Bachelor of Nursing
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Bundoora
Overview
What you will study
This degree consists of theoretical and practical content which will develop your skills and enable you to practise as a registered nurse in Australia.
Your career in nursing
Nurses make a difference to people’s lives every day. Working across many different communities, registered nurses are in high demand across diverse roles in a vital global industry.
Details
Graduate with the theoretical and clinical skills to start your career as a registered nurse.
Major areas of study include foundational nursing care, acute care nursing, and mental health nursing.
Theoretical content is supported with nursing practice laboratories, clinical simulation and clinical practice.
Other areas of study include anatomy and physiology and complex care nursing in both acute care and mental health settings with an emphasis on research-based practice.
RMIT’s nursing degree prepares you for diverse and complex healthcare environments through academic excellence, innovative research and clinical practice.
Major areas of study include:
- anatomy and physiology
- community care nursing
- foundational nursing care
- continuing care nursing
- high dependency nursing
- medical surgical nursing
- mental health nursing
This degree features:
- clinical practice in each year, in a range of clinical settings across metropolitan and rural areas
- clinical laboratories, giving you extended access to the labs to practise your nursing skills
- mental health nursing courses
- a core indigenous health course
- professional development support to prepare you for graduate employment
This degree combines theory, nursing laboratory skills, clinical simulation and clinical practice to ensure you are job-ready at graduation.
It provides a thorough grounding in biosciences and evidence-based care.
You'll also gain skills in caring for people in acute care settings, such as medical, surgical, and mental health nursing, as well as specialised areas of nursing practice.
You'll develop skills in our interactive nursing laboratories using high-fidelity simulation and gain experience in a diverse range of clinical placements. Together, this ensures you can provide the best healthcare to patients when you graduate.
You'll have the opportunity to undertake 20 weeks of clinical practice in a range of healthcare settings, including major metropolitan and/or rural hospitals and the community sector.
Throughout the course emphasis is placed on research-based nursing practice.
Industry involvement in the course is extensive and includes:
- Clinical placements for all students in a variety of healthcare agencies during the course
- Healthcare agencies are also involved in the development and monitoring of the degree via course advisory groups
- Clinical staff from healthcare agencies are directly involved with clinical supervision of students.
Year 1
You'll study biosciences, fundamentals of nursing practice, essentials of health care in Australia and undertake clinical practice.
Year 2
You'll extend the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and focus on caring for people in acute care settings, such as medical, surgical and mental health nursing.
Year 3
You'll acquire further knowledge and skills in general and more specialised areas of nursing practice. A professional development seminar will prepare you for working as a registered nurse.
You will also have the opportunity to select one elective in an area that interests you for a broader learning experience. Course elective examples:
- Palliative Care
- Health and Physical Assessment
- Introduction to Advanced Speciality Nursing
- Paediatric Nursing.
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a course such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the subjects our students are currently studying.
Plan code BP032P04 is available only to VCE graduates who meet the entry requirements.
Plan code BP032P04D2 is available only to students who have completed the following prerequisites:
- have successfully completed an Australian accredited Diploma of Nursing less than 10 years prior to application; and
- are registered as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia..
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP032
Career
Working with a range of healthcare professionals, nurses are involved in the care of individuals, families and communities.
Nurses use their clinical judgement to advocate and promote safe healthcare environments. They are also involved in education and research, shaping health policy and approaches to patient care.
Nurses perform complex assessments of the physical and psychological needs of patients and put together care plans for their treatment and recovery.
They assist medical staff who perform invasive or complex procedures, educate patients to promote self-care and health, perform clinical tasks such as wound management and medication administration, and supervise other nurses or healthcare workers.
They can also specialise in a range of areas including emergency, paediatrics, cardiology, education, mental health, aged care, critical care, oncology and public health.
Nurses work in hospitals, general practices, aged-care facilities and community care. They work across a wide range of fields including:
- emergency
- mental health
- neonatal
- orthopaedic
- paediatric
- rehabilitation
- oncology
- critical care
- aged-care
Career outlook
Nursing is an essential profession with a high number of employees in Australia and around the world.
Graduates will have excellent employment prospects in a diverse range of metropolitan, rural, remote, and overseas healthcare settings, including:
- public and private hospitals
- community and public health
- acute care nursing
- mental health nursing
- aged-care nursing
- specialty support services
- industry and school health nursing
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- public and private acute care hospitals
- community mental health organisations
- healthcare organisations in other countries.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 1 and 2 a satisfactory completion of any Mathematics or units 3 and 4 any Mathematics and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Note: you should apply to plan code BP032P04
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 1 and 2 a satisfactory completion of any Mathematics or units 3 and 4 any Mathematics and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You should apply to the plan code BP032P04D2 if you:
- have successfully completed an Australian accredited Diploma of Nursing less than 10 years prior to application; and
- are registered as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four subjects at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 1 and 2 a satisfactory completion of any Mathematics or units 3 and 4 any Mathematics and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Immunisation and vaccination requirements
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component)
- Poliomyelitis: primary course of 3 vaccination doses
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity
- Hepatitis A: primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab
- Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml
- Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
- Influenza Vaccination: annual requirement
- Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.
Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.
Working with Children Check
You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.
Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.
National police record check
You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 25 in one but no more than four of Biology, Chemistry, Health And Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Australian Politics, Global Politics or Psychology equals 1.5 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 7 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below)
You may also be considered if you have satisfactorily completed a Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia certified Diploma of Nursing within the last 10 years and have registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Applicants applying for semester 2 intake must successfully complete one of the following:
- An Australian accredited Diploma of Nursing program within 12 months of their commencement of the Bachelor of Nursing program
OR - An Australian accredited Diploma of Nursing program more than 12 months but less than 10 years from their commencing the Bachelor of Nursing program AND register as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (academic module): Minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
- OET: Minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
- PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
- TOEFL Internet based test (iBT): Minimum total score of 94 and a minimum score in each section of the test:
- 24 for listening
- 24 for reading
- 27 for writing
- 23 for speaking
Policy requirement for successful applicants
Immunisation: Students must receive adequate immunisation for healthcare workers prior to undertaking clinical components of the program.
Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful Victorian Police Records Check, for each calendar year of enrolment, prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Working With Children Check: Students must hold a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Additional information: Students must comply with the University and facility professional requirements such as behaviour dress and attendance while on clinical placement and for on-campus simulation and laboratory sessions.
In order to practise in Australia, graduates must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Registered Nurse. To be eligible to register, graduates from countries where English is not the first or only language will be required to provide evidence of English language competence, e.g. minimum IELTS score of 7 in each of the four bands. Applicants should refer to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website for further information.
Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the Bachelor of Nursing degree must meet a number of Immunisation and Compliance requirements upon commencement of their studies in the program.
Immunisations and vaccination requirements
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – Adult Dose). Must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component).
- Poliomyelitis: Primary course of 3 vaccination doses.
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity.
- Hepatitis A: Primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab.
- Hepatitis B: Primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml.
- Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
- Influenza Vaccination: Annual requirement.
- Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity.
Note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete and students should contact their Medical Practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that students will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the University.
Compliance requirements
- Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your degree). National Police records check are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the degree have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
- Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please email SHBS.wil@rmit.edu.au.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Pathways
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT honours or postgraduate degree.
Graduates may pursue further study in an area of specialisation. RMIT offers:
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$32,640.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$102,720.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.