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At Southern Cross University in the Bachelor of Nursing, we are committed to preparing the highest quality nursing graduate with knowledge and attributes that meet the needs of a challenging and complex healthcare environment.
Course learning for the Bachelor of Nursing is progressively scaffolded over the three years and during this time students are immersed in a range of innovative learning experiences from which their cognitive, emotional and clinical capabilities actively grow, and their capacity to engage, think critically and reflect are refined to inform their nursing interventions.
Theoretical learning is coupled with supervised clinical placements which provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities for students. Sourced to meet the learning outcomes of our program, we offer a range of primary, secondary and tertiary placements in local, regional and remote facilities where students can explore diverse career options.
Key information to be aware of prior to enrolling:
At Southern Cross University in the Bachelor of Nursing, we are committed to preparing the highest quality nursing graduate with knowledge and attributes that meet the needs of a challenging and complex healthcare environment.
Course learning for the Bachelor of Nursing is progressively scaffolded over the three years and during this time students are immersed in a range of innovative learning experiences from which their cognitive, emotional and clinical capabilities actively grow, and their capacity to engage, think critically and reflect are refined to inform their nursing interventions.
Theoretical learning is coupled with supervised clinical placements which provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities for students. Sourced to meet the learning outcomes of our program, we offer a range of primary, secondary and tertiary placements in local, regional and remote facilities where students can explore diverse career options.
Key information to be aware of prior to enrolling:
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must:
1. provide a written declaration that English is their primary language1;
or
2. have achieved:
1Refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requirements regarding English as Primary Language.
In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s standards for English language must be met. See AHPRA’s English Language Skills for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Bachelor of Nursing RPL Guide.
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.4 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.6 |
| Brazil SSLC | 8.2 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 50 |
| Chile PSU | 6.4, overall 600-649 |
| China Gao Kao | 449 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 81, overall 300-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 6.2 |
| France FB | 11 |
| German Abitur | 3 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 14 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 8.5 in external exam |
| India CISCE | 71 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 78 academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 8.2 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 4 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 298 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 71 |
| Malaysia STPM | 5 (best 3 A levels) |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 73 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 82 |
| Norway GPA | 1.5 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 77 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 31 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.5 pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 17 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 89 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.3 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 83 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 15.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 8.2 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.5 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4.5 |
| Sweden SSLC | 13 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 54 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 87 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.9 |
| Turkey HSD | 4 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 13 (4 subjects) |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1410, ACT 20 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 Average |
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score or equivalent | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
The Bachelor of Nursing provides a well-balanced curriculum that provides students anatomical knowledge, and an understanding of the principles of nursing and the legal and ethical framework within which we practise. As they move through the program, students will develop critical-thinking, leadership and clinical skills in preparation for their application to a wide range of clinical settings.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Lismore | Term 1, Term 3 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 3 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 016165C |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 016165C |
| Lismore | Term 1, Term 3 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 016165C |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Nursing, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Progression
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.
Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake specified practice or theory to ensure currency prior to continuation of the course.
Duration
The maximum duration for completion of the award of Bachelor of Nursing is seven (7) years in total which includes any period for a leave of absence.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLTH1004 | The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar | ||||
| HLTH1005 | Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health | ||||
| HBIO1009 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | ||||
| HLTH1006 | Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice | ||||
| HLTH1007 | Foundations of Clinical Practice | ||||
| NURS1005 | Fundamentals of Nursing Practice | ||||
| INDG2001 | Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples | ||||
| NURS2004 | Foundations of Health Assessment | ||||
| PHAR2001 | Introductory Pharmacology | ||||
| PBHL1003 | Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems | ||||
| NURS2014 | Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability | ||||
| NURS2015 | Partnering with Older People in Healthcare | ||||
| NURS2016 | Introduction to Nursing Research | ||||
| NURS2017 | Nursing Practices 1 | ||||
| NURS2018 | Building Healthy Communities through Impactful Partnerships | ||||
| NURS2005 | Mental Health Nursing | ||||
| NURS3006 | Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | ||||
| NURS3007 | Nursing Practices 2 | ||||
| HLTH3004 | Transition to Practice | ||||
| HLTH3005 | Interprofessional Health Practice | ||||
| NURS3008 | Paediatric Health: Conception to Adolescence | ||||
| NURS3001 | The Nurse as a Leader | ||||
| NURS3009 | Nursing Practices 3 | Note 1 | |||
| Note 1: | Double-weighted unit |
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Apply in-depth knowledge and skills, with accountability, to inform clinical reasoning in constructing and delivering safe, high quality, person-centred nursing practices. Use and contribute to research and scholarship as a basis for ongoing professional inquiry and effective knowledge translation to ensure evidence-based and holistic nursing practice. |
Incorporate self-reflection, innovation and creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in professional practice and lifelong learning. |
Meet and adhere to relevant national professional, ethical and legal standards to ensure safe and competent nursing practice. |
Apply analytical, clinical and reflective skills in planning, prioritising, implementing and evaluating nursing practices across a range of diverse circumstances and settings. Work independently and collaboratively with individuals, the nursing team, interdisciplinary healthcare teams and effectively empower and build leadership in the delivery of nursing. |
Incorporate self-reflection, innovation and creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in professional practice and lifelong learning. |
Demonstrate cultural responsivity and respect for the identity and dignity of all persons, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Use threshold academic knowledge and skills including literacy, numeracy and academic integrity to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with a variety of audiences. |
Analyse regional, national and global healthcare systems, processes and ecological changes that affect healthcare to inform policy to meet changing societal needs. |
Students complete a wide variety of individual and group assessment items during the course including but not limited to written exams, oral exams, academic writing, clinical and practical exams, and group presentations.
The Bachelor of Nursing offers a self-access approach to learning facilitated through our University learning sites. It is flexible, delivered both on-line and on-campus, through a range of tutorials, workshops and clinical labs. It is accompanied by interactive learning activities which are designed to help students gauge their understanding of the material and help academics assess student learning engagement and progress. Some units are offered as an intensive which requires full-time attendance for a period of time.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and practice in a diverse range of primary, secondary or tertiary healthcare settings throughout Australia. We are world renown for our leadership, education and clinical expertise meaning we are highly sought after across the globe. With further qualifications registered nurses can pursue clinical specialties, become nurse practitioners, senior defence force personnel, research coordinators, academics or business owners.
Approximately 840 hours of supervised clinical placement must be completed to meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Nursing degree and be able to apply for nursing registration with AHPRA. Clinical placement will be anywhere between two and six weeks in length at an agreed facility. Placement must be attended every day during this time and are subject to shift allocation within the facility.
In order to attend clinical placements, all students are required to complete extensive compliance requirements as mandated by NSW and QLD Health legislation. This includes but is not limited to: immunisations listed on the Australian National Immunisation program, COVID-19 vaccinations, mask-fit testing, first aid, CPR, working with children and National Police Certificates.
Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these compliance requirements.
The Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and provides the necessary academic qualification for eligibility as a Registered Nurse in Australia.
Please note: In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards for English language must be met. See the AHPRA web site for further information.
As a nursing student it is important to be aware of the registration standards required by the NMBA. See the details on the NMBA website.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing will be registered by Southern Cross University with NMBA as an enrolled student and will remain registered for the duration of study. Please see the AHPRA website for more details.
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Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
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