Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery

Gain a dual qualification in nursing and midwifery.

Introductory courses provide a foundation in midwifery and nursing practice, bioscience and health assessment. Complete 20 continuity-of-care experiences with women and their families and a range of other clinical placements in both nursing and midwifery. Graduates are prepared to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives. Graduates are prepared to practise as a midwife as defined by the International Confederation of Midwives.

Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013461
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 9 Rank - 82
UniSC program code
SC394
Commence
Semester 1
Duration
4 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Other requirements
This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University. Refer to the English language requirements. Not available to applicants who have already completed undergraduate study in either nursing or midwifery, contact the Faculty for alternative study options.
Fee type 2013
  • Commonwealth supported places
  • Fee paying places
Total units
384

Introductory courses provide a foundation in midwifery and nursing practice, bioscience and health assessment. Complete 20 continuity-of-care experiences with women and their families and a range of other clinical placements in both nursing and midwifery. Graduates are prepared to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives. Graduates are prepared to practise as a midwife as defined by the International Confederation of Midwives.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking clinical placement, students must obtain and maintain a current first aid and CPR certificate, provide evidence of hepatitis B immunisation, undergo a criminal history check and obtain a Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG). Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Registered midwife / nurse in hospital or community settings, metropolitan, rural and remote locations or independent practice.

Membership

Australian College of Midwives; Australian College of Nursing.

Registration

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website for the Board's Registration Standards. Graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards in order to be eligible for registration. Students in nursing and midwifery programs are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as students under the national law. USC arranges for student registration, students need not do anything to register. Once qualified, students then apply individually to AHPRA for full registration and are required to pay the associated registration fee. Refer to the AHPRA website for detailed information.

Program structure

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • complete all courses (384 units) as listed below
  • attend courses offered in Sessions (where applicable) 

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; students are required to complete 20 continuity of care experiences with women and their families, which will mean engagement in the program across the full calendar year 
  • 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 4 (Winter) or 8 (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.
  • The Global Opportunities (GO) Program is not available to students studying in the Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery program. 
  • When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Introductory courses (12)

COR109 Communication and Thought
HLT100 Anatomy and Physiology
HLT121 Midwifery Foundations
HLT122 Developing Midwifery #
HLT123 Midwifery Practice 1 #
HLT131 Practice Principles for Midwifery and Nursing
HLT132 Health Assessment in Nursing and Midwifery Practice
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
NUR103 Nursing Practicum 1
NUR121 Health, Culture and Society
NUR131 Research Foundations
NUR212 Caring for Child, Youth and Family

Advanced courses (18)

HLT201 Therapeutics in Midwifery ^
HLT202 Midwifery Practice 2 #
HLT203 Advancing Midwifery #
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
HLT301 Challenges to Mental Health
HLT310 Preparing for Midwifery Practice %
HLT311 Midwifery Practice 3 ^
HLT312 Midwifery Internship %
NUR202 Nursing Practicum 3
NUR211 Nursing Practicum 2
NUR222 Health Law and Ethics
NUR231 Drug Therapy
NUR241 Health Alteration
NUR300 Nursing Internship
NUR311 Nursing Practicum 4
NUR331 Acute Health Alteration
NUR332 Cultural Diversity in Nursing and Midwifery
NUR341 Caring for the Older Client

# Students should be aware these courses are not available until 2014
^ Students should be aware these courses are not available until 2015
% Students should be aware these courses are not available until 2016

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Total units: 384