Fast Facts
Location
This course requires some on-campus attendance by online students.
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Mackay: February, July
- Mount Isa: February, July
Fees
$5,650.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Fees currently displayed are indicative only. 2024 fees will be uploaded by October, 2023.
Duration
3 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
3.5 years full-time for mid-year entry
Entry Requirements
ATAR 66
English (Units 3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialists Maths (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 316139
- 316031
- 326031
- 336031
- 346031
Course detail
Learn how to assess clients, communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, plan and implement nursing interventions, and manage and evaluate nursing care in this professionally-accredited degree. Benefit from extensive supervised professional practice and clinical experience in real world settings from year one.
This three year, full-time course focuses on nursing in our northern tropical context. It will prepare you for work as an RN in multiple settings from large metropolitan hospitals to rural and isolated practice clinics.
Benefit from JCU's reputation as the Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, and the World Health Organisation's Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research Capacity Building.
Graduates will be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
About JCU's Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration)
Follow your passion for helping others and study a Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre Registration) degree, JCU’s conversion program for registered nurses. With registered nurses in high demand, you will graduate from JCU as a sought-after professional ready to pursue your dream career.
Our Nursing Degree in Queensland Helps You Help Others
Gain a contemporary theoretical and practical nursing degree in Queensland. Study with leading professionals in the health industry and benefit from their teaching excellence and experience. Learn how to plan and implement nursing interventions and manage and evaluate care.
A Bachelor of Nursing Science will train you to work in all settings, from metropolitan private and public hospitals to rural and isolated clinics. Gain expert knowledge in communication, Indigenous health studies, law and ethics, working with vulnerable population groups, mental health and the Australian healthcare system.
JCU’s pre-registration nursing courses value hands-on, practical learning. Apply your theoretical knowledge to 880 hours of supervised professional practice in a variety of acute and diverse community health settings. Build a broad skillset and learn how to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds as you work closely with rural, remote, tropical and Indigenous communities.
All James Cook University nursing programs are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.
Study Nursing and Make a Difference Together
As you study nursing at JCU, you will learn more than just coursework and practice more than just nursing skills. Develop your skills as a critical thinker so you can help patients make choices that lead to the best outcomes.
Learn the ethics of nursing practice and how to apply them on a practical level. Your research experience will teach you how to find and analyse data to use it as the basis for your practice.
Develop skills in collaboration and administration and be ready to join the nursing community. You will understand when to take responsibility, when to delegate a task, and be ready to move forward quickly in your career.
JCU's Conversion Program for Registered Nurses
Your JCU registered nurse degree is a supportive and dynamic pathway to a highly-respected career. Graduates of JCU’s Bachelor of Nursing Science conversion and RN programs are well supported by highly experienced teaching staff and are prepared to make a difference. Pursue your dream career and study nursing at JCU.
About JCU's Bachelor Degree of Nursing - Online
Study nursing online with JCU’s Bachelor of Nursing Science (External). Our Bachelor of Nursing Science, or BSN, programs allow eligible candidates to study externally with limited attendance at JCU’s Townsville or Cairns campuses. With registered nurses in high demand, graduate as a sought-after professional ready to pursue your dream career in a variety of settings.
Earn a contemporary nursing degree in Queensland with the flexibility of an external study mode. Learn from leading professionals in the health industry and benefit from their teaching excellence and experience. Learn how to plan and implement nursing interventions and manage and evaluate care.
Why Choose JCU's BSN Programs?
A JCU nursing degree online will train you to work in all settings, from metropolitan private and public hospitals to rural and isolated clinics. Gain expert knowledge in communication, Indigenous health studies, law and ethics, working with vulnerable population groups, mental health and the Australian healthcare system.
Studying a Bachelor of Nursing Science online means you apply your theoretical knowledge to 880 hours of supervised professional practice in a variety of acute and diverse community health settings. Learn how to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds as you work closely with rural, remote, tropical and Indigenous communities.
Graduates of JCU’s BSN work in a variety of areas including mental health, aged care, oncology, community health and health education. All JCU nursing programs are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.
Study Nursing Online and Make a Difference
JCU is passionate about helping Bachelor of Nursing Science (External) students to develop a healthy study routine and be confident in your abilities.
JCU offers short courses designed to revise your knowledge of maths, statistics and academic reading and writing. You can sign up for self-study workshops focusing on effective note taking, studying for exams and writing assignments.
Studiosity is an after-hours online study support providing personalised, live help from a trained network of advisors. You can receive feedback on your academic writing and fine-tune your assignments before you submit them.
Succeed in nursing on your own terms. JCU’s Bachelor of Nursing Science (External) program is a unique opportunity for students to join the health care profession without committing to an on-site campus program.
To ensure that you meet the requirements for this course please review the course handbook below.
Hide additional information
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration].
A JCU Nursing degree prepares you for careers across a range of rural, regional and metropolitan nursing settings. This unique training will distinguish you from your peers and provide you with the knowledge and skills to excel.
JCU Nursing graduates are known for their skill, care and hard work across Australia and internationally. Graduates work in a variety of areas, such as metropolitan hospitals, rural and regional centres, government departments and defence, non-government agencies (NGOs) and community health.
The JCU Nursing degree provides you with a strong foundation for future specialisation in areas such as emergency, mental health, aged care, oncology and community health. Alternatively, you may want to focus on rural and remote practice, health policy, research, management or the education sector.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2023. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 66.45
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre-registration) for Semester 1, 2023. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2023 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 98.90 | 99.95 |
Median | 73.25 | 77.00 |
Lowest | 64.20 | 65.90 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 98.85 | 99.95 |
Median | 73.50 | 75.50 |
Lowest | 61.75 | 65.75 |
JCU Mackay
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 91.95 | 99.95 |
Median | 68.00 | 70.00 |
Lowest | 50.00 | 50.00 |
JCU Mount Isa
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
External
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 97.95 | 99.95 |
Median | 68.00 | 70.00 |
Lowest | 65.80 | 66.45 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-registration]
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-registration] [Mixed-mode]
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2024 |
Course code | 78110, 78110E |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Professional accreditation status | This course is accredited by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Students enrolled in this degree will be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for the duration of their program of study or until they are no longer enrolled. Graduates will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
Owner | Academy |
College | Healthcare Sciences |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C) Recommended: Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialists Maths (Units 3/4,C) |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) require that all applicants demonstrate their English language proficiency. Please refer to this website for more information: QTAC Nursing and Midwifery courses/entry. Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3c – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requires all applicants seeking initial admission to the Nursing Register upon graduation from their nursing course, to demonstrate the necessary English language skills. See their website at: The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia |
Special admission requirements | Students are encouraged to undertake the Tertiary Access Course or the Health major in the Diploma of Higher Education if they have not studied recently and/or want assistance making the transition to University studies. |
Additional selection requirements | Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. |
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: Coursework Enrolment Procedure Students who have returned to study where the duration between their previous clinical placement and their pending clinical placement exceeds 12 months, may need to complete the Clinical Reconnect program. |
Post admission requirements | This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with. Students must complete all professional experience placement requirements by the prescribed deadlines and maintain currency of these requirements in order to stay admitted in the course. You will find your course requirements here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/professional-experience-placement/preparation-checklists |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 72 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the course, the graduate will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
Teaching Period 1
BM1011:03 Physiological Systems and Processes 1
HS1111:03 Communication for Nursing and Midwifery
NS1771:03 Introduction to the Professions
NS1881:03 Nursing Practice 1
Teaching Period 2
BM1022:03 Physiological Systems and Processes 2
NS1555:03 Culturally Safe Healthcare for Australia’s First Peoples
NS1882:03 Nursing Practice 2
NS1015:03 Law and Ethics for Nursing and Midwifery
Level 2
Teaching Period 1
NS2771:03 The Professional Role
NS2881:06 Nursing Practice 3
NS2363:03 Mental Health for Nursing and Midwifery
Teaching Period 2
NS2219:03 Health Equity and Policy
NS2555:03 Digital Health Capabilities for Nursing & Midwifery
NS2882:06 Nursing Practice 4
Level 3
Teaching Period 1
NS3771:03 Consolidating Practice
NS3881:06 Nursing Practice 5
OPTION
Select NS3216:03 Rural and Remote Nursing or NS3217:03 Specialisation Project or 3 credit points of any undergraduate subject
Teaching Period 2
NS3882:09 Nursing Practice 6
NS3772:03 Transition to Practice
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 3.5 years when starting mid-year) |
JCU Mackay | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 3.5 years when starting mid-year) |
JCU Mount Isa | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 3.5 years when starting mid-year) |
JCU Townsville | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 3.5 years when starting mid-year) |
Mixed-mode | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 3.5 years when starting mid-year) Available in mixed-mode where some on-campus attendance is required. Students admitted to the mixed mode course can enrol in subjects at any location the subject is offered. |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 7 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
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: Coursework Enrolment Procedure Students who have returned to study where the duration between their previous clinical placement and their pending clinical placement exceeds 12 months, may need to complete the Clinical Reconnect program. |
Special assessment requirements | Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
Professional accreditation requirements | At the discretion of the College Dean, students may be required to undertake a prescribed English language test to ensure that they have an acceptable level of English language proficiency to safely participate in professional experience placements. Learning experiences undertaken outside Australia must not exceed one semester. |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Supplementary examinations are available, subject to current College and Division policies. |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 48 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 12 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree. |
Other restrictions | Up to 24 credit points may be awarded for students applying for credit for previous study completed in a Diploma of Nursing must also provide evidence of registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Up to 12 credit points may be awarded for Students applying for credit for previous study completed in a Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway). Must also provide evidence of a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum score of 7.0 in all components to meet the Minimum English language proficiency requirements of the Bachelor of Nursing Science. Up to 48 credit points may be granted only to applicants who hold current registration as a registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. All other applicants may receive up to 30 credit points. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF NURSING SCIENCE |
Approved abbreviation | BNSc |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Not applicable - this course does not have majors |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who have completed 48 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Health Sciences. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Available as an additional 24 credit points of study [end-on] |
Eligibility | Achievement of an overall grade point average of 5.0 (i.e. credit average) across the final three years of the bachelor degree; and current registration as a nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Application for entry to the Honours program is by approval of the College Dean. |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD5,650.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
If you identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, JCU can assist you in your pursuit of a health career through the Indigenous Health Careers Access Program (IHCAP).
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
External (316139) - Apply Now
Cairns (326031) - Apply Now
Townsville (316031) - Apply Now
Mount Isa (346031) - Apply Now
Mackay (336031) - Apply Now
Admission requirements
This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with. You will find all the details of your course requirements in the JCU Professional Experience Placement website.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Ivy Hodges
Bachelor of Nursing Science
Doing my three-week placement in Weipa made me more drawn to becoming a rural and remote nurse and giving back to my people. I was able to have a more hands-on experience: applying cultural competencies and applying competent nursing skills to my people. This made me realise my potential as a future registered nurse.
-
Alumni
Julie-Anne Cobb
Bachelor of Nursing Science
What made the JCU Bachelor of Nursing Science stand out wasn’t just its contemporary course work and structure but also the attentiveness of staff to students’ needs. The Student and Staff Consultative Committee worked tirelessly to support us in our learning, and the Peer Mentor Program offered invaluable support.
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Lecturer
Julie Shepherd
Lecturer, Nursing & Midwifery, 1st Year Student Experience Advisor
As a Nurse educator, I can help you to engage in your learning, inspire you to be your best and transform you from being ordinary to being great! If your dream is to have a career in nursing then JCU is the place where your dreams really do come true.
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Employer
Hannah Smith
Clinical Facilitator, Mater Health
When we have hired JCU graduates, it has been the confidence in their ability to transition into the role of registered nurse that often stands out. Due to the close collaboration of JCU and the Mater, having them here on staff is like welcoming family.