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University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

  • 20% international / 80% domestic

Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)

  • Bachelor

Switch to a rewarding career in nursing. Use credit from another undergraduate degree you've completed to make the career change. Learn about anatomy and physiology, drug therapy, comprehensive health assessment and care of people.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
2.3 years full-time
Course Code
SC392, 072637M
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$29,000 per year / $2,994 total
International Fees
$59,813 total

About this course

Switch to a rewarding career in nursing. Use credit from another undergraduate degree you've completed to make the career change. Learn about anatomy and physiology, drug therapy, comprehensive health assessment and care of people. Learn via placements in hospitals, aged-care facilities, health agencies and community settings. When you graduate from this program, apply for registration as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

In this program you will:

  • Complete 800 hours of work placements in clinical settings
  • Learn about anatomy and physiology, comprehensive health assessment, and drug therapy
  • Assess and care for patients
  • Continue learning through an honours or Master's program to specialise in nursing

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Applicants must complete an (unspecified) Australian bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), or equivalent degree from an international university.

Completed graduate diplomas, masters and/or doctorates are accepted equivalents, with a minimum post-secondary volume of study of 3.00 years full-time (or equivalent) of which 1.00 year full-time (or equivalent) must have been completed within the past ten years.

Places in this program are limited, eligibility for an offer of admission will be based on the applicants Grade Point Average in their undergraduate degree.

Applicants from a non-English speaking background refer to English language requirements.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you also need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may like to enrol in one of our English Language Programs.

Post admission requirements

Before undertaking a clinical placement, students must comply with the Pre-Clinical Mandatory Checks including:

  • Hold a valid Blue Card (Working with Children Check) from QLD Government Blue Card Services throughout the duration of your program. You should allow 12 weeks for Blue Card Services to issue the card.
  • Obtain a National Criminal History check through the Australian Federal Police
  • Comply with QLD Health vaccination requirements
  • A current First Aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council, and a Mental Health First Aid online learning certificate, before commencing clinical practice
  • Complete the QLD Health student orientation requirements

Refer to the Pre-Clinical Mandatory Checks for further information. In addition, students are required to complete individual health service requirements as directed by the placement provider.
Students in the program will be registered as students with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Program special requirements

Students who meet the following criteria are required to take the Clinical Connections module before they can enrol in a clinical placement course in any given year of study:

  • Those who have passed a preparation for practice course but subsequently failed the clinical placement course.
  • Those who have transferred from another university with credit for a preparation for practice course but not the clinical placement course.
  • Those who have taken a break from their study for two or more consecutive semesters (including students transferring from another university with credit).

Completion of the Clinical Connections module formalises reintroduction to theory and supported practice, and ensures that students can proceed to clinical placement and meet NMBA professional standards relevant to practice at their level of study.

Additional entry information

All applicants must either be able to declare that English is their primary language (ie they have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or United States of America.); or they must attain an Academic IELTS score of at least 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each subtest (obtained within two years prior to the commencement of the program).

For more information visit English language requirements.

Study locations

Sunshine Coast

Moreton Bay

Caboolture

Career pathways

Career opportunities
  • Aged care
  • Community
  • Indigenous health
  • Industry
  • Mental health
  • Nurse in acute care
  • Regional and remote
Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • Australian College of Nursing
Accreditation

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as nurses in Australia with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, which is a Board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards that graduates must demonstrate in order to be eligible for registration. For example, graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7, with 7 in all subtests, or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. For full details of the AHPRA Registration Standards, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website.