Bachelor of Nursing

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Are you seeking a rewarding career in nursing? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Nursing degree is highly regarded and is the foundation of a career in nursing. The on-campus experience includes state-of-the-art learning spaces and prepares you for practice as a registered nurse. Completed in three years of full-time study, our Bachelor of Nursing places a strong focus on the nurse-patient relationship and gives you the skills and confidence to work in various healthcare settings when you graduate. Contact us today to embark on a rewarding career.

• Why study this degree?

  Nursing is essential to modern healthcare, and high-quality, compassionate, respectful care is the benchmark for any world-class healthcare system. Notre Dame recognises nursing as a dynamic, constantly evolving profession and has designed a well-balanced program that delivers a perfect combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience in various clinical settings.

  At Notre Dame, you will be given not only the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a registered nurse, but you will also acquire the ability to think critically, which will help you tackle every challenge you confront. You will also learn to speak up, advocate for people in your care and adhere to the highest ethical standards. These are all highly prized attributes in the nursing profession.

  Notre Dame nursing graduates are regarded as some of the best in Australia and are in demand. The university accepts only a limited number of students into this nursing program each year to ensure that you will be placed into an appropriate hospital or health care setting for your practical experience.

• Program summary

  First Year Courses

  • NURS1037 Foundations of Nursing
  • NURS1038 Human Body 1
  • NURS1039 Health and Wellness
  • NURS1040 Professional Practice 1 (Nursing Practice 1)
  • NURS1041 Human Body 2
  • NURS1042 Research for Practice
  • NURS1043 Professional Practice 2 (Nursing Practice 2)

  Second Year Course Descriptors for Bachelor of Nursing

  • NURS2034 Clinical Therapeutics 1
  • NURS2035 Law and Ethics
  • NURS2036 Professional Practice 3 (Nursing Practice 3)
  • NURS2037 Clinical Therapeutics 2
  • NURS2038 Illness Prevention and Management
  • NURS2039 Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • NURS2040 Professional Practice 4 (Nursing Practice 4)

  Third Year Course Descriptors for Bachelor of Nursing

  • NURS3022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Health
  • NURS3053 Complex Care and Palliation
  • NURS3054 Mental Health Nursing and Professional Practice
  • NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Acute Care)
  • NURS3056 Leadership and Governance
  • NURS3057 Transition to Practice
  • NURS3058 Public and Global Health
  • NURS3059 Professional Practice 6

  Elective Courses Descriptors for Bachelor of Nursing (students enrolling into Stage 6 can choose any two elective courses listed below)

  • NURS3060 Advanced Mental Health Nursing
  • NURS3061 Critical Care Nursing
  • NURS3062 Maternal Care
  • NURS3063 Paediatric Nursing
  • NURS3064 Palliative Care Nursing
  • NURS3065 Perioperative Nursing
  • NURS3066 Rural and Remote Nursing

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Enrolled Nurses Primer Week

  Enrolled Nurses entering the Enrolled Nurse Articulation Pathway are required to complete a Primer Week prior to their first semester. This is a full time 1 week program designed to ‘bridge the gap’ between the Diploma of Nursing and the first year Bachelor of Nursing program, with full attendance required. This course is designed to prepare students for university studies and runs each semester the week before Orientation Week. This week is a requirement for all Enrolled Nurses entering the Enrolled Nurse Articulation Pathway Program.

  For further information please email national.nursing@nd.edu.au

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  OR

  • Successful completion (within previous 6 years) of a Diploma of Nursing, accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), qualifying as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2);

  AND

  • Evidence of registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2).

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Discipline Specific Requirements

  • English language proficiency
    In addition to the English language proficiency requirements set by the University for entry to Notre Dame, Nursing applicants must also meet the English language requirements set by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). This ensures students are eligible to register as a nurse or a midwife upon completion of their studies.
    Students must provide the following in relation to this:
    • A signed declaration that English is their primary language; or
    • Evidence that they have achieved the minimum English language test results as specified in the NMBA’s English language skills registration standard.
  • For further information, see our Nursing English Language Requirements page or refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) website.

  • Enrolled Nurse (Division 2)
    Enrolled Nurses (Division 2) are eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Nursing, and in addition to meeting the English language proficiency requirements, must provide the following:
    • Evidence of successful completion (within the previous 6 years) of a Diploma of Nursing accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
    • Evidence of registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2).
  • Inherent Program Requirements/Fitness for Practice
    In addition to meeting academic requirements for admission into the Bachelor of Nursing, students must also demonstrate a range of inherent requirements necessary for ensuring the provision of safe, ethical nursing care. Refer to relevant Inherent Requirements/Fitness for Practice for futher information.

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  Entry requirements NSW

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Discipline Specific Requirements

  • English language proficiency
    In addition to the English language proficiency requirements set by the University for entry to Notre Dame, Nursing applicants must also meet the English language requirements set by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). This ensures students are eligible to register as a nurse or a midwife upon completion of their studies.
    Students must provide the following in relation to this:
    • A signed declaration that English is their primary language; or
    • Evidence that they have achieved the minimum English language test results as specified in the NMBA’s English language skills registration standard.
  • For further information, see our Nursing English Language Requirements page or refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) website.

  • Enrolled Nurse (Division 2)
    Enrolled Nurses (Division 2) are eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Nursing, and in addition to meeting the English language proficiency requirements, must provide the following:
    • Evidence of successful completion (within the previous 6 years) of a Diploma of Nursing accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
    • Evidence of registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2).
  • Inherent Program Requirements/Fitness for Practice
    In addition to meeting academic requirements for admission into the Bachelor of Nursing, students must also demonstrate a range of inherent requirements necessary for ensuring the provision of safe, ethical nursing care. Refer to relevant Inherent Requirements/Fitness for Practice for futher information.

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

• Learning outcomes

  On completion of the Bachelor of Nursing, graduates should be able to:

  1. Be competent and confident registered nurses who use their knowledge and skills in the ethical care of individuals, families, and communities
  2. Reflect and self-evaluate to be a lifelong learner
  3. Think critically, reason and use judgment in all aspects of nursing practice
  4. Integrate evidence-based practice in all aspects of care and service delivery
  5. Identify the values of the nursing profession and reflect on personal values and beliefs and be empowered to advocate for people in their care; and
  6. Be reflexive practitioners to be culturally competent, empathetic registered nurses.

• Practical component

  The professional practice component provides students with 800 - 1200 hours of full-time clinical experience where they apply nursing theory to practice. To be eligible to attend Professional Workplace Experience, students must meet mandatory requirements set out by state-based accrediting bodies and the University.

  • Professional Practice WA
  • Professional Practice NSW

• Career opportunities

  Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public health sectors; career opportunities range from Aged care, community nursing, critical care, medical and surgical nursing, mental health, nursing speciality areas, palliative care, perioperative nursing, and primary health care.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Nursing is fully accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). A graduate will be eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and become a practising Registered Nurse in any area of nursing as a beginning practitioner.

• Study abroad

  A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  
  

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  
  

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  
  

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Student profile data

  The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Fremantle Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Nursing BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	84	18%
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	99	21%
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	19	4%
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	36	8%
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	44	10%
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	154	33%
  International students	26	6%
  All students	462	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Nursing ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	97.90	99.95
  Median rank to receive an offer	77.10	79.60
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	64.85	70.00

  Sydney Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Nursing BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	23	10%
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	12	5%
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	8	3%
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	<5	N/P
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	47	20%
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	134	57%
  International students	10	4%
  All students	237	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Nursing ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	81.80	86.80
  Median rank to receive an offer	68.50	75.95
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	57.25	70.25

  Notes:  

  “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
  N/A – Students not accepted in this category
  N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

  In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

  Fremantle and Broome Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Email: future@nd.edu.au

  Sydney and Melbourne Phone: +61 2 8204 4404 Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.