Education and Qualifications for Nurses
There are a wide range of nursing courses available in Australia. Starting from a basic certificate, all the way through to a nursing masters. There also a number of different specialisations to choose from, creating a wide and diverse employment industry.
Until recent years, nursing education was the domain of hospitals. Gradually the need for students to be trained in the theory as well as the practice of nursing became recognised. At first, post-secondary institutions provided only the upgrading required to qualify as a registered nurse and associated nursing diploma and certificate courses. Now, even nursing assistants (AINs) are required to take certificate courses in order to provide personal care services under the direction of a registered or enrolled nurse. Registered nurses themselves must have, at minimum, a Bachelor of Nursing degree while enrolled nurses must complete a diploma course.
There are a number of ways to become a nurse in Australia today ranging from TAFE (technical and further education) diplomas to university undergraduate and graduate degrees. Nursing is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and there are four standard accreditations:
- Enrolled Nurse (Division 2 in Victoria)
- Registered Nurse (Division 1 in Victoria)
- Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner
Australian nursing schools have a reputation for providing high quality nursing courses with graduates who are well-equipped to work in a wide range of healthcare situations in many different specialisations.
Nursing courses are many and varied, providing a great deal of options for a well paid and satisfying career.
