Charles Darwin University (CDU TAFE)
1.5 years
Become a qualified Enrolled Nurse through this 18-month accredited diploma program. Designed for Northern Territory residents, this course combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills to prepare you for registration and employment across diverse healthcare settings.
Applicants must be Northern Territory residents and meet one of the following: hold a current First Aid certificate (HLTAID011), complete Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training or achieve an ATAR of at least 60, complete a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher, or complete at least 0.5 years of full-time higher education study. All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency meeting NMBA standards through either a Primary Language Declaration (English as primary language with 6+ years of English-medium education) or approved English language tests including IELTS (7.0 in all bands), TOEFL (94+ internet-based), PTE Academic (65+), or OET (B/350 in all components).
Core units cover essential nursing competencies including: working with diverse people and promoting cultural safety; professional practice and reflection; physical health assessment and client health information analysis; nursing within the Australian healthcare system; communication skills; clinical assessment and care planning; implementing and monitoring nursing care; wound management; medicine administration and intravenous therapy; legal and ethical parameters; mental health and acute/chronic condition care; aged care; primary health care; end-of-life and palliative care; and infection prevention and control. Elective units include client language and literacy support, evidence-based practice research, First Aid, diabetes nursing care, and workplace stress management. Total program comprises 1,773 nominal hours of study.
Charles Darwin University is the Northern Territory's largest training provider with expert lecturers from various sectors of nursing and healthcare practice. CDU offers first-class facilities, recognition of prior learning to accelerate qualification completion, and established pathways into higher education. The program is nationally accredited by ANMAC and approved by NMBA, ensuring graduates meet all regulatory requirements for enrolled nurse registration in Australia.
Upon completion and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, graduates can pursue careers as Enrolled Nurses in diverse healthcare settings including hospitals across multiple clinical areas, community health services, residential aged care facilities, general practice clinics, day surgery centers, point of care testing centers, mental health services, rural and remote healthcare settings, and educational roles supporting Certificate III health students. Enrolled nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses and play a vital role in direct patient care delivery.