Student checking blood pressure of patient in hospital bed

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    2 years full-time; 3 years part-time
    for students who have completed the approved Health Training Package Diploma in Nursing

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BN(EN)

  • Course code

    3007303

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February, June

  • Duration

    2 years full-time
    for students who have completed the approved Health Training Package Diploma in Nursing

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway is specifically designed for enrolled nurses to become registered nurses in just two years (or part-time equivalent).

Specialist conversion units lead into units that build knowledge in professional nursing, biological sciences and social sciences, building on your professional experience and previous study. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake Work Integrated Learning in a variety of settings based on availability and supervisory facilities and learn in state-of-the-art facilities with interactive models and simulation laboratories.

This pathway program is for Enrolled Nurses who are graduates of an ANMAC-approved HLT51612 Diploma in Nursing (Enrolled-Division 2 Nursing), HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing or HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing. The course requires current Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration as an Enrolled Nurse.

Please note: This course may require students to attend intensive workshops at the Gold Coast, Lismore or Coffs Harbour campus.

Owen Lednor, Director of Care at The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living Centre and SCU graduate stands in their offices in front of a bright yellow wall with comfortable seating behind him

“Accessing really contemporary thinking about care, and care that has people at the centre of everything we do was critical.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

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 (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

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.

GA2: Creativity

Incorporate self-reflection, innovation and creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in professional practice and lifelong learning.

GA3: Ethical practice

Meet and adhere to relevant national professional, ethical and legal standards to ensure safe and competent nursing practice.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Apply analytical, clinical and reflective skills in planning, prioritising, implementing and evaluating nursing practices across a range of diverse circumstances and settings.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Work independently and collaboratively with individuals, the nursing team, interdisciplinary healthcare teams and effectively empower and build leadership in the delivery of nursing.

GA6: Communication and social skills

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.

GA7: Cultural competence

Analyse regional, national and global healthcare systems, processes and ecological changes that affect healthcare to inform policy to meet changing societal needs.

Supervised clinical placements of at least 640 hours provide students with experiences of nursing in public and private hospitals and health agencies. This may include acute and low care health facilities; community settings; mental health facilities; extended residential aged care; GP practices; health promotion and education; intensive care; health clinics; accident and emergency; palliative care; primary health care settings and related nursing and health services within metropolitan, regional and rural areas throughout NSW and QLD. Students may be able to undertake national and international clinical placements.

The 640 hours of professional placement is spread across several units within the course. 

Work Integrated Learning require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are.

 

The course is responsive to contemporary nursing practices and provides content and clinical experiences as follows:

Professional areas: critical thinking and analysis, provision and coordination of person-centred care, independent and collaborative care, primary health care, mental health, acute and complex care, chronic disease management, palliative care, leadership and care management, and aged care.

Biological sciences: anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.

Social sciences: Australian health care system, caring for Indigenous Australian patients, philosophy, psychology and sociology for health sciences, legal and ethical studies and research methods.

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Coffs HarbourTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)093295K
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)093295K
LismoreTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)093295K

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.

Career Outcomes

This pathway program enables an Enrolled Nurse to become a Registered Nurse.

Graduate opportunities for registered nurses exist in a range of public and private health sectors, delivering acute and chronic disease care and management in clinical settings such as paediatrics, community health, primary health care and education; as a practice nurse in GP clinics, mental health, childcare, aged care, perioperative care, Indigenous health, rural and remote area health, medical surgical settings, emergency departments and critical care.

The degree is approved 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 practise, the Australian Health Practice Regulation Agency standards for English must be met.

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.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for the registration and accreditation of various health professions in Australia. If you are enrolled in a course to enter one of these professions, we will provide AHPRA with your details for student registration. 
 
You do not need to apply or pay for your student registration. We will provide all the required information to AHPRA directly. You can find more information about AHPRA student registration and what we are required to report to AHPRA on their website.
 
Please be aware that as part of the registration process, AHPRA will collect your personal information (including your USI). AHPRA’s Privacy Policy explains how you may access and seek correction of your personal information held by AHPRA; complain to AHPRA about a breach of your privacy; and how a complaint will be dealt with. AHPRA’s Privacy Policy can be accessed on AHPRA’s Privacy webpage.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

An applicant must be an enrolled nurse who holds the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australian [NMBA] approved national training package diploma qualification to practice as an Enrolled Nurse and who is registered with the relevant Australian Nursing Regulation Authority without any restriction on practice.

Language requirements

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

CategoryScore
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

Credit for prior learning

This course is specifically designed for graduates of the Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled) or Diploma of Nursing.  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Bachelor of Nursing Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway RPL Guide.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Nursing, students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 15 core units.

Registration

Students must maintain registration, without any restriction on practice, with the relevant Australian Nursing Regulation Authority for the duration of study.   Students who have a restriction imposed are required to discuss this with the Course Coordinator.

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.

Subsequent to the above, 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 five (5) 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.

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes
Any student wishing to take a break of one or more terms must consult with the Course Coordinator.

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students will receive 96cp of Advanced Standing based on completion of the relevant Diploma in Nursing.

First Year

PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
NURS2012Professional Practice
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
NURS2013Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesNURS2012 - Professional Practice OR NURS1001 - Foundations to Nursing
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
NURS2016Introduction to Nursing Research
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3
Term2,3
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
NURS2017Nursing Practices 1
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3
Term2,3
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisitesNURS2014 - Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability OR NURS2013 - Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
NURS2018Building Healthy Communities through Impactful Partnerships
Dual Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Gold Coast
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Lismore
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Pre-requisitesNURS2014 - Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability OR NURS2013 - Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
NURS2005Mental Health Nursing
Dual Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Gold Coast
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Lismore
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Pre-requisitesNURS2013 - Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices; OR NURS2014 - Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.

Second Year

NURS3006Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Summer Term
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisitesNURS2016 - Introduction to Nursing Research OR STAT2001 - Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
NURS3007Nursing Practices 2
Dual Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term1,3
Dual Term1,3
Gold Coast
Dual Term1,3
Dual Term1,3
Lismore
Dual Term1,3
Dual Term1,3
Pre-requisitesNURS2017 - Nursing Practices 1; OR both NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown AND NURS2006 - Chronic Illness and Nursing Care; AND NURS2005 - Mental Health Nursing; OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
Enrolment informationEnrolment for this unit closes on Thursday of Orientation Week. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
Summer Term
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Pre-requisitesStudents must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science; OR Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Professional Preparation; OR Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry; OR Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment informationThis unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
HLTH3005Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3
Term2,3
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to course: 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III ORREHB2002 - Clinics in Multimodal Intervention: Internal; OR be admitted to course: 3207309 - Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Pedorthics AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III; OR be admitted to course: 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery AND MIDW3006 - Midwifery Practice: Mentorship A; OR be admitted to course: 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2; OR be admitted to course: 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2; OR be admitted to course: 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) AND NURS6001 - Clinical Nursing II; OR have completed 288 credit points in either 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
NURS3001The Nurse as a Leader
Term3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3,5
Term3,5
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3,5
Term3,5
Pre-requisitesNURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2 OR NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
NURS3008Paediatric Health: Conception to Adolescence
Term3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3,5
Term3,5
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3,5
Term3,5
Pre-requisitesNURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2 OR NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
NURS3010Nursing Practices III
Dual Term1,4
24 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Dual Term1,4
Dual Term1,4
Lismore
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesNURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2
Enrolment informationTeaching in this unit is delivered over a two-week period. Enrolment for this unit closes on Thursday of Orientation Week. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
NURS2012Professional Practice
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
NURS2013Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability
NURS2016Introduction to Nursing Research
NURS2017Nursing Practices 1
NURS2018Building Healthy Communities through Impactful Partnerships
NURS2005Mental Health Nursing
NURS3006Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
NURS3007Nursing Practices 2
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
HLTH3005Interprofessional Health Practice
NURS3001The Nurse as a Leader
NURS3008Paediatric Health: Conception to Adolescence
NURS3010Nursing Practices III Note 1

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to delivering a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

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Coffs Harbour

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Lismore

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International students studying in Australia

Coffs Harbour

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Gold Coast

Lismore

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway