Course structure

Incorporating a clinical work placement, this hand-on qualification provides you with the nursing skills and knowledge required to be eligible for registration with the Australian national nursing and midwifery regulatory authority.

Special note: Prior to undertaking clinical work placements all students must obtain a Victorian Police Check, a Working with Children clearance (WWC) and prescribed vaccinations.

A list of required vaccinations will be supplied by the Institute.

Students will be responsible for the costs associated with requirements.

If placements are undertaken outside of metropolitan Melbourne any accommodation costs that may be incurred will be the responsibility of the student.

This qualification covers the application of nursing skills and knowledge required to be eligible for registration with the Australian national nursing and midwifery regulatory authority.

In a typical week, Diploma of Nursing students will usually attend classes three days per week with approximately 60 percent theory and 40 percent coursework practical placement.

Classes will be scheduled between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

Coursework practical placement is usually shift work, Monday to Friday, typically between the hours of 7am to 3:30pm and 1pm to 9:30pm, but may vary between health providers.

The teaching methods used include lectures, class discussions, flexible delivery, group work and coursework practical placement.

The assessment methods include tests, assignments, class presentations, posters, reports, skills assessment, work sheets and coursework practical placement.

Modes of Study

Major study areas

• Occupational health and safety
  
• Infection prevention
  
• Cultural diversity
  
• Indigenous health
  
• Law and ethics
  
• Client assessment
  
• Wound management
  
• Medications
  
• Professional nursing
  
• Communications skills
  
• Critical thinking
  
• Mental health
  
• Chronic health
  
• Older clients
  
• Australian healthcare system
  
• First aid
  
• Electrocardiography
  
• Develop work priorities
  
• Caring for diabetes
  
• Palliative care

Books and Equipment (AUD$)

Included in the tuition fee, however students will need to purchase their own stationery

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. You may be required to attend an interview in person or Skype with the teaching department.

Numeracy Skills:

• Minimum 60% pass in mathematics in Australian Year 12 equivalency or higher
  OR
  Sit the BKSB numeracy assessment with a minimum level 4 score (off-shore)
  OR
  Sit the VETASSESS numeracy assessment with a minimum score of 21 (on-shore)

English Language Skills:

• You achieve the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and meet the requirements for test results specified in this standard:

a. the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
NOTE: We will only accept test results:

• from one test sitting, or
• a maximum of two test sittings in a six month period only if:
  
  • you achieve a minimum overall Score of 7 in each sitting, and
    
  • you achieve a minimum score of 7 in each component across the two sittings, and
    
  • no score in any component of the test is below 6.5

  b. the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
  NOTE: We will only accept test results:

  • from one test sitting, or
  • a maximum of two test sittings in a six month period only if:
    
  • you are tested in all four components in each sitting, and
    
  • you achieve a minimum score of B in each component across the two sittings, and
    
  • no score in any component of the test is below C.

  NOTE: OET is not applicable for chiropractic, osteopathy and psychology as OET has not yet developed a specific test for these professions.

  c. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
  NOTE: We will only accept test results:

  • from one test sitting, or
  • a maximum of two test sittings in a six month period only if:
    
  • a minimum overall score of 65 is achieved in each sitting, and
    
  • you achieve a minimum score of 65 in each of the communicative skills across the two sittings, and
    
  • no score in any of the communicative skills is below 58
    
  • Recognised country means one of the following: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.

  d. the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:

  • 24 for listening
  • 24 for reading
  • 27 for writing, and
  • 23 for speaking

  NOTE: We will only accept test results:

  • from one test sitting, or
  • a maximum of two test sittings in asix month period only if:
    
  • a minimum total score of 94 is achieved in each sitting, and you achieve a minimum score of 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking across the two sittings, and
    
  • no score in any of the sections is below:
    > 20 for listening
    > 19 for reading
    > 24 for writing, and
    > 20 for speaking

  e. other English language tests approved by the Board from time to time and published on the Board’s website with the required minimum scores.

February, May and August.

Students can undertake further studies at the university level.

Graduates may seek employment as a:

• Enrolled nurse (subject to registration with AHPRA) may gain employment in aged care facilities, hospitals, general medical practice, and community nursing.
  
• See NMBA for registration requirements, Click here

Apply