Nursing

Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to equip graduates with the competencies required to provide safe, effective, and compassionate nursing care across diverse clinical settings. Throughout the course, students engage with contemporary healthcare issues, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care models, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the nursing profession. The curriculum covers foundational topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, along with specialized areas including mental health, community health, pediatrics, and aged care. Students have opportunities for hands-on clinical placements in hospitals, community health services, and aged care facilities, which are integral to their learning experience and professional development. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and communication skills essential for effective nursing practice. The University of Southern Queensland’s supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and experienced academic staff foster a dynamic educational experience that bridges theory and practice. Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing program are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and pursue diverse career pathways in hospitals, community health, aged care, mental health, and beyond. The program also offers pathways to postgraduate study for students interested in specialization, research, or advanced clinical roles. By choosing this program, students commit to a profession dedicated to improving health outcomes and making a positive impact on individuals and communities through compassionate and evidence-based nursing care.

Program structure

Courses to be studied Units

Core courses24

inc 840 hours clinical experience

Total24 

Course codeCourse name

Core Courses:

BIO1203Human Anatomy and Physiology

CMS1008Building Professional Nursing Attributes A1

MAT1008Building Professional Nursing Attributes B1

NSC1500Biophysical Sciences in Health

NSC2500Pharmacology and Pathophysiology in Health

NUR1099Professional Nursing for Older People

NUR1120Social Determinants of Health

NUR1140Responsible Nursing Practice

NUR1200Concepts in Patient Care

NUR2000Medications: Theory and Practice

NUR2100Episodes of Nursing Practice

NUR2199Clinical AA Situated Practice

NUR2200Mental Health Nursing Care

NUR2300Research Methods for Nursing

NUR2400Nursing Models of Care

NUR2499Clinical B: Nursing Care in Context2

NUR2800Simulated Practice

NUR3010Rehabilitation in Community Settings

NUR3020Transition to Professional Practice

NUR3030Indigenous Health and Cross Cultural Care

NUR3099Clinical D: Nursing for Communities2

NUR3120Nurses as Leaders in Health Care Settings

NUR3200Managing Complex Care

NUR3499Clinical E: The Beginning Practitioner2

NUR3599Clinical C: Nursing Care for Mental Health2

Footnotes

1 This course is worth 0.5 unit.

2 Quotas exist for clinical courses. Enrolment is Semester 3 clinical courses is with permission only and preference is given to students finishing with the Accelerated Progression.

Entry requirements

• Year 12 English (4 SA) or equivalent
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Multi-strand Science is recommended
• Mathematics knowledge is also recommended

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

OP/Rank

The 2015 OP/Rank for this program is: 15/67

International entry requirements

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Pre-requisites

Year 12 Senior Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution. Find your country's level of qualificationand minimum entry requirements for this program.

• Year 12 English (4 SA) or equivalent
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Multi-strand Science is recommended
• Mathematics knowledge is also recommended

The University of Southern Queensland offers a comprehensive approach to financing studies in their Nursing programs, aimed at supporting both domestic and international students throughout their academic journey. Funding options primarily include government schemes, scholarships, and financial aid programs designed to make nursing education accessible and affordable. Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which significantly reduce tuition fees as the government subsidizes a portion of the study costs. Additionally, students enrolled in full-fee-paying programs have the option to access various financing arrangements such as payment plans or upfront payment discounts. International students are usually required to pay full tuition fees, which vary depending on the specific program and specialization.

Scholarships are available specifically for nursing students to recognize academic excellence or provide support to those facing financial hardship. These scholarships are awarded based on merit, community involvement, or financial need, and can significantly offset the cost of tuition and related expenses. The university also participates in government financial aid programs like Vocational Education and Training (VET) student loans, which can assist eligible students in acquiring funding for their studies. Furthermore, there are external scholarship opportunities offered by government agencies, health industry organizations, and charitable foundations that nursing students can apply for depending on their circumstances.

Students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities in health-related settings, as practical experience often coincides with their studies and can also provide financial benefits. The university’s Student Services department offers financial counseling and advice to help students plan their budgets and manage costs effectively. For students enrolled in postgraduate nursing programs, specific scholarship opportunities and financial assistance options are also available, tailored to support advanced practice education. Overall, the University of Southern Queensland aims to provide flexible and accessible financing options to support students' educational and career aspirations in nursing, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from entering the healthcare workforce.

The Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland is a comprehensive degree program designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in healthcare. This program focuses on the development of essential nursing skills, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice to ensure graduates are well-equipped to provide high-quality care in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum merges theoretical knowledge with practical experience, fostering a deep understanding of human health, illness, and the complexities of patient care. Students gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology, alongside specialized subjects such as adult health nursing, mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, and community health. Through supervised clinical placements, students apply their classroom learning in real-world environments, working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in hospitals, community clinics, and aged care facilities. The program emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, cultural competence, and effective communication, preparing graduates to work responsibly within multidisciplinary teams. The Bachelor of Nursing adheres to national accreditation standards, ensuring qualification recognition across Australia and internationally. The university offers flexible learning options, including full-time and part-time study, with some courses available online to accommodate working students or those with other commitments. Graduates of the program are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), enabling them to practice as registered nurses. Career pathways following graduation include employment in hospitals, community health services, aged care, mental health facilities, and primary healthcare settings. The program also offers pathways for further study, such as postgraduate qualifications in nursing specialties, midwifery, or healthcare management. University support services, including academic advising, simulation laboratories, and access to clinical placement coordinators, are available to assist students throughout their studies. The Bachelor of Nursing at USQ is committed to producing innovative, compassionate, and professional nurses who are ready to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems locally, nationally, and globally.