Bachelor of Nursing
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 60.65
Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Bundoora Fees
AU$30,720 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
What you will study
This program 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 program 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 program emphasis is placed on research-based nursing practice.
Industry involvement in the program is extensive and includes: :
- Clinical placements for all students in a variety of healthcare agencies during the program
- Healthcare agencies are also involved in the development and monitoring of the program via program 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. Program elective examples:
- Palliative Care
- Health and Physical Assessment
- Introduction to Advanced Speciality Nursing
- Paediatric Nursing.
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses 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:
- Successful completion of the Diploma of Nursing within the last 5 years,
and - Enrolled Nurse/Division 2 Nursing registration with AHPRA.
Program plan
Plan code: BP032P04
Description: Bachelor of Nursing
Location: Bundoora Campus
Duration: 3 years full time
CRICOS: 023212J
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
*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 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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Applying to plan code BP032P04
VCE Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of any Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Applying to plan code BP032P04D2
Satisfactory completion of an Australian accredited Diploma of Nursing less than 12 months prior to application.
OR
Satisfactory completion of an Australian accredited Diploma of Nursing more than 12 months but less than 10 years prior to their application and registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to male applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
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.
PLEASE 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 Program). 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 program 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.
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): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Policy requirement for successful applicants
Immunisation: Students must receive adequate immunisation for healthcare workers prior to undertaking clinical components of the course.
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 course.
Working With Children Check: Students must hold a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this course.
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.
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
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT honours or postgraduate program.
Graduates may pursue further study in an area of specialisation. RMIT offers:
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 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 2019 is $303.
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 2019 is AU$30,720.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$96,960.
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.