Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)
Award abbreviation: BNursScGE
QTAC code: 013411
OP/Rank for 2011 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 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 192
USC program code: SC392
CRICOS code: 072637M. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa, and an IELTS of 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 for all subtests must be demonstrated.  Further information: English language requirements and Entry Requirements

Highlights
  • Accelerated program offers completion in just over two years of full-time study
  • Benefit from an intensive clinical placement program
  • Acknowledgement and value of previous academic achievement

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. 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 Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Graduates may also become members of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.

Registration

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse in Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards. Graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards in order to be eligible for registration.

Graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7, with 7 in all subtests, or equivalent before being considered for professional registration.  Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years.

Please visit the website http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx for full details of other requirements.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 2, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 2, 2011:

  • Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
  • Select the program in which you are enrolled.
  • Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete all courses as listed below.

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.
  • Travel to attend clinical placements.
  • Have a level of computer literacy, including word processing and email.
Program notes
  • Studying part-time is the only option available to students who commence from Semester 1, 2011.
  • 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: (8)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
HLT100 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
NUR141 Online Journalism
NUR212 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
NUR332 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
HLT221 Production Workshop (Professional Communication)
NUR211 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
NUR231 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
NUR241 Creative Advertising
 
Year 2

Required courses: (7)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
NUR202 Advanced News Reporting
NUR222 International Communication
NUR300 Research into Journalism
NUR331 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
HLT301 Creativity and Literature A: Chaucer to Romantics
NUR311 Creativity and Literature B: Victorians to Moderns

Please note: NUR300 must be studied in Session 6.

Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
NUR272 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
NUR341 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature

TOTAL UNITS 192

Enquiries  

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

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