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1.5 Years
Mixed Mode (mandatory one-day online tutorial per week plus mandatory in-person Residential Schools at campus locations)
Full time only · At least 25 hours of study per week throughout the 20-week term, including one mandatory online tutorial day per week
February 2026 | July 2026
Course Overview
Where You Can Study
CQUniversity Cairns, Cairns QLD
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
ASQA
Professional Body
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
ANMAC
Course Content
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Apply communication skills in nursing practice
Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care
Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
Confirm physical health status
Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
Work with diverse people
Implement and monitor care of the older person
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions
Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
Apply principles of wound management
Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes
Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
Analyse and respond to client health information
Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Recognise and respond to oral health issues
Lead team effectiveness
Research and apply evidence to practice
Common Questions
The Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) is a full-time only program completed in 18 months. The course is structured into three stages — Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 — each lasting six months, with each term extending over 20 consecutive weeks.
Work Integrated Learning/Clinical Placement is a mandatory requirement to progress in the course. All students must complete 400 hours of observation of performance in a work context/clinical placement, with placements required during each of the three stages of the course.
Students must attend mandatory Residential Schools in person at CQUniversity's Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg campuses from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Stage 1 requires 5 x 3-day blocks (15 days total), Stage 2 requires 4 x 3-day blocks (12 days total), and Stage 3 requires 4 x 3-day blocks (12 days total).
Students must complete 25 units of competency across the three stages: Stage 1 includes 10 units, Stage 2 includes 10 units, and Stage 3 includes 5 units. Please note that the unit HLTENN040 (Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy) is assessed over both Stage 2 and Stage 3.
HLT54121 may contribute to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's (NMBA) registration requirements to practice as an enrolled nurse. To be eligible to apply for registration, individuals must complete a Diploma of Nursing program accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved as 'an approved program of study' by the NMBA. To confirm the education provider holds the necessary accreditation, students can check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) at www.ahpra.gov.au.
Application
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!
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
