How to become a nurse in Australia:
Introduction:
How to become a nurse in Australia: Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing essential support, compassion, and expertise to patients and their families. In Australia, the demand for skilled nurses is ever-growing, offering a rewarding career path that combines clinical knowledge with the human touch. Whether you’re interested in working in hospitals, community health, or specialised fields, becoming a nurse allows you to make a real difference every day.
(How to Become a Nurse – Qualification, Skills, Career Data)
Becoming a nurse
In Australia there are two main types of nurses: a Registered Nurse (RN) and an Enrolled Nurse (EN).
What is the difference between a Registered Nurse and an Enrolled Nurse?
A Registered Nurse has completed a Bachelor of Nursing, which provides comprehensive training in clinical skills, patient care, and medical knowledge. RNs have a broader scope of practice, allowing them to perform complex procedures, make critical decisions, and take on leadership roles within healthcare teams. They are often responsible for developing and managing patient care plans, administering medications, and supervising other nursing staff, including Enrolled Nurses.
An Enrolled Nurse, on the other hand, has completed a Diploma of Nursing, which takes less time than a bachelor’s degree. ENs work under the supervision of RNs and other healthcare professionals. Their duties include providing basic patient care, such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and administering medications as directed by an RN. While they have a more limited scope of practice compared to RNs, Enrolled Nurses play an essential role in delivering hands-on care and supporting the overall healthcare team.
Both RNs and ENs are vital to the healthcare system, each bringing their unique skills and expertise to ensure patients receive quality care.
Where do nurses work?
Nursing is an essential profession with a high number of employees in Australia and around the world. As a nursing graduate, you have excellent employment prospects in a diverse range of metropolitan, rural, remote, and overseas healthcare settings, including:
• Public and private hospitals
• Community and public health
• Acute care nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Aged-care nursing
• Specialty support services
• Industry and school health nursing
• Healthcare organisations in other countries.
There are two ways to become a nurse in Australia.
1) Study bachelor’s or master’s Degree
2) OBA pathwa
1)First, we will talk about study option
1.1) Study Bachelor or Master of Nursing in Australia – To become a Registered Nurse in Australia, you must successfully complete a Bachelor or Master of Nursing degree accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
To become an Enrolled Nurse in Australia, you must successfully complete a Diploma of Nursing.
Before you begin your course, you must show evidence of a completed adult vaccination program and obtain both a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. These checks must remain current throughout your entire course.
Requirement:
If you want to choose the first option to study in Australia, you are required to:
1) Academic requirement: Completion of 12th grade with Biology and good marks (65% to 85%, depending on the university), or a BSc Nursing degree.
2) English language requirement: PTE or IELTS accepted with a 7-band equivalent in all modules. Please visit the university website for the most up-to-date requirements.
3) Additional requirement: Refer to the specific university website for any additional requirements.
Australian universities are known for their high academic standards and quality controls. Nursing courses in Australia provide students with a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for building successful nursing careers. All courses are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). As Australia is at the forefront of medical research and technological advancements in healthcare, nursing students have the opportunity to learn from and contribute to cutting-edge research, gaining exposure to a variety of healthcare technologies.
Popular types of nursing courses
• Nursing diploma
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Master of Nursing
• Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Nursing
Top Five Nursing Universities in Australia
Learn more about Australia’s leading nursing courses (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) below.
1. The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is one of the top nursing universities in Australia, ranking 14th globally for nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). The Sydney Nursing School offers a 98% employment rate after graduation, and students are taught by leading clinicians and researchers, making them knowledgeable and globally aware of nursing practices.
The B.Sc Nursing is available in undergraduate, postgraduate, and research specialisations such as nutrition and dietetics, emergency nursing, intensive care nursing, and more. The nursing degree prepares students to work in public and private healthcare systems, community care centres, drug and alcohol care centres, among others. The NSW Department of Health operates and monitors clinical placements.
Popular nursing course: B.Sc Nursing (advanced studies)
Entry requirements: Secondary/tertiary education with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, TOEFL – 90, or Pearson’s Test of English – 68 in each band.
2. Monash University
Monash University’s Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences department ranks third in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023. The university’s objective is to educate and equip students to be the best nurses and midwives who can positively impact the healthcare world. Courses are designed to offer practical skills, using evidence-based industry and consumer-informed research. According to the latest statistics submitted by the university, around 95% of graduates have gained employment through entry-to-practice programs.
Popular nursing course: Master of Nursing
Entry requirements: Graduate in nursing with a qualified English proficiency test.
3. University of Technology Sydney
The University of Technology Sydney’s Faculty of Nursing offers courses led by a dynamic and highly qualified teaching staff with exceptional professional experience in clinical, education policy, and research roles. It is known as a leader in nursing education and research.
Courses are available part-time and full-time in various specialisations like health service management, acute care, reproductive health, and more. The department is affiliated with over 100 clinical facilities across NSW, which provide clinical placements for students and help build a professional network.
Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
Entry requirements: Must have completed secondary education and meet the required English language proficiency.
4. The University of Melbourne
Enrolling in nursing at the University of Melbourne will expand your knowledge and skills to develop your career across several specialisations. Nursing coursework at the university provides students with enhanced learning outcomes while meeting the requirements identified by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council for practice as a registered nurse. It offers an integrated curriculum that combines the study of clinical practices with theoretical education.
At the end of the program, students will be able to practice effectively in health promotion and health education roles. After successfully completing the course, graduates can work as nurse educators, nurse unit managers, or clinical nurse consultants.
Popular nursing course: Master of Nursing
Entry requirements: Excellent academic record with a qualified English proficiency test.
Next Blog: About the OBA Pathway
In this blog, we will discuss the OBA (Outcome Based Assessment) pathway, a route where you do not need to study in university or spend thousands of dollars. You can become a Registered Nurse in Australia from your home country through the OBA pathway, saving time and money while achieving your career goals.
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