Nursing

Why study a Nursing course?

Nurses promote health and well-being and look after the health care needs of people of all ages and from all cultures. We have an excellent reputation for our nursing education.

Our students are better situated for graduate position offers.

In 2016, two-thirds of participating students were offered employment at the hospitals where La Trobe Clinical Schools are located.*

• We were the first nursing university course in Australia - our first course commencing in 1974.
• We have partnerships with leading Victorian Hospitals.
• We have our own teaching space, referred to as Clinical Schools at The Alfred, Austin Health, Northern Health, Royal Melbourne, Mercy Health and The Women's.
• During your final 18 months you will be located at one of our partner hospitals across Melbourne.
• Our hospital simulation centres help students prepare for the hospital environment.
• Students undertake their clinical placement in hospitals, gaining experience and confidence in complex healthcare.
• Clinical supervision is provided by clinical nurses and midwives delivering patient care as well as academic nursing and midwifery staff from La Trobe.

_{*Graduate Nurse/Midwifery Program Computer Match 2016-Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV).}

Career opportunities in Nursing

Graduates are highly sought after and have transportable skills. You can expect to work in the health care industry, education and government. La Trobe designs its courses with your future career in mind and partners with a range of professional organisations for accreditation and registration. Refer to the detail for each course below to see what professional registration and membership options exist or see registration standards.

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

Your study experience

Alternative pathways

Domestic

We offer the following pathways (timeframes approximate):

• Three-year (360 credit point) undergraduate nursing degree for applicants with a VCE or approved equivalent.
• Two-year (240 credit point) graduate entry program for students with an Australian Bachelor degree qualification or approved international equivalent
• Two-year (240 credit point) enrolled nurse course for Australian enrolled nurses with an Australian Certificate IV in Nursing
• 18 month (195 credit point) enrolled nurse course for Australian enrolled nurses with an Australian Diploma in Nursing
• One-year (120 credit point) internationally Registered Nursing pathway for Internationally Registered Nurses holding a minimum three-year Diploma of Nursing with a B grade average, and one year work experience as a registered nurse.
• Two-year (240 credit point) internationally Registered Nursing pathway for Internationally Registered Nurses holding a minimum three-year Diploma of Nursing, with less than a B grade average and/or less than one year work experience.

Students who complete the 18-month, 1 and 2 year pathways must also complete the Transition to the Bachelor of Nursing subject.

Students who successfully complete any of the above pathways are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

International

We offer the following pathways (timeframes approximate):

• Three-year (360 credit point) undergraduate nursing degree for applicants with a VCE or approved equivalent
• Two-year (240 credit point) graduate entry program for students with a relevant Australian Bachelor degree qualification or approved international equivalent
• Two-year (240 credit point) enrolled nurse course for Australian enrolled nurses with an Australian Certificate IV in Nursing
• 18 month (195 credit point) enrolled nurse course for Australian enrolled nurses with an Australian Diploma in Nursing
• One-year (120 credit point) internationally Registered Nursing pathway for Internationally Registered Nurses holding  a minimum three-year  Diploma of Nursing with a B grade average, and 1  year work experience as a registered nurse.
• Two-year (240 credit point) internationally Registered Nursing pathway for Internationally Registered Nurses holding a minimum three-year Diploma of Nursing, with less than a B grade average and/or less than 1 year work experience.

Students who complete the 18-month, 1 and 2 year pathways must also complete the Transition to the Bachelor of Nursing subject within their study plan.

Students who successfully complete any of the above pathways are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Clinical Schools

A considerable proportion of a nurse's undergraduate education is spent in the clinical setting and the Division has established clinical schools at four different hospitals around Victoria.

Nursing placements

Students studying nursing and midwifery will undertake placements throughout the course. These may be located in metropolitan or rural areas, interstate, and sometimes overseas. It should be noted that students may be required to complete clinical placements outside of university semester time.

Australian College of Nursing Scholarships

The Australian College of Nursing Australia has a Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme available which is funded by the Australian Government. For details, eligibility and applications visit the ACN web site.

Nursing International Programs

The Bachelor of Nursing (Post-registration) is also conducted in Singapore in conjunction with the Singapore Nurses Association and in Hong Kong in collaboration with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. La Trobe designs its courses with your future career in mind and partners with a range of professional organisations for accreditation and registration in Australia and overseas. Refer to the detail for each course to see what professional registration and membership options exist.

For further information about the Hong Kong Bachelor of Nursing program please visit the Chinese University of Hong Kong web site.

For further information about the Singapore Bachelor of Nursing program please visit the Singapore Nursing Association web site.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

About the academic staff

View all the staff from the College of Science, Health and Engineering.