-track a career in nursing with this accelerated graduate entry program.

This accelerated program is for people who already have an undergraduate degree or have met professional competence to apply for registration as a nurse. It builds on your prior knowledge and skills, and provides learning and practice opportunities. It 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. 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 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 Queensland Nursing Council *. Registration is a requirement to nurse in Queensland health settings. Graduates may also become members of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.

* Subject to program approval by Queensland Nursing Council

Program structure

Introductory courses

1 required course:
HLT100 Introduction to Sports Medicine
NUR141 Anatomy and Physiology

Advanced courses

13 required courses:
HLT221 Nursing, Assessment and Technology
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
NUR300 Caring Practice: Health Alteration(24 units)
NUR311 Caring Practice: Nursing Internship
NUR331 Caring Practice: Nursing Practicum 4
NUR332 Caring Practice: Acute Health Alteration

Electives

Plus select 1 elective course from:
NUR272 Caring Communities: Transcultural Health Practices or
NUR341 Continuing, Rehabilitative and Palliative Care

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. 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.
12. Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
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  

How to apply

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

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