Bachelor of Nursing Science

James Cook University

CRICOS Institution Code 00117J

Duration

156 weeks

Delivery

On-campus and Online (some on-campus attendance required for online students). Moving to Trimester 1 & Trimester 3 (mixed mode available) in 2027.

Study Load

Full time / Part time · 40 hours per week (work component)

Intakes

Townsville: February, September / Cairns: February, September / Mackay: February, September / Mount Isa: February, September / Emerald: February, September

Course Overview

About This Course

Learn how to assess clients, communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, plan and implement nursing interventions, and manage and evaluate nursing care in this professionally-accredited degree. Benefit from extensive supervised professional practice and clinical experience in real world settings from year one. This three year, full-time course focuses on nursing in our northern tropical context. It will prepare you for work as an RN in multiple settings from large metropolitan hospitals to rural and isolated practice clinics. Benefit from JCU's reputation as the Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, and the World Health Organisation's Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research Capacity Building. Graduates will be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Gain credit with a Diploma qualification (Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course):Diploma of Nursing – 8 subjects + Evidence of registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (or one year full-time equivalent study). See the credit calculator to see which subjects are applicable.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

349 Queen St, BRISBANE, QLD 4000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

$5,920+ per year (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Duration

104 weeks

Intakes

Townsville: February, September / Cairns: February, September / Mackay: February, September / Mount Isa: February, September / Emerald: February, September

Study Mode

Full time / Part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

ATAR 66
Recommended Knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C)
Alternate Pathways

International Students:

Recommended Knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C)
English language requirementsIf your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this courseView the international entry requirements for this course

Additional Requirements:

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirement as follows: Academic IELTS - Overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Speaking and a minimum of 6.5 in Writing; or TOEFL Internet-based overall score of 91 with a minimum score of 23 in Writing, 22 in Listening, 22 in Reading and a minimum of 24 for Speaking; or Pearson (PTE Academic) - overall score of 63 with a minimum of 58 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 76 in Speaking and a minimum score of 60 in Writing. Please refer to this website for more information: QTAC Nursing and Midwifery courses/entry . The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requires all applicants seeking initial admission to the Nursing Register upon graduation from their nursing course, to demonstrate the necessary English language skills. See their website at: The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia: The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria
Recommended: English (Units 3/4 C), Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C)
Students are encouraged to undertake JCU Prep if they have not studied recently and/or want assistance making the transition to University studies

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

A JCU Nursing degree prepares you for careers across a range of rural, regional and metropolitan nursing settings.
This unique training will distinguish you from your peers and provide you with the knowledge and skills to excel.
JCU Nursing graduates are known for their skill, care and hard work across Australia and internationally.
Graduates work in a variety of areas, such as metropolitan hospitals, rural and regional centres, government departments and defence, non-government agencies (NGOs) and community health.
The JCU Nursing degree provides you with a strong foundation for future specialisation in areas such as emergency, mental health, aged care, oncology and community health.
Alternatively, you may want to focus on rural and remote practice, health policy, research, management or the education sector.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ANMAC

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

NS1103

Foundations of Professional Practice

NS1104

Fundamentals of Care in Clinical Practice

BM1105

Human Physiology for Nursing and Midwifery

NS1203

Clinical Placement 1

NS1204

First Peoples Health and Cultural Safety

NS1205

Evidence Approaches to Care

NS1303

Values, Ethics and Professional Conduct

NS1304

Integrated Care in Clinical Practice

BM1305

Microbiology and Infection Control for Nursing and Midwifery

NS2103

Clinical Placement 2

NS2104

Mental Health Promotion

NS2105

Person-centred Care Across the Lifespan

NS2203

Navigating Evidence in Healthcare

NS2204

Comprehensive Care in Nursing Practice

BM2205

Pathophysiology in Comprehensive Care

NS2303

Clinical Placement 3

NS2304

Emerging Trends in Healthcare

NS2305

Digital Health Capabilities

NS3103

Clinical Placement 4

NS3104

Complex Care in Clinical Practice

NS3105

Stepping into Professional Practice

NS3203

Clinical Placement 5

NS3204

Capstone: Transition to Professional Practice

NS3205

Nursing Leadership, Policy and Advocacy

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What registration are graduates eligible for upon completing this degree?

Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] are eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Division 1) registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

How many hours of professional practice will I complete during the degree?

Students apply their theoretical knowledge to 880 hours of supervised professional practice in a variety of acute and diverse community health settings, with clinical experience beginning from year one.

Can I study this course online or part-time?

Yes, the course is available online and part-time. Online students should note that some on-campus attendance is required. Part-time study takes 6 years to complete, or 6.5 years for mid-year entry. The course is also moving to Trimester 1 & Trimester 3 (with mixed mode available) in 2027.

What is the minimum ATAR required to enter this course?

The minimum ATAR required for entry is 66. For Semester 1, 2025, the lowest adjusted score offered at JCU Townsville was 66.35, at JCU Cairns was 66.30, and externally (online) was 66.00. Meeting the threshold does not guarantee admission.

Can I receive credit towards this degree if I already hold a Diploma of Nursing?

Yes, credit can be granted for a Diploma of Nursing — specifically 8 subjects plus evidence of registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (or one year full-time equivalent study). Credit will only be granted for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$67,000 – $80,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$80,000 – $95,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$95,000 – $110,000/yr

Career Paths

Graduate Registered Nurse
Enrolled Nurse
Registered Nurse – General Medical / Surgical
Emergency Department Nurse
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / Critical Care Nurse

Key Skills

Clinical assessment and patient observation
Medication administration and pharmacology knowledge
Wound care and infection control procedures
Critical thinking and clinical decision-making
Patient advocacy and person-centred care planning

Full course overview

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