SCU welcomes extra nursing places for Mid North Coast

Southern Cross University has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of an extra 41 SCU nursing places for the Mid North Coast over the next four years and confirmed that it will be offering nursing courses through its Coffs Harbour campus from February 2004.

Executive Dean of Health and Applied Science at SCU, Professor Jenny Graham, said that if the promised 15 additional places for 2004 eventuated, SCU would have 35 places available through Coffs Harbour next year for the Mid North Coast.

“The Minister for Education, Science and Training says the 2004 places depend on higher education reform legislation passing through Parliament before the Christmas recess,” Professor Graham said.

“While that is not guaranteed, any uncertainty will not change our plans to deliver nursing courses on the Mid North Coast next year,” she said.

Head of SCU’s School of Nursing and Health Care Practices, Chris Game, said that 20 existing nursing places had already been allocated by the University to the Mid North Coast for 2004.

“By 2006, we plan to have 60 places available for North Coast Nursing students and arrangements for them to do clinical placements in Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie hospitals,” Ms Game said.

SCU is continuing negotiations with Port Macquarie Hospitals on a package of initiatives to train and retain Port Macquarie nurses.

The University is also negotiating with the North Coast Institute of TAFE to deliver a bridging program for Enrolled Nurses to enter the Bachelor of Nursing program and complete the award in less than two years. Assistants in Nursing would also be able to study for a guaranteed place in the degree course.

Southern Cross University has one of the most respected nursing schools in Australia.

Media contact: Chris Stewart 0418431484