Nursing (Graduate Entry)

The Graduate Entry Bachelor of Nursing program at Edith Cowan University offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare by becoming registered nurses. Designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline, this accelerated program enables graduates to develop the essential knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies required for the nursing profession within a condensed timeframe. Throughout the program, students engage in collaborative, evidence-based learning environments that integrate theoretical coursework with practical clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum covers vital areas such as human anatomy and physiology, psychology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, mental health nursing, paediatric nursing, and community health. Emphasis is placed on cultivating critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural competency, and effective communication to prepare graduates for the dynamic and patient-centered nature of contemporary healthcare. The program is delivered through a combination of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, simulation exercises, and hands-on clinical practicum experiences, ensuring students acquire the confidence and competence to provide safe, high-quality nursing care. As graduates of the Edith Cowan University Graduate Entry Nursing program, students are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), allowing them to practice as registered nurses across Australia. The program is supported by expert faculty members, state-of-the-art simulation facilities, and strong industry partnerships, all aimed at fostering a rewarding career in nursing. Graduates are equipped with not only clinical expertise but also leadership skills and a commitment to lifelong learning, positioning them well for advanced practice, research opportunities, or further specialization in the ever-evolving healthcare sector.

The Graduate Entry Nursing program at Edith Cowan University is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in the healthcare sector. This innovative and accelerated course offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients and healthcare environments. The program uniquely caters to individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field and wish to transition into nursing, providing a fast-track pathway into registered nursing practice.

Throughout the program, students engage with a broad range of topics essential to contemporary nursing practice, including human science, nursing fundamentals, health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum emphasizes developing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and effective communication skills, which are vital for delivering high-quality care. Students undertake extensive clinical placements across various healthcare settings such as hospitals, community health services, and aged care facilities. These placements are designed to provide real-world experience, fostering confidence and competence in nursing procedures, patient interactions, and healthcare teamwork.

The program is delivered through a blend of lectures, tutorials, workshops, simulation exercises, and hands-on clinical practice, allowing students to apply their learning in controlled, supportive environments before transitioning to supervised clinical settings. Faculty members are experienced healthcare professionals who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the course, ensuring students are prepared to face the complexities of modern nursing.

Graduates of the Graduate Entry Nursing program at Edith Cowan University are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as registered nurses. Career opportunities are diverse and include roles in hospitals, community health agencies, aged care, mental health services, and primary care. The program also prepares graduates for further specialization, postgraduate study, or leadership positions within the healthcare sector.

This program is committed to fostering a compassionate, culturally aware, and professional nursing workforce capable of delivering patient-centered care in a variety of settings. With a focus on innovation, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning, graduates are well-positioned to contribute positively to Australia's healthcare system and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

University admission requirements apply. All applicants need to have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in any field with a course weighted average mark of at least 60%, or equivalent as recognised by the University. Applicants may also be necessary to have a tertiary level unit in human biology (students who do not meet this condition will soon be asked to undertake a Health Science Preparation application at ECU).Prospective applicants need to submit a cv and a personal statement as part of these application.Meeting the above requirements will not guarantee selection and also in ranking applications prior academic performance and work experience could be considered.In improvement to satisfying ECU minimum English common requirements for this particular course, University admission requirements apply. All candidates should also establish English language proficiency as specified at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's (NMBA) English language skills registration conventional. ( https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx )These requirements are the following:IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in all one of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), orOccupational English Test (OET) with minimum score of B at each one of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), orPearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 at each one of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), orTOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 94 and the subsequent minimum score in each area of the exam:24 to get listening24 for reading,27 for writing, and23 for discussing, orCompletion of at least six years of secondary and primary education taught and evaluated solely in English at a recognised country as characterized by the NMBA (including at least 2 years between years, 7 and 12) with a supporting written statement to confirm your primary language is English, orCompletion of five or more years fulltime equivalent continuous combined secondary or tertiary or vocational schooling taught and evaluated at a recognised country as characterized by the NMBA (over the last seven years), with a supporting written statement to confirm whether your primary language is English. Notice: The 5 yearsdoes notinclude the projected ECU study.Note: English tests must be completed within two years of the proposed course commencement date along with additional requirements might apply in relation to acceptable amount of evaluation sittings and combined scores across evaluation sittings.ECU&rsquo

The Nursing (Graduate Entry) program at Edith Cowan University offers a comprehensive financial structure designed to support domestic and international students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for domestic students are subject to annual review and are aligned with Australian Government regulations and university policies. Currently, the estimated tuition fee for domestic students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Nursing program is approximately AUD 35,000 to AUD 40,000 per year. This fee covers coursework, access to simulation labs, clinical placements, and academic resources necessary for completing the program effectively.

International students are charged higher tuition fees, which typically range from AUD 50,000 to AUD 60,000 annually. These fees contribute to covering the costs of specialized facilities, academic support, and international student services. It is important for prospective students to consult the university’s official website for the most current fee schedules, as these can fluctuate yearly based on inflation, government policies, and institutional adjustments.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider other expenses such as student amenities fees, health insurance (particularly for international students requiring Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC), textbooks, supplies, and living costs. Edith Cowan University provides options for financing studies through scholarships, grants, and loan schemes. Domestic students may be eligible for government-backed student loans under the Australian HELP system, which includes HECS-Help and/or FEE-Help, allowing deferred payment of tuition fees.

International students are advised to budget for additional living expenses, which vary depending on lifestyle but generally range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 annually. The university also offers scholarship programs based on academic merit, equity, and other criteria, which can significantly reduce the financial burden.

Funding opportunities include the Edith Cowan University Scholarships Program, which provides a range of scholarships for both domestic and international students, as well as external funding sources such as government and private sector scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply early, as many funding options are limited and competitive.

Students can also consider part-time work options available on or near campus, subject to visa and Australian employment regulations, to support their financial needs during studies. The university’s student support services offer financial counselling and advice to help students plan and manage their finances effectively.

In summary, financing studies for the Nursing (Graduate Entry) program at Edith Cowan University involves understanding tuition fees, additional living and study-related costs, and exploring available scholarships, government loans, and employment opportunities. Prospective students should review detailed, up-to-date financial information on the university’s official website and contact the university’s admissions or student financial services for personalized guidance and assistance in planning their finances for the duration of the program.

The Bachelor of Science (Graduate Entry) in Nursing at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive program designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and wish to pursue a career in this vital healthcare profession. This innovative program provides a fast-track pathway for graduates from various disciplines to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to become registered nurses. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for real-world healthcare environments. The program covers core areas such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, tailored specifically to the needs of nursing practice.

Students engage in extensive clinical placements across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centers, and aged care facilities. These placements are strategically integrated into the coursework, enabling students to apply their learning under supervision and gradually develop their confidence and competence as practitioners. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, ethical practice, and innovative approaches to patient care. Additionally, it incorporates interprofessional education, fostering collaboration with other health disciplines to reflect the team-based nature of modern healthcare.

The program duration is typically two years of full-time study, with options for part-time study to accommodate working professionals. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), allowing them to work as registered nurses across Australia. The program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), ensuring that it meets national standards for nursing education.

ECU's state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated nursing simulation labs, and experienced faculty members provide an enriching learning environment. The university's strong links with healthcare providers facilitate excellent placement opportunities and exposure to diverse clinical cases. Graduates of the Graduate Entry Nursing program are equipped with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attributes necessary to deliver high-quality nursing care. They are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health services, mental health facilities, and aged care services, both in Australia and internationally. This program offers a valuable pathway for career changers and those seeking to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through health care.