Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery
Award abbreviation: BNursSc/BMid
QTAC code: 013461
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: Not offered in 2011
Duration: 3.5 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 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC394
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Focus on primary health care as it influences health and the practice of nursing and midwifery 
• Accelerated program, minimum completion 3.5 years 
• Professional placements and extended internships in both nursing and midwifery

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.

Note: The Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery is an accelerated program and students will be required to study courses outside the normal Semesters 1 and 2. Some courses within this program will only be offered in Session 11 therefore the students will be required to be enrolled in courses running over the “normal” Summer break.

* Program is subject to approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

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 Royal College of Nursing of Australia.

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 http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx 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. For further information see the website http://www.ahpra.gov.au/

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 http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Student-Registrations.aspx

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2012.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• complete all courses (384 units) as listed below
• attend courses offered in Session 11 (Summer) 

In order to commence clinical placement you must:

• Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG 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

Students are expected to:

• travel to attend clinical placements
• make time commitment to complete the required clinical requirements including midwifery continuity of care experiences
• 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) and undertaking some courses in Session 11 (Summer).
• 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.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Year 1

Required courses: (10)

Year 2

Required courses: (9)

Year 3

Required courses: (9)

Year 4

Required courses: (2)

Please note: NUR300 should be studied in Session 6 ( Winter).

TOTAL UNITS 384

Enquiries

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

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