Bachelor of Nursing Science – Indigenous Health Careers Program

Version

2

Division

Tropical Health and Medicine

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum score of 7.0 in all components within 2 years prior to applying for registration.

Special admission requirements

Nominate with QTAC as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Students are encouraged to undertake the UniPrep course if they have not studied recently and/or want assistance making the transition to University studies.

Post admission requirements

Hepatitis B immunisation:

Students must provide evidence of being immune to hepatitis B within the first teaching period of their studies. A blood-borne viral disease may result in a student’s inability to obtain a placement in a Queensland Health facility and consequently may result in their inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If a student has not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies, their enrolment will be terminated immediately.

Suitability to Work with Children Card (blue card):

This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements that may involve contact with children under 18 years of age. Students are required to obtain a Suitability to Work with Children Card (which involves a criminal history check undertaken by the Queensland Police) before the start of the first placement. Students must retain a current Suitability to Work with Children Card for the duration of their course, as failure to do so will result in the termination of their admission to the course.

For more information, refer to:

Blue Card Services

Australian Federal Police check:

This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements.  Some placement agencies will require students to produce a current Australian Federal Police check. This is in addition to the requirements for a Blue Card. Students must provide written confirmation of clearance to the Clinical Placement Officer prior to commencement of clinical placement.

Application documents can be accessed at:

Australian Federal Police

Additional course rules

Nil

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the graduate will be able to:

In collaboration with other health care professionals –

• Apply a person-centred approach based on a broad and coherent body of theoretical and technical knowledge in the provision of appropriate nursing care that recognises the diverse social, cultural and spiritual, values and beliefs unique to each individual

• Retrieve, critically evaluate and apply evidence in support of succinct, sequential, safe and effective nursing practice

• Practise responsibly and with accountability, based on knowledge of the Australian health care system and in accordance with relevant policies, legislation, ethical and regulatory frameworks

• Translate, interpret and extrapolate health information to effect positive outcomes for individuals and populations

• Apply unique cognitive, technical and creative skills within a clearly defined and accepted scope of nursing practice, ensuring referral as appropriate

• Exercise comprehensive clinical reasoning, analytical and technical expertise in the resolution of unpredictable and complex problems across dynamic health care environments

• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups and within the health care team, utilising well-developed English language and numeracy proficiency

• Employ strategies of critical analysis, evaluation and reflection as a framework for nursing practice and continuing professional development of the self, others and the discipline of nursing

• Critically reflect on their role in the provision of primary health care, addressing issues of equity and access to health care facing individuals, communities and populations, with particular reference to the unique needs of those in tropical, rural, remote and/or Indigenous Australian contexts.

Credit points in major

15 credit points

Cairns

Maximum time to complete

9 years

Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)

Clinical placement/professional practice:

This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students will be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense. (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements).

Further information about placements can be found at Enrolment Policy – Coursework Students.

Accreditation requirements

Nil

Supplementary exam for final subject

Supplementary examinations are available, subject to current College and Division policies.

Maximum allowed

6 credit points

Expiry

Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 14 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree.

Approved abbreviation

BNSc

Exit with lesser award

Not applicable

Eligibility

Students must satisfy the College requirements relating to the standard of academic achievement necessary to proceed to the honours degree.