Nursing offers diverse people-centred career opportunities in a challenging industry that continues to change rapidly. The broad nature of nursing allows opportunities for employment and specialisation in areas as varied as the traditional hospital setting, accident and emergency, community health, indigenous health, industry, remote or rural health, and the armed forces.

Nursing work is focused on working in partnership with individuals, groups and communities to enhance health and wellness and assist clients to effectively manage health issues. On completion of the Bachelor of Nursing, the graduate will be eligible to apply for registration with the Queensland Nursing Council. This registration allows the nurse to work within Queensland and be eligible to register as a nurse in other Australian states and territories.

There has been a collaborative arrangement made between the University of the Sunshine Coast (USCDS) and CQU for the delivery of this program on site at USC for all three years of the program.

1st year - In Year 1 of the program students will focus on developing foundation skills and knowledge required for nursing practice. Some clinical experience could be undertaken as part of tutorials in the first term.

2nd year - In Year 2 of the program students will be introduced to abnormal health patterns and the nursing care required to manage these.

3rd year - Year 3 of the program will focus on consolidating their knowledge in clinical practice situations including an 8 week block placement in their final term of study.

This program also accepts overseas trained registered nurses and as such it recognises that students have expertise in their particular field of nursing practice. The program is directed towards strengthening the theoretical base of nursing practice and providing a general academic background similar to that of other health professionals.

Registered nurses work in the health care industry and health promotion agencies, including occupational health, Aboriginal health, community health, drug and alcohol agencies, the armed services, public and private hospitals and nursing homes.

To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 courses or 144 units of credit as outlined.

Recommended study schedule

The following schedule is designed for full-time students who usually enrol in four courses per term or 24 units of credit. Part-time students should therefore modify this schedule to suit their own needs The normal study load for part-time students is two courses per term or 12 units of credit per term.