Searching for a Bachelor of Nursing?
The Bachelor of Nursing, also known as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), is a three-year degree that prepares students to become a registered nurse (RN). The qualification is comprised of a selection of subjects that will teach you the skills you need to practice nursing within a healthcare environment. You will learn about general health and wellbeing, medicine, behavioural science, mental illness, ethics, and professional practices. After graduating from this degree, you will be capable of working in a number of healthcare settings and be confident in delivering a high level of patient care.
Course details
With many Australian universities offering a Bachelor of Nursing or similar degree, course information can vary. To make things simpler for you, we’ve summarised below what you might expect from a typical course.
How long does it take?
A Bachelor of Nursing will take most students three years of full-time study to complete. If the student is an enrolled nurse they may be able to reduce their study time by up to one year. Students who wish to study part-time will usually take approximately six years. Alternatively, some universities offer an accelerated program, which will allow you to graduate in as little as two years. This is achieved by studying additional units over the same time period – though special entry criteria apply.
How much does it cost?
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you will be eligible for the government’s Commonwealth Supported Place subsidy. Meaning an average undergraduate degree in nursing will cost you around $20,000-$35,000 in tuition fees. Price will vary depending on the institution you decide to study with. With more prestigious universities demanding a higher price tag. Your actual tuition fee will be based on the specific units you enrol in, as each will have a different price point. If cost is a determining factor for you, it is also important to consider the supporting costs such as living expenses, study equipment and any loss of employment hours. But don’t fret, there are many ways to gain help funding your fees, including a wide range of scholarships.
What is the entry criteria?
The majority of Australian universities require an ATAR score of 65 or higher to gain entry to the Bachelor of Nursing. However, it’s important to highlight that the criteria vary significantly between universities. For example, UTS only accepts students with an ATAR score above 84.25, while Victoria University doesn’t have an ATAR requirement at all. If you are not a recent ‘high school leaver’ then you may be able to gain access if you have relevant work experience or have undertaken the enrolled nursing diploma course.
On top of assessing your suitability for the course, universities will also request:
- a Working With Children Check
- a Police Record Check
- a declaration of your immunisation status
- and in some cases completion of a first aid course
Will it involve clinical placement?
With the exception of some online courses, most universities will include an element of clinical placement throughout your course. This is often mandatory for you to complete, and will add up to be about 800+ hours of clinical exposure. By working in a clinical environment you will have the opportunity to develop clinical skills under the supervision of registered nurses. Enabling you to experience being part of a multidisciplinary health care team, while putting your learned knowledge to practice. Your placement will gain you exposure to various nursing fields including acute care, medical and surgical care, aged care, rehabilitation, community nursing and mental health nursing. Each of which may be undertaken in public and private hospitals and/or community healthcare centres.