The healthcare industry is constantly changing with new technologies and approaches to improve the detection, diagnosis and management of chronic and acute illness, as well as having a strong emphasis on keeping populations healthy. Our nursing degree is evolving with these changes, which means you will be guaranteed an industry-relevant, practical qualification that ensures you graduate career-ready.

There is a strong focus on theory and practical experience, and you will do much of your learning in our unique clinician-led, authentic hospital and health service on campus. Our state-of-the-art facilities include authentic hospital wards, clinical units and community areas. This simulated hospital environment, known as the Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS), is led by practicing registered nurses and midwives (clinicians), and is the only one of its kind in South Australia.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop these skills when you embark on real-world clinical placements across metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals and health services under the supervision of registered nurses.

What you'll need

When students undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as clinical placements in health settings. They must demonstrate that they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists. On entry to the qualification you will be required to confirm that you meet the ‘Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements’ requirements.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

What you'll learn

This degree prepares you for placement and your professional nursing career with more than 170 hours of learning in our unique clinician-led, authentic simulated Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS). You will also complete more than 900 hours in clinical settings across metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals, and health services.

We teach and assess four domains of nursing practice during your studies including:

• collaborative and therapeutic practice
• critical thinking and analysis
• professional practice
• provision and coordination of care.

The degree is designed to prepare you to meet healthcare delivery requirements for the 21st century and respond to Australian and international healthcare priorities and trends. Six integrated themes are embedded throughout the curriculum and represent core approaches that inform contemporary nursing practice:

• cultural competence
• evidence-based practice
• mental health
• primary health
• professional communication
• safety and quality.

Registered nurses play a key role at the forefront of healthcare service, with their contribution to client care imperative for the wellbeing of today's society. This degree prepares you to deliver the highest quality care to individuals and groups, and also meets and responds to Australian and international health challenges and priorities.

Graduates can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, such as:

• hospitals
• primary health and community support services
• aged and rehabilitative care 
• schools
• home care
• drug and alcohol treatment centres
• community health organisations
• mental health services
• international aid agencies
• corrections facilities
• management.

As a Registered Nurse, you may also have the opportunity to undertake further study in the areas of research with a Masters by Research or specialise in areas like allergy nursing, critical care or cardiovascular with our range of postgraduate qualifications.

Graduates may complete the Transition to Professional Practice Program with a participating employer.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The requirements for registration are determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.