Bachelor of Nursing

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Nursing is a contemporary and competitive course, developed in close association with the industry to prepare graduates for a career in nursing. It is offered for on campus study and by distance education, with a range of credit packages available.

Developed in close association with the nursing profession and healthcare industries, CSU's Bachelor of Nursing is a fully accredited course and addresses the needs of today's nurse. A rewarding and diverse career path, nursing is a health profession concerned with caring for people of all ages.

CSU plays a leading role in nursing education in Australia, providing clinical education in many areas of nursing. Our students receive a thorough education that balances theory and clinical practice.

This course is offered on campus at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga, or by distance education. The Dubbo Campus offering is available to domestic students only.

An intake for Session 2 is available for domestic distance education students only.

What will I learn?

CSU's Bachelor of Nursing philosophy encompasses primary healthcare, Indigenous health and culture, health challenges, health optimisation, discipline of nursing, clinical nursing practice, social justice, psychosocial sciences and biosciences.

How long will this course take?

The normal duration of the course for full time on campus students is three years with a maximum period of four and a half years.

CSU's Bachelor of Nursing allows for a flexible workload for students choosing to study by distance education. The course can normally be completed within three to four years depending on the amount of credit awarded, with a maximum period of five and a half years.

Residential school for students studying by distance education

Students studying by distance education attend compulsory residential schools held on CSU's campuses for all nursing and science subjects. Residential schools range from two to five days in length for each subject. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they are able to attend all compulsory residential schools and block clinical placements.

Residential school is in mid February for students commencing the course in Session 1 and in June/July for those commencing in Session 2. Please check with the University for residential school dates prior to making your application to ensure you will be able to attend. Residential schools are a requirement for successful completion of the related subject.

Study through CSU Wangaratta

The Diploma of Nursing through Goulburn Ovens TAFE (GOTAFE) provides a pathway to CSU's Bachelor of Nursing. Distance education students from North East Victoria who are completing the Bachelor of Nursing will have the option to select Wangaratta as the location at which they will attend some residential schools. Students may be required to attend residential schools at other CSU campuses, including Albury-Wodonga Campus. 

Credit

Applicants can apply for credit depending on their previous qualifications.

More information about credit and pathways.

Australian Enrolled/Division 2 Nurses

Enrolled/Division 2 nurses who also hold:

• TAFE Diploma in Nursing course No. 4393 will receive a 64 point credit package
• TAFE Certificate IV Course No. 3262 (2008 and beyond) will receive a 40 point credit package
• TAFE Certificate IV Course No. 3228 (prior to 2008) will receive a 24 point credit package

Students who have completed Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse qualifications at TAFE and other institutions outside NSW will have their application for credit assessed on an individual basis by the Undergraduate Courses Director.

Other educational institutions

Students with qualifications from other educational institutions may be awarded credit for one or more subjects. Students will need to provide certified academic transcripts demonstrating successful completion of subjects along with associated documentation that establishes material studied is relevant to a CSU Bachelor of Nursing subject.

To find out which subjects you may be exempt from, visit the Nursing in the CSU Handbook.

Additional admission requirements

Refer to the workplace learning section for information on:

• Immunisation
• National Criminal Record Clearance
• Senior First Aid Certificate
• The Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW requirement

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

National Criminal Record Check

Students may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration under the Child Protection Act 1998 as part of professional experience requirements. These checks are intended to identify people who might, because of convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, put students/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

As such, prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a criminal record clearance or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration may limit practicum opportunities in some organisations and industries. Furthermore, criminal convictions involving violence or sexual offences may limit continued enrolment in a course and/or employment opportunities after completing the course.

If you have any queries regarding these matters, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Director.

Workplace learning

Students experience hands on learning during practical sessions conducted in the CSU's simulated nursing wards.

Students studying on campus will be required to undertake 26 weeks (1040 hours) of clinical practice in various healthcare facilities while distance education students will be required to undertake 20 - 22 weeks (720 to 880 hours) of clinical practice depending on the credit awarded. Study within the University is closely integrated with practical experience gained in healthcare facilities.

While on clinical placement, you will work as part of the healthcare or nursing team and deliver nursing care under the supervision and guidance of your clinical teacher or 'preceptor'. Clinical teachers and preceptors are experienced nurses who will supervise and guide you during all clinical experience placements.

Clinical placements range in length from two to eight weeks. Students are responsible for costs of accommodation and travel to clinical placements and are required to purchase and wear the CSU uniform while on clinical placement.

The Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW requirement

At the point of applying for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN), graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing must supply evidence of good character to the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW. Evidence of any history of criminal convictions indicating ay driving offences such as speeding must be notified to the Board at the time of applying for registration as a nurse (parking tickets are not of interest).

For more information, refer to the Board's requirements for graduation at: www.nmb.gov.au

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health

CSU's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health prides itself on a sound commitment to regional, rural, remote and Indigenous students. The School holds affiliation agreements with a number of other education providers, and has a strong link with the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) of NSW, as well as neighbouring area health services.

These relationships allow teaching staff to be kept up-to-date with what is happening out in the health care sector. It also provides opportunity for our students to gain real world practical experience throughout their studies and ensures our courses continue to meet the needs of the workforce.

The School operates across CSU campuses at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga, and in Ontario, Canada. It delivers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including; the Bachelor of Nursing, which provides entry into nursing practice in NSW for registered nurses, conversion degrees for Australian and international nurses, midwifery, mental health, chronic care nursing and Master and PhD programs.

CSU's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health is very proud of the achievements of its students who feature regularly as University Medallists because of their meritorious academic performance.

Admission requirements

Admission to the course is based on a NSW HSC (or equivalent) ATAR of 70.00. Applications are made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). International students must hold a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to be eligible for admission.

It is recommended that all applicants read the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia standards relating to English language and criminal history checks, which are available on the Board's website.

Non Year 12 applicants who hold Diploma, Certificate IV or an Advanced Enrolled Nurses Certificate from TAFE are also eligible for admission to the course and will be considered in conjunction with relevant post-enrolment experience and/or completion of post-enrolment courses such as College of Nursing courses or specialty ongoing in-service education. All applicants must clearly document the full-time equivalent of their work experience as an Enrolled Nurse.

Please note that the Bachelor of Nursing studied on campus has a clinical practicum in the first six months. As the hepatitis B immunisation takes six months for full vaccination, it is recommended that students commence immunisation as soon as possible in order to undertake clinical placement.

Distance education applications

To be admitted to the course, applicants are required to hold one of the following:

• Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse (TAFE NSW Cert IV in Nursing Course No. 3262) (undertaken from 2008)
• Enrolled Nurse/Division 2 Nurse with a Cert IV or Conversion to Cert IV TAFE NSW Course No. 3228 (undertaken prior to 2008)
• Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse TAFE Diploma in Nursing Course No. 4393
• Enrolled/Division 2 Nurses Advanced Certificate with at least five years' experience and 1 - 2 in-service courses (1 - 2 day course)
• Enrolled/ Division 2 Nurses Hospital Certificate with at least five years experience, evidence of regular continuing education and 3 - 4 in-service courses (1 - 2 day course)
• completion of the equivalent of the first year of the Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Nursing on campus.

Applicants who have completed the equivalent of Session 1 and 2 full-time at CSU, or are eligible for credit, are eligible to apply to   enrol   in Session 3 or later stages of the course.

For those who are an Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse, you must have a current 'Authority to   Practise  ' at the time of admission and this must be maintained throughout the duration of your course. Photocopied evidence of current 'Authority to   Practise  ' as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia and transcript of TAFE studies must be certified and attached to the application form. 

Additional Admission Information  

Required knowledge

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission, however mathematics, biology and English (Standard) are highly recommended as providing a sound foundation for assumed knowledge. The PDHPE and/or chemistry subjects are also highly recommended. 

STUDY LINK offers a fee paying nursing science short course, SSS016 Transition to Nursing Studies and SSS025 Introduction to Bioscience are offered prior to the commencement of the degree. For more information visit STUDY LINK

Darrambal program

CSU's Darrambal Skills Assessment Program offers an alternative admissions program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People interested in university study.

The program is offered through CSU's Indigenous Student Services and provides the opportunity for prospective students to come on campus and attend classes to learn some of the skills essential for success at university, to find out about university life and meet staff in a supportive and caring environment. An assessment then forms the basis of a possible offer into the applicant's choice of course. More information is available on the Darrambal website.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 6.5, and with scores of 6 or higher in each of the individual skill areas within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2