Australian Catholic University (ACU)
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Develop into a highly skilled and compassionate nurse through this 3-year degree combining theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice. ACU's strong industry partnerships and simulation-based learning prepare you for immediate employment in hospitals, community health, aged care, and specialist healthcare settings.
Applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and complete Year 12 prerequisites. For ACT: Assumed knowledge of nil. For New South Wales: Assumed knowledge of nil. For Queensland: English (Units 3 & 4, C) assumed knowledge. For Victoria: Units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL. Minimum ATAR of 62.85 required. Alternative pathways available for VET graduates, higher education applicants, and those with work/life experience. Applicants aged 21+ can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Bridging courses available for those needing additional preparation.
The Bachelor of Nursing curriculum comprises 240 credit points across 6 semesters. Core subjects include: Indigenous Health and Culture, Evidence for Practice, Transition into Nursing, The Person Health and Wellbeing, Human Biological Science 1 and 2, Health Care Ethics, Principles of Nursing (Surgical, Mental Health, Medical, Chronic Illness and Disability, Palliative Approach), Extended Clinical Reasoning, Building Healthy Communities, and Transition to Contemporary Nursing and Clinical Leadership. Clinical Nursing Practice units (Integrating Practice 1-6) are integrated throughout, providing hands-on experience. All units are delivered in multi-mode format combining online recordings (60-90 minutes per module), tutorial classes (26-30 students), and simulation ward practice (24-30 students with two registered nurse facilitators). The program includes a Core Curriculum component focusing on graduate attributes: Insight, Empathy, Imagination, and Impact.
ACU is ranked 4th in Australia and 10th worldwide for nursing. The university maintains extensive partnerships with hospitals and healthcare facilities across multiple countries, providing exceptional clinical placement opportunities. ACU's simulation wards are designed to closely replicate real-world healthcare environments, enabling students to develop practical skills in a safe, controlled setting. The program benefits from experienced academic staff, including registered nurses with clinical backgrounds. With 95% graduate employment rate and strong industry recognition, ACU nursing graduates are highly sought after by employers. The university also offers overseas study opportunities in Rome, Cambodia, India, USA, Timor Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Denmark, enriching the learning experience.
Graduates are eligible for registration as nurses with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and can pursue careers across diverse healthcare settings including public and private hospitals, disability services, rehabilitation facilities, community health organizations, aged care facilities, emergency departments, mental health services, and rural health programs. With 95% graduate employment rate, nursing is a highly sought profession with strong job security and career progression opportunities. An honours year is available for meritorious students (GPA 5.5+), leading to further specialization. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers postgraduate degrees in mental health nursing, clinical nursing, clinical education, health administration, and leadership and management in healthcare. Nurses can also pursue international opportunities through ACU's global partnerships.
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