Course Overview

About This Course

Become a nurse with expertise in the delivery of effective nursing care, with a particular focus on rural and remote healthcare needs. Communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and plan and implement contemporary care at both an individual and community level. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Division 1) registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

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.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Minimum 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)
Graduates of a Diploma of Nursing may receive credit for 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 be granted only for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course
This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with
Alternate pathways available via JCU Prep, Certificate III, Certificate IV or AQF Diploma qualifications
Inherent requirements apply: identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours must be demonstrated during the learning experience

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. 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

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ANMAC

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!

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