Australian Catholic University
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
This two-year conversion program transforms diploma-qualified enrolled nurses into registered nurses with advanced clinical expertise. Combining theoretical knowledge with 720+ hours of clinical placements, graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare careers and professional registration with AHPRA.
Applicants must have completed an approved and accredited Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nursing) and hold current registration as an enrolled nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). A minimum ATAR of 80.00 is required for entry. Applicants must comply with ACU's Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. Prior learning and work experience may be considered for selection ranking.
The course comprises 160 credit points across four semesters. Year 1 includes Evidence for Practice, Human Biological Science, Health Care Ethics, and Principles of Nursing covering Mental Health, Surgical, and Medical specialties. Clinical Nursing Practice units (Integrating Practice 3-4) provide hands-on experience. Year 2 focuses on Extended Clinical Reasoning, Chronic Illness and Disability, Palliative Care approaches, Building Healthy Communities, and Transition to Contemporary Nursing and Clinical Leadership. All units integrate theory with clinical practice through placements in maternity hospitals, community facilities, and diverse healthcare settings. Core Curriculum units develop graduate attributes including insight, empathy, imagination, and impact.
ACU is ranked 4th in Australia and 10th worldwide for nursing education. The university maintains extensive partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers, offering superior industry placement opportunities and employment prospects. ACU nursing graduates are highly regarded for clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate care. The program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, ensuring graduates meet professional standards.
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as registered nurses with AHPRA, opening diverse career pathways across healthcare sectors. With 95% employment rate, graduates pursue careers in public and private hospitals, disability services, rehabilitation facilities, specialist centres, community health, aged care, emergency departments, mental health services, and rural health. The degree also provides a foundation for further postgraduate study in nursing specialties including mental health nursing, clinical nursing, clinical education, health administration, and leadership in healthcare.
Course fee
Start date
You will be redirected to the training provider to enquire directly. Workinitiatives is not the course or training provider. We aggregate and list courses only.