Bachelor of Nursing

If you have great communication skills, show initiative, and are patient and tactful when dealing with people from all backgrounds and cultures, nursing could be the career for you.

Studying nursing at VU will equip you with a broad set of skills to work as a general or mental-health nurse. With a highly valued nursing degree, doors will open to a wide range of career opportunities in hospitals and health care.

Our Bachelor of Nursing will ensure that you have sound scientific knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on nursing experience. You'll participate in simulation learning using modern technology, practising your skills in a safe environment before you work with real patients.

Your practical experience alongside expert clinicians and nurses will have you ready to register and work as a Division 1 Registered Nurse. When you finish your degree, you'll join a respected cohort of VU graduates known for their extensive practical experience.

Nursing is a diverse and flexible career choice. You'll be equipped to work in metropolitan, regional and rural health agencies. According to Labour Market Insights, the number of job openings for registered nurses is expected to be high in the next five years.

VU Bachelor of Nursing graduates are employed at a variety of organisations such as Royal Children's Hospital, Royal Women's Hospital and Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Nurses can work in areas such as:

• general practice
• acute care
• paediatric care
• rehabilitation
• aged care
• mental health
• residential care
• emergency
• research
• health education.

See the average salary for registered nurses in Australia via Labour Market Insights. Starting salaries for graduates may be different.

Over 90% of nursing graduates were employed four months after graduation, with over 70% were employed full time (2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey).

To attain the Bachelor of Nursing students will be required to complete:

• 288 credit points of Core studies.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.