Bachelor of Nursing Science

The Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a three-year degree that prepares you to register as a nurse in Australia. You'll study anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, aged care, community health and acute care across the lifespan. Clinical placements are built into every year, starting early, and take place in hospitals, community health centres and aged care settings across the Sunshine Coast and wider Queensland region. The degree is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), which means graduates can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as a Registered Nurse.

Australian bachelor degrees are normally three years full-time, made up of units of study worth credit points. You'll typically complete eight units per year across two semesters, with some universities using trimesters. The course includes a mix of lectures, tutorials, simulation labs and supervised clinical practice. In your final year, you'll usually complete a capstone unit or a professional placement block that consolidates your skills before you graduate. Work-integrated learning is central to nursing, so you'll spend a significant number of hours on placement, meeting the NMBA requirements for registration.

You'll gain hands-on skills in patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, infection control and communication with patients, families and colleagues. You'll also learn to work in teams, prioritise care and respond to emergencies. The degree suits people who want a practical, people-focused career in health. It's a good fit if you're comfortable with science, can handle shift work and want to make a direct difference. International students should check the English language requirements carefully: nursing typically requires IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, with no band below 7.0, or an equivalent accepted by the university. The Student visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after graduation, and while studying you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm current details on the official university page.

• Registered Nurse in public and private hospitals
• Community health nurse
• Aged care nurse
• Mental health nurse
• Paediatric nurse
• Practice nurse in general practice clinics
• School nurse
• Defence force nurse

Graduates work across Australia in hospitals, community health organisations, aged care facilities, schools, correctional health and the Australian Defence Force. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is required to practise as a Registered Nurse.