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Nursing Courses, Degrees, Diploma & CPD in Brisbane
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Study Nursing in Brisbane
Brisbane is a dynamic and sprawling city with diverse suburban districts and several larger towns and cities within commuter distance. Nurses and healthcare professionals looking for a good place to study a course or develop their careers, will find Brisbane and it’s surrounding area one of the best places in Australia to get going. With a population of 2 million, Brisbane is one of Australia’s largest cities, and has a significant demand for qualified nurses of all levels. Becoming a nurse in Brisbane is a great career move, with many universities and education providers offering nursing courses in Brisbane. By studying nursing in Brisbane, you will get to combine a great lifestyle with a rewarding career.
Nursing Degree in Brisbane
Brisbane is a fantastic place to study a Bachelor of Nursing, offering students a well-rounded education in the nursing field that incorporates both theoretical and practical components. With a strong history of producing highly-qualified and knowledgeable nurses, abundant hands-on learning experiences, and a diverse range of Registered Nurse courses to choose from. Pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing in Brisbane is an excellent choice for anyone looking to embark on a career in the nursing field.
Check out some of the undergraduate nursing degrees in Brisbane below.

Overview QUT's School of Nursing is one of the largest and most established centres in Australia, with more than 40 yea ...

Overview The Bachelor of Nursing prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse, teaching you vital assessment and cli ...

Overview ACU is the largest provider of nurses in Australia. Our close links with hospitals and health care partners gu ...
What to expect
If the student is already an Enrolled Nurse, they may be able to reduce their study time by up to one year. While students who wish to study part-time will usually take six years.
The typical entry requirements for students wishing to study a Bachelor of Nursing include:
- Completion of your senior secondary schooling qualification (i.e QCE in QLD, or HSC in NSW) or international equivalent
- A minimum ATAR score or international equivalent (ATAR scores are used to rank students in Australia based on their performance in their final year of secondary school)
- Depending on the univesity, completion of prerequisite subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics during secondary school.
- Depending on the univesity, you may be required to attend an interview or assessment
If you have not completed your primary and secondary schooling in Australia, you might also need to demonstrate your English language proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
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
Diploma of Nursing in Brisbane
Brisbane offers a wealth of options for those interested in studying a Diploma of Nursing, with educational institutions ranging from universities to TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The Diploma of Nursing in Brisbane typically encompasses 25 units of study, including 20 core units which are standardised across different education providers, as well as 5 elective units that vary between institutions. When choosing an Enrolled Nurse course in Brisbane, take note of the electives offered by each institution and ensure that they aligns with your desired career path.
Find a nursing diploma in Brisbane below.

Overview Take your career in nursing to the next level with this advanced qualification. This course is the essential m ...

Overview QUT's School of Nursing has an established reputation as a provider of postgraduate programs that recognise an ...

Overview Want to make your mark on nursing? JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for th ...
What to expect
The cost of a nursing diploma can vary greatly between institutions and across states. Due to the growing demand for health professionals, and in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, most state governments are offering substantial subsidies on nursing qualifications. In fact, in some states, you can even study a Diploma of Nursing absolutely free!
Unsubsidised, an enrolled nurse course would cost you anywhere between $15,000 – $35,000 – with universities tending to charge a higher fee, than RTO’s and TAFE. With the various subsidies available, you will find that in most states, you can study a diplom in nursing for less than $15,000, if not for free. Note, this obviously depends on the educator you choose.
GeneralÂ
The requirements for entering a Diploma of Nursing will vary by institution. However, there are some consistent admissions criteria set across most education providers.
- You must be at least 17 years old when commencing, or be 18 when you graduate.
- You must:
- have successfuly completed Year 12, or equivalent, OR;
- hold a relevant Certificate III or higher qualification, OR;
- be 21 years or older (for students wanting to apply for mature age entry).
- You must be eligible to obtain a Blue Card if required.
- You must meet specific immunisation requirements (i.e. COVID-19).
English Language Standards
To practice safely in Australia, nurses must have strong English language skills. It is essential that a nurse can communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals to ensure accurate information is conveyed and clear health records are kept. To demonstrate your proficiency with the English language, most education providers will ask you to either
- Submit a declaration stating that your primary language is English, and that you have completed a minimum of 2 years between grades 7 and 12. This education must be completed in a country that natively speaks English, such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA etc.
- Achieve the minimum English language standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Selection Criteria
Some nursing institutions will only accept a limited number of students into their program each term or year. This means that it can get quite competitive amongst those wishing to gain entry to the most popular nursing courses. For this reason, although you may meet the entry criteria and language requirements for your chosen course, you must still be selected by the institution from the pool of applicants. Generally speaking, selection criteria is predominantly based on your academic performance (i.e. your ATAR score). With those scoring higher more likely to be selected for the program first.
Traditionally, a nursing diploma is completed on-campus or in a workplace setting as part of mandatory placement. That said, more and more nursing educators are now offering a mixed format where students can study a portion of their Diploma of Nursing online. Unfortunately, there are no enrolled nursing courses that are 100% online, as it is a very practical course that requires field training and experience.
The Diploma of Nursing can be studied as a full-time or part-time course, although options for the latter are more limited.
Master of Nursing & Graduate Programs
Brisbane offers a range of opportunities for Registered Nurses seeking to further their education with a Master of Nursing or Graduate Certificate in Nursing. These specialised programs allow you to delve deeper into your desired area of nursing, such as aged care, pediatric, critical care, mental health, or perioperative nursing, and expand your skill set. Completing a postgraduate nursing qualification in Brisbane can open up doors to leadership positions such as Nurse Educators, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists, helping to advance your career and make an even greater impact in the field.
Check out below some of Master of Nursing degrees and Graduate Certificates in Brisbane.

Are you a Registered Nurse (RN) looking to upgrade your qualifications or become a leader in the health care sector? Our ...

Overview QUT's School of Nursing has an established reputation as a provider of postgraduate programs that recognise an ...

Overview With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of n ...

Overview Want to make your mark on nursing? JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for th ...
What to expect
Most Master of Nursing degrees in Australia will take you 1.5 years of full-time or 3 years part-time to complete. However, some universities allow you to obtain your masters in as little as 1 year full-time or 1.5 years part-time.
In Australia, the total cost of a Master of Nursing can range anywhere between $5,000 and $65,000 for a domestic student, and can depend on a number of factors.
- CSP Subsidies – If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident, then you most likely qualify for a governement subsidised program (Commonwealth Supported Place). This can reduce the tuition fee of a standard 1.5 year masters in nursing to as little as $6,000 – which is a considerable 70-80% discount! Unfortunately, not all universities offer CSPs (about half do) for their masters. So if price is an important factor in where you choose to study, be sure to check out which universities have CSP available first.
- Institution– Although not always the case, prestigious universities (or those with a higher ranking) tend to charge a higher tuition fee for full-fee-paying students than smaller universities. For CSP students, the cost difference is quite negligible given the large subsidy each receive from the government.
- Specialistion –Â Certain specialisations, and/or subjects might cost you a little more than others. This varies greatly depending on the specific units you decide to study, each with a different price tag.
- Program length – Some universities offer a 1-year Master of Nursing for registered nurses (RN) who have completed an honors year, or Graduate Certificate in Nursing. Reducing the number of units you need to study and pay for, by roughly a third. Similary, courses that support students without a Bachelor of Nursing will take longer, and cost more.
Although each university program has their own admissions criteria, typically you will be expected to demonstrate the following:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a postgraduate qualification in nursing (almost always required)
- AHPRA registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse (almost always required)
- At least one-year of experience as a Registered Nurse (often required)
Note: You can still study a Master of Nursing without a Bachelor of Nursing. Some univerisities offer a specific ‘graduate entry’ program, than accept students who have completed any undergraduate degree. However, note that some of these don’t involve placement and therefore don’t provide you the practical skills needed to become a RN.
Each Master of Nursing course consists of 12 units of study that are completed over several semesters. The program will often include both core and elective units, plus a capstone project or thesis.
Universities tend to provide their own unique selection of specialisations that you can major in. Each with their own corresponding core subject areas. In some cases, these may involve practical placement or a learning component within the work setting.
Nurse CPD Courses in Brisbane
In Brisbane, nurses are expected to continue their professional growth and development by completing a minimum of 20 hours of CPD each year. To meet this requirement, there are a plethora of CPD courses in Brisbane, from in-person workshops and conferences, to online tutorials and self-directed learning activities. One of the standout benefits of pursuing your CPD in Brisbane is the opportunity to network with other healthcare professionals and stay current with the latest industry advancements. Regardless of the path you choose, it’s important to document all learning experiences and ensure they align with your current practice context.
Check out some of these CPD nursing courses in Brisbane below:
Career Outlook
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a hub of healthcare activity and offers numerous opportunities for nursing professionals. There are a large number of registered nurses working in Brisbane and the surrounding area (around 20% of all Registered Nurses work in QLD), with a significant portion of the nursing population in Queensland located in the city.
Within the greater Brisbane area there several large healthcare institutions including 8 major public hospitals, 4 private hospitals and around 40 smaller healthcare facilities. The city of Gold Coast is a short commute down the road (66 kilometers) and is also home to a further 30 healthcare centres including hospitals and specialist health centres. The Sunshine Coast urban area is roughly the same distance to the north of Brisbane which is also a hub for healthcare in the region. This high concentration of healthcare facilities and nursing professionals creates a wealth of job opportunities for qualified nurses. With a growing demand for healthcare services in Brisbane and the surrounding areas, it’s an exciting time to be a nurse in this city. Not only do nurses have a wide range of employment options to choose from, but they also have the potential to advance their careers through a variety of pathways, including management and leadership positions, as well as specialty areas of practice such as critical care, pediatrics, and mental health.
With its growing population, increasing demand for healthcare services, and numerous healthcare facilities, Brisbane offers a diverse range of employment options for nurses. Nurses in Brisbane can work in public and private hospitals, community health centers, specialist clinics, and nursing homes, among others. Nurses in Brisbane can also specialise in a certain area of nursing, such as pediatrics, mental health, critical care, and more. These specialties can offer additional oppportunities for career advancement.
As of February 2023, SEEK showed over 800 nursing jobs available in Brisbane. Covering all specialisms from public health and general nursing through to paediatricians or dental nurses with plenty of openings for both experienced and newly qualified nursing graduates.
Nursing is a well-paying career in Melbourne with high demand for qualified professionals. On average, a Registered Nurse in Melbourne earns around $80,000 per year. As a nurse gains experience and specialises in a certain field or advances to more senior roles, they can expect to earn more. For instance, critical care and emergency medicine nurses tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in general medical settings.
Advanced education such as a Master’s or Graduate Certificate in Nursing can also increase a nurse’s salary and open up more job opportunities. The demand for skilled and experienced nurses is growing in Melbourne, due to the aging population and increasing medical needs. This trend is expected to continue, leading to potential salary increases in the future.
Besides employment opportunities there is also a lot of choice for training and development. Both undergraduates and postgraduates will find a lot of choice to begin or complete their studies.
The University of Queensland has a specialist school of nursing and midwifery which has an excellent range of health and social care courses. From biomedical science and psychology to speech pathology and social work. The university also offers excellent options for postgraduate development with opportunities to work with leaders in the field and to develop your skills within a world class and innovative environment.
TAFE Queensland provides access to loads of nursing courses in an assortment of campuses across the city, both in the suburbs and downtown. Courses include diplomas in sports development and fitness, nursing and dental technology amongst many others.
QUT (Queensland University of Technology) also provides a selection of courses in nursing. The Queensland School of Nursing operates in conjunction with QUT and includes several specialist research departments including Cancer, management of chronic conditions and palliative and dementia care.
Mater, which is one of Brisbane’s main hospitals, also offers an excellent selection of training including diplomas in nursing, anaesthetic technology and pathology, amongst many others.
weather, access to beaches, and scenic parks, Brisbane provides a unique blend of city and nature, making it an attractive place to live.
One of the benefits of living in Brisbane as a nursing student is the affordability of housing and cost of living. Compared to other cities, the cost of living in Brisbane is relatively low, allowing nursing students to save more money and make the most of their student years.
Brisbane is also home to a thriving healthcare industry, providing nursing students with ample opportunities to learn, grow and apply their skills. From major hospitals to community health clinics, there are a variety of settings where nursing students can gain valuable clinical experience and network with healthcare professionals.
Aside from its healthcare industry, Brisbane is also a hub for arts and culture, food, and entertainment. With numerous festivals and events throughout the year, Brisbane offers endless opportunities to explore, learn and have fun. Additionally, the city is well connected with excellent transport links, making it easy for nursing students to get around and experience all that Brisbane has to offer.
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