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

Students gain a dual qualification in nursing and midwifery.

Introductory courses provide a foundation in midwifery and nursing practice, bioscience and health assessment. Students complete 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 Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Competency Standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives. Graduates are prepared to practise as midwives as defined by the International Confederation of Midwives.

Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013461
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 8 Rank - 84
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; at least one science subject
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 an undergraduate degree in either nursing or midwifery, contact the Faculty for alternative study options.
Fee type 2014
  • Commonwealth supported places
  • Fee paying places
Total units
384

Introductory courses provide a foundation in midwifery and nursing practice, bioscience and health assessment. Students complete 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 Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Competency Standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives. Graduates are prepared to practise as midwives 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 Blue Card. 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

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 registration. Refer to the AHPRA website for detailed information.

Program structure

For students commencing Semester 1, 2014. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.

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 Introduction to Psychology A
HLT100 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
HLT121 Theories and Systems of Counselling and Psychotherapy
HLT122 Introduction to Psychology B #
HLT123 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications #
HLT131 Introduction to Human Development
HLT132 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
LFS103 Strengths Based Counselling: Collaborative Approaches
NUR103 Group Processes and Practice
NUR121 Social Research
NUR131 Understanding Cultural Diversity
NUR212 Counselling Development and Supervision 1

Advanced courses (18)

HLT201 Counselling Placement 1 ^
HLT202 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss #
HLT203 Positive Psychology for Counselling #
HLT221 Counselling Development and Supervision 2
HLT301 Counselling Placement 2
HLT310 Developmental and Family Counselling %
HLT311 Introductory Bioscience ^
HLT312 Practice Foundations %
NUR202 Health Care and the Professions
NUR211 Professional Health Communication
NUR222 Anatomy and Physiology
NUR231 Contexts of practice: child, youth and family
NUR241 Contexts of Practice: The Older Person and Family
NUR300 Preparation for Practice 1
NUR311 Nursing Practice 1
NUR331 Drug Therapy
NUR332 Contexts of Practice: Health Alteration
NUR341 Preparation for Practice 2

# 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
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