Nursing is a childhood dream for many people. If you decide to turn it into a career, you can expect to encounter people during the most difficult or exciting time in their life. Without question, nursing is both a rewarding and versatile career.
There are two types of nurses in Australia:
- registered (Division 1) nurses, who provide a full range of nursing care to patients, including administering medication; and
- enrolled (Division 2) nurses, who provide a limited range of nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Which course is right for you?
To be a registered nurse in Australia you must complete a bachelor degree at university. You will find courses in all major cities and centres across the country, so you will have a range of locations, lifestyles and climates to choose from.
These degrees have an emphasis on clinical practice. In first year, you will start with foundation studies in the human sciences and nursing practice. Your second year will include more practical training, and your third year will mostly be spent on the job.
To be an enrolled nurse, you must complete a certificate IV or diploma qualification at a vocational education and training (VET) institution. You can expect to study two years full time, which will include work placements.
Advance your skills through postgraduate study
If you have a degree in another discipline there are a small number of postgraduate degrees, usually requiring two years of full-time study, available to you.
Most postgraduate courses are designed for people already working in the field. You can change your career path through specialisations such as mental health nursing, aged care (a growing field), education, critical care and emergency or paediatrics.
You could also choose the nurse practitioner specialisation, available through masters programs around the country. This delivers advanced practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
Australian-qualified nurses often work overseas. Whether you choose a degree or VET qualification, make sure that your course leads to a nursing licence in at least one state or territory in Australia. That way, it is more likely to be recognised in countries overseas. Contact your local authorities to make sure.
Whether you want to explore this newest frontier or the most traditional roles in this very special and expanding field, Australia is an excellent place to begin your journey.
Use our Search function to find a list of Australian institutions offering qualifications in this field.