Diploma of Nursing

The Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TasTAFE suits people who enjoy working with others of all ages and find fulfilment in caring for and assisting people, in a health sector where opportunities continue to grow and nursing graduates see high employment outcomes. This course is the essential minimum requirement to work as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia. Students develop advanced skills in performing clinical assessments, contributing to the care of people with complex needs, administering and monitoring medications and IV therapy, and communicating effectively with patients and colleagues. The course also covers implementing and monitoring care for people with mental health conditions and acute and chronic health conditions, applying principles of wound management, caring for older people, providing end-of-life and palliative care, applying nursing practice in primary health care settings, and working within legal and ethical parameters.

On successful completion of the theoretical and practical simulation training in each phase, students undertake work placement in a health care facility or hospital, with a minimum of 400 hours required to satisfy Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency requirements; shifts include mornings or evenings Monday to Friday. To maintain accreditation with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, all applicants must meet a number of entry standards, including English proficiency. Domestically the course is delivered through mixed learning at Alanvale, Devonport and Clarence, full-time or part-time, at $19,290 subsidised or $22,830 commercial; international students study for 104 weeks (or 80 weeks intensive) in Hobart or Launceston at AUD $29,495. Successful completion can lead to eligibility to apply for Enrolled Nurse registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; TasTAFE does not issue NMBA registration.