Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2013

Bachelor of Nursing (pre-registration)

Course code/s: Albury-Wodonga (HBNPRW), Bendigo (RBN), Melbourne (HBN), Mildura (HBNM), Shepparton (HBNUP)

Course Coordinator: Dr Jo-Anne Rayer

Contact: ph (03) 9479 5815 email health@latrobe.edu.au

Duration: 3 years full-time

The Bachelor of Nursing (pre-registration) is a three-year, full time, 360 credit point pass degree leading to registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioners Agency (AHPRA). Graduates will also meet the University and Faculty of Health Sciences graduate capabilities. The course is offered at the Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura and Shepparton campuses.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing (pre-registration) will attain competency standards for Registered Nurses as set out by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and meet the University and Faculty of Health Sciences graduate capabilities.

This course is designed to foster intellectual development, critical thinking and continuing professional development. Graduates will gain a commitment to research and evidence-based practice to enable them to make ethical practice decisions which ensure quality outcomes. Graduates will be accountable, reflective nurses committed to respond to societal needs and participate in social change, health promotion and disease prevention. The on-campus Clinical Learning Unit enables students to practise and develop clinical skills using simulation learning methods in a supportive environment. Students have the opportunity to be based at one of our innovative Clinical Schools.

Students are eligible to apply for a short and/or one-semester international exchange study program with one of our collaborative educational partners.

Graduate nurses will be, by virtue of their increased clinical learning opportunities and enhanced research preparation, able to practise in a broad range of settings with greater opportunity to lead, manage time and organise their work.

Clinical experience

Nursing practicum subjects are offered throughout the course to complement theory and to establish skill competency. To meet the registration requirements of the NMBA, students must satisfactorily achieve a range of competencies in the area of clinical practice. Clinical placements may be required in a range of metropolitan, rural and interstate settings. Clinical placements may be required outside of semester and normal business hours. For information on the Faculty's placement policy, please visit our website.

Clinical requirements

Prior to commencing your first clinical placement, students are required to produce evidence of completion of:

  • First Aid Level II Certificate (A$160)
  • Immunisation requirements (A$250-470)
  • National Police Certificate (dated the year your clinical placement is to take place). This is an annual check and must be updated yearly (A$15.50)
  • Working With Children Check (no cost)
  • Students should allow approximately A$300 for a uniform and equipment. All prices are approximate and are subject to change.

Honours

An additional year of study is available at honours level of 120 credit points. Students who have achieved a Weighted Average Mark of 75% or greater, across their final year of study will be considered. This is also available to external candidates who meet the prerequisite requirements.

Professional recognition

Graduates seeking registration must apply with the AHPRA and meet the NMBA's registration standards. Please note that the NMBA has set an English Language Skills standard of IELTS 7 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking. After registration, graduates may be eligible for registration in other countries, as well as membership of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.  For further information about these requirements, please visit the NMBA website at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au. Students enrolled in this program will also be registered as students with the NMBA by La Trobe University at no cost.

Course structure

First year
Teaching period Subject code Subject title Credit points
TE-SEM-1 HBS1HBA Human Biosciences A 15
TE-SEM-1 HLT1IPA Interprofessional Practice A 15
TE-SEM-1 HLT1PHW Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing 15
TE-SEM-1 PHE1IDH Individual Determinants of Health 15
TE-SEM-2 HBS1HBB Human Biosciences B 15
TE-SEM-2 HLT1IPB Interprofessional Practice B 15
TE-SEM-2 PHE1SDH Social Determinants of Health 15
TE-SEM-2 NSG1ENC Essential Nursing Care 15
Second year
Teaching period Subject code Subject title Credit points
TE-SEM-1 NSG2ACA Acute Care A 30
TE-SEM-1 NSG2MIN Medications in Nursing 15
TE-SEM-1 NSG2CAD Clinical Assessment & Decisions 15
TE-W30-44 or SEM-2 NSG2ACB Acute Care B 30
TE-W30-44 or SEM-2 NSG2MHN Mental Health Nursing 15
TE-W30-44 or SEM-2 NSG2COM Community Nursing 15
Third year
Teaching period Subject code Subject title Credit points
TE-SEM-1 NSG3CCN Complex Care Nursing 30
TE-SEM-1 NSG3NOP Nursing Older Person 15
TE-SEM-1 NSG3PTN Professional Transitions in Nursing 15
TE-SEM-2 NSG3CPC Clinical Practice Consolidation 30
TE-SEM-2 NSG3MCC Managing Chronic Conditions 15
TE-SEM-2 NSG3CIN Challenging Interactions in Nursing 15

Note that the teaching period in which a subject is offered may change.