Bachelor of Nursing

The Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a three-year degree that prepares you to register as a nurse in Australia. You'll study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, aged care, community health and acute care across the lifespan. The curriculum is built around the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council standards, so you graduate ready for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia registration exams.

Australian bachelor degrees are structured around units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll typically complete eight units per year across two semesters, with some universities using trimesters. Notre Dame's nursing degree includes a capstone unit in your final year, where you bring together everything you've learned in a professional practice project. Work-integrated learning is central: you'll complete around 800 hours of clinical placement in hospitals, community health centres and aged care facilities across Western Australia and New South Wales. These placements are supervised by registered nurses and count towards your registration.

The course suits people who want a hands-on career in healthcare, whether you're leaving school, changing careers, or returning to study. You'll need to be comfortable with science, communication and working in teams. English proficiency is required for international applicants: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard, but nursing requires 7.0–7.5. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia.

Notre Dame is known for its small class sizes and personal approach. The nursing programme has strong links with public and private hospitals, and you'll learn from academics who are also practising clinicians. The degree is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always check the official page for the most current details on structure, fees and entry requirements.

• Registered Nurse in public and private hospitals, aged care, community health, mental health and rural health services across Australia.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist after gaining experience and further study, focusing on areas like emergency, paediatrics or oncology.
• Community Health Nurse working in Aboriginal health services, schools or home care.
• Mental Health Nurse in inpatient units, community mental health teams or private practice.
• Aged Care Nurse in residential facilities or home care packages.
• Nurse Educator or Nurse Manager with additional qualifications and experience.

Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, community organisations, government health departments and defence forces. The degree also opens doors to further study, such as a Master of Nursing or a Graduate Certificate in a specialty area.