Diploma of Health

Nursing, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, podiatry and pedorthics ...there are so many career paths in health.

If you're uncertain about which one is right for you, our Diploma of Health can provide the clarity you need for your future as a health professional. You can even tailor your learning by choosing a specialisation from a range of health disciplines.

Graduates can seek professional outcomes in several areas, including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, lab assistants, and case workers. This Diploma is also an ideal pathway towards further study at Southern Cross University and provides guaranteed entry to a range of Bachelor degrees.

This course is offered through SCU College. Additional support through workshops to develop academic and study skills is available to all SCU College students.

If you are interested in studying online, please see important information below under major areas of study.

Students select a specialisation of study to prepare them for further study in one of the following disciplines: nursing, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychological science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, podiatry or pedorthics.

If you are interested in studying online, please note:

• For all specialisations except psychological science, some units must be completed on-campus as they are not available online and require mandatory attendance.

In addition:

• The biomedical science and osteopathic studies specialisations are not currently offered at Coffs Harbour
• All specialisations are available at the Gold Coast
• Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and any mandatory on-campus attendance.

Graduates of the Diploma of Health can seek professional work in a range of health professions including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, disability support workers, case workers, and lab assistants.

The Diploma is also a pathway into a range of Bachelor degrees. Successful completion of the Diploma of Health guarantees entry and up to 8 units of credit (depending on the specialisation taken) towards a linked Southern Cross degree in Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Pedorthics, Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Please note that not all units are offered online in health sciences. Please check the specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered. Psychological Science is the only specialisation offered entirely online. If you are interested in continuing onto a Bachelor degree, check the individual courses for details about where they are offered.

Graduates who proceed to one of the pathway degrees will have a range of career opportunities in their chosen fields.

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Health, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

• 8 units (96 credit points) from one of the following specialisations: Occupational Therapy, Podiatry and Pedorthics, Speech Pathology, Sport and Exercise Science, Biomedical Science, Osteopathic Studies, Psychological Science, and Nursing.

Requirements following completion of the Diploma:

Nursing Specialisation:

Graduates of the course in this specialisation who have an Academic IELTS 7.0, with no band less than 7.0, qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) at Southern Cross University. To be accepted into the BN, applicants need to meet the English Language standards specified by NMBA registration standards at: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx in order to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation standards.

If you intend to enrol into the Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University, you will need to study the Health Assessment unit in Session 3 and it will be necessary for you to be fully compliant for professional experience placement prior to enrolment into the degree. See the School of Health and Human Sciences professional experience page for further information.

Speech Pathology Specialisation:

Graduates of the course in this specialisation who have an Academic IELTS 8.0, with no band less than 8.0, qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University. Up to 8 units of advanced standing is included in this pathway.

Other Specialisations (except for Biomedical Science and Psychological Science):

Graduates of the course in the Allied Health specialisations who have an SCU College English Language Test score comparable to Academic IELTS 7.0, with no band less than 7.0, qualify for direct entry into the relevant Bachelor course at Southern Cross University.

Evidence of compliance for Placement must be provided prior to any professional experience placement and some compliance requirements can take up to 4 months to fulfil. Please see the School of Health and Human Sciences professional experience page for more information.