Diploma of Nursing - HLT54115
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Full-time 1.5 years -
Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 7.0
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora
Overview
Real-life, hands on learning in an industry setting with Epworth Healthcare
Students accepted into the C5365EPW stream have the opportunity to study whilst embedded in the Epworth Healthcare environment. See Electives and Program Structure for details.
Your career in nursing
There is a high demand for enrolled nurses, and job expectations are strong. You will help provide acute, preventative, curative and rehabilitative care under the direction of a registered nurse.
How you will learn in this program
You’ll benefit from a technology-enhanced learning experience using simulation laboratories, and a new web-based simulation. This combined with a minimum of 400 hours of work placement ensures that you will graduate work-ready.
Details
Develop the skills to work as an enrolled nurse. You’ll graduate with the skills to provide acute, preventive, curative and rehabilitative care, under the direction of a registered nurse.
As part of your studies, you’ll learn to work with patients of all ages in different environments. There is a focus on aged care, community and mental health.
You’ll also learn how to administer intravenous and other medications and gain skills in acute care which involves medical/surgical nursing skills.
RMIT provides a blended learning environment that includes face-to-face classes, practical lab sessions, and clinical placement, with some online delivery.
You’ll benefit from a technology-enhanced learning experience using simulation laboratories and a new web-based simulation experience.This combined with a minimum of 400 hours of work placement ensures that you will graduate work-ready.
With supervised clinical placements, you'll reinforce the theory and skills learned in class while gaining real-world experience in a healthcare environment.
You will complete a minimum of 400 hours of clinical placement (equivalent of up to 12 weeks).
While undertaking the Diploma of Nursing, students generally attend classes four days per week.
During your first year, you will complete two two-week full-time blocks of clinical placement. In second year, you will complete three two-week blocks.
During your placement, you can expect to work either morning shifts that start at 7am, or afternoon shifts which finish at 10pm, from Monday to Friday. Students should also expect some placements to be in regional Victoria.
RMIT - Epworth Healthcare partnership
RMIT and Epworth have partnered to offer students accepted into the C5365EPW stream the opportunity to undertake professional placement within Epworth Hospital facilities while studying. Students of this stream will be provided with a blended learning experience, including practical placement, face-to-face and online study, as well as self-directed learning. Within a supervised work placement over 18 months, students will reinforce the theory and skills learned through RMIT while gaining real-world experience in a healthcare environment.
Upon completion of this diploma, students of this stream are guaranteed an interview for an ongoing professional role with Epworth Healthcare, including the Epworth Richmond and Freemasons Graduate Program.
Find out more about the RMIT Epworth Healthcare partnership.
Year 1
Your first year of studies will cover:
- basic anatomy and physiology
- wound management
- training in cultural diversity and coping with challenging behaviour
- infection control
- legal and ethical parameters of nursing
- patient assessment.
You will also do five to six weeks of clinical placement.
Year 2
In your second year you will:
- develop analytical skills as you learn to care for patients with acute and chronic conditions
- be introduced to medication and intravenous administration
- learn how to implement nursing care plans and to evaluate the care provided
- complete four to five weeks of clinical placement.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: C5365
National curriculum code: HLT54115
Career
Graduates who complete this course can go on to work in:
- acute (hospital) care
- medical centres
- mental health
- rehabilitation
- palliative care
- aged care settings
The Diploma of Nursing is nationally accredited.
After graduating, you will meet the academic requirements to apply to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for registration as an Enrolled Nurse. The registration requirements are set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and in addition to the academic requirements, include other registration standards. For further details, refer to the NMBA website.
AHPRA is governed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). AHPRA registration enables graduates to practise anywhere in Australia.
Admissions
Entry requirements
- You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12, or an equivalent qualification.
- If you have not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), you may choose to sit a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice in order to be considered for this program. Applicants who wish to supplement their academic record may also choose to sit the STAT Multiple Choice. STAT Multiple Choice applicants must meet the eligibility requirements.
- You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.
- You must meet the English language requirements. See the ‘Selection tasks’ and ‘English language requirements’ headings for further information.
In addition to the above, if you are applying for the Epworth stream (C5365EPW):
- You must successfully complete an admissions interview, if shortlisted. See the ‘Additional information’ heading for further information.
Ranking
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR, GPA or STAT Multiple Choice (including any adjustments).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% average (check calculator below).
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.
After applying for a place in this program, you must also complete and submit the Diploma of Nursing selection task to show that you meet the English language requirements for entry to the program. See the ‘English language requirements’ heading for information on how you can meet this requirement.
VTAC applicants:
- You must register and submit the selection task
Direct applicants:
- The link to submit your selection task will appear on your applicant dashboard a few minutes after you have submitted your application (please refresh the dashboard until it appears).
Your application for the Diploma of Nursing cannot be considered until your selection task has been submitted. As entry to this program is competitive, you are encouraged to submit your selection task as soon as possible after submitting your program application.
Interview – Epworth stream (C5365EPW)
Applicants for the Epworth stream (C5365EPW) who meet the program entry requirements will be ranked in order of merit based on their academic achievement. This ranking will be used to determine who will be shortlisted to attend an interview.
The objective of the interview is to determine an applicant’s suitability for this program by assessing their motivation, resilience and practical ability.
Please note that being shortlisted for, or successfully passing an interview does not guarantee that you will receive an offer. Applicants who successfully pass the interview will be ranked in order of merit based on their academic achievement (e.g., ATAR, GPA or STAT score), and offers will be issued until places are full.
All applicants must provide evidence of one of the following:
- Successful completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in Australia or in any one of the recognised countries*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
OR - Completion of at least 5 years (full time equivalent) of continuous study across secondary, vocational and tertiary education, in Australia or in any one of the recognised countries*. The 5 years of education can be a combination of secondary, vocational and tertiary education, but it must include some vocational or tertiary education (i.e. it cannot be secondary education alone).
OR - Demonstrated achievement of the required minimum scores in one of the following formal English language tests and meeting the requirements for test results:
- 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
The above test results must be within 2 years of the date of application for the Diploma of Nursing program and from one sitting only. If you have achieved these scores over a maximum of 2 test sittings over 6 months, additional requirements apply.
*Recognised countries include Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States of America, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
All applicants must provide evidence of one of the following:
- Successful completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in Australia or in any one of the recognised countries*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
OR - Completion of at least 5 years (full time equivalent) of continuous study across secondary, vocational and tertiary education, in Australia or in any one of the recognised countries*. The 5 years of education can be any combination of secondary, vocational and tertiary education, or it can just be tertiary education.
OR - Demonstrated achievement of the required minimum scores in one of the following formal English language tests and meeting the requirements for test results:
- 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
The above test results must be within 2 years of the date of application for the Diploma of Nursing program and from one sitting only. If you have achieved these scores over a maximum of 2 test sittings over 6 months, additional requirements apply.
*Recognised countries include Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States of America, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
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.
Please note that RMIT University will register students with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and notify the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) if a student undertaking clinical training has an impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm.
Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the program 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.
- Age: All students must be 18 years of age prior to commencing their placements. For students starting studies in Semester 1, they must be 18 years of age before March of the same year. For students starting studies in Semester 2, they must be 18 years of age before August of the same year.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please email louise.roberts@rmit.edu.au.
Pathways
This course offers pathway into further study at RMIT.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Graduates of this course may be eligible for exemptions from the Bachelor of Nursing, subject to meeting the entry requirements.
Graduates completing their program more than twelve months prior to their application but less than 10 years will also require registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
Pathways into the Diploma of Nursing
The completion of the Science Stream of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation may provide a pathway into this program.
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 the Diploma of Nursing you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Nursing with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points).
Applicants for the RMIT Bachelor of Nursing program will be required to meet the new English language skills standard specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Completion of the RMIT Diploma of Nursing may no longer meet this standard and applicants may have to submit current English proficiency test results to meet the new requirement.
English proficiency tests must be taken within two years of the bachelor commencement date.
If you have completed the Diploma of Nursing more than 12 months but less than 10 years prior to your Bachelor of Nursing application, you must be registered as an enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and provide of evidence of this in order to qualify for selection and receive full credit.
Alternatively you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate programs.
Fees
Free TAFE for priority courses
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
2020 fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled-Division 2 nursing) - 2 year duration
- 2020 government subsidised place: AU$8,500* per annum
- 2020 full-fee place: AU$16,500* per annum
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled-Division 2 nursing) - Epworth HealthCare plan, 1.5 year duration
- 2020 government subsidised place: AU$11,333* per annum
- 2020 full-fee place: AU$22,000* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Fee finder
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
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
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Eligibility Exemption criteria
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
Defer your payment
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
Learn more about fees for vocational study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
How does a VET Student Loan work?
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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 see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
Vet Student Loan cap
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
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 2021 is AU$18,500.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$37,750.
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.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.