Types of Nursing Courses

Qualifications for Nurses

Nursing is a highly respected and in-demand profession in Australia, and there is a wide range of nursing courses available to help aspiring nurses develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field. Some of the different types of nursing qualifications include:

  • Diploma of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Graduate Certificates & Graduate Diplomas
  • Master of Nursing

Each of these courses provides a different level of education and training, allowing aspiring nurses to pursue their desired career paths. For example, the Diploma of Nursing is designed for those who are just starting out in their nursing careers, while the Bachelor of Nursing is intended for those who want to pursue more advanced nursing careers.

In Australia, there are several different types of nurses, each with their own unique role and responsibilities. These include Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Nursing Specialists, and Midwives. Each type of nurse provides different levels of care to patients, with Registered Nurses providing the highest level of care.

As such, the nursing industry is a dynamic and growing field that provides a wide range of opportunities for aspiring nurses. With a variety of nursing courses available, aspiring nurses can pursue their desired career paths and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Whether you are just starting out in your nursing career or are looking to advance to a higher level of practice, there is a course that is right for you.

NURSING COURSE LEVELS

Read about the different levels of nursing courses, and then browse through the list of education providers.

Diploma of Nursing Courses

Enrolled Nurses (EN) work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) in the delivery of treatment plans, general patient care, and clinical assessment. They must complete a Diploma of Nursing at an NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) recognised institution. These are usually 18-24 month courses that provide all the skills and knowledge required for registration as an Enrolled Nurse.

After becoming an Enrolled Nurse, you may gain entry to the Bachelor of Nursing degree, with recognition of prior learning

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Bachelor of Nursing Courses

A Bachelors Degree in Nursing is required for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN). This degree involves three years of university study and workplace training, or the part-time equivialent (approx. 6 years). A nursing degree combines both theory and practical training, with each student required to complete at least 800 hours of work placement in a clinical environment. A fourth year (Honours Degree), offered at some universities, typically involves exploring a chosen topic in more depth, which can create a pathway opportunity into that area of practice.

Some universities offer double degrees where you can learn an additional subject area such as Public Health, Midwifery, and Social Work. Similiar to an ‘Honours’ year, this allows graduates to forge a pathway to become a specific type of nurse

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Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate

Completing a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate course can provide a RN with an opportunity to extend their knowledge within a particular healthcare field, such as Mental Health, Advanced Nursing Practice, Paediatrics, Clinical Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing. A Graduate Certificate can be completed in as little as 9-months full-time, and in some cases can be studied completely online.

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Master of Nursing Courses

Master of Nursing degrees are a pathway for RN’s looking to reach more senior level roles such as clinical specialists, nurse educators and nurse practioners. Typically a Master’s degree will take you 1.5-2 years to study full-time, but there are also programs that can be completed in 2 years part-time.

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Nursing Industry

The nursing industry in Australia has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the sudden increase in demand for healthcare services has placed a great deal of pressure on the industry. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, nurses have continued to provide essential care and support to patients, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability in the face of a global crisis. The pandemic has also accelerated the demand for nurses, with many state governments providing significant subsidies for nursing students to help meet the growing need for healthcare workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in demand for certain specialty areas within the nursing industry, such as critical care and infectious disease control, creating new opportunities for career advancement for nurses. The nursing industry is a dynamic and growing field, with a strong demand for qualified and skilled professionals.

The nursing industry is highly regulated and closely monitored, with strict standards and protocols in place to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. The industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed and adopted, and nurses must be committed to ongoing education and training in order to keep up with the latest advancements and best practices in the field.

Nursing Courses in Australia

Kick start your nursing career!