Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Mackay: February, July
- Mount Isa: February, July
- Emerald: February, July
Fees
$5,800.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load. Please note this estimate is variable and subject to fluctuation depending on choice of elective subjects.
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
3 years full-time
3.5 years full-time for mid-year entry
Entry Requirements
ATAR 66
Recommended Knowledge
English (Units 3/4,C), Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 316139
- 316031
- 326031
- 336031
- 346031
- 386031
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 Science [Pre-Registration]
Follow your passion for helping others and study a Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] degree. 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.
James Cook University nursing programs are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.
Study a Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] in Queensland
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.
Complete an accredited nursing degree. Become a Registered Nurse with JCU
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 on-campus Bachelor of Nursing degree
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.
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, 2024. 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: 66.00
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, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 96.30 | 99.95 |
Median | 76.60 | 80.00 |
Lowest | 64.20 | 68.20 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 92.65 | 99.95 |
Median | 74.40 | 78.00 |
Lowest | 61.80 | 67.80 |
JCU Mackay
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 90.05 | 96.30 |
Median | 68.10 | 70.70 |
Lowest | 60.75 | 67.35 |
JCU Mount Isa
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
External
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 90.95 | 99.95 |
Median | 71.50 | 75.50 |
Lowest | 68.00 | 70.00 |
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.
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD5,800.00
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.
Another pathway into this course is through a specific course-entry Diploma. Successful completion means you are eligible to transition into the associated JCU bachelor’s degree.
*Excludes entry into the Bachelor of Advanced Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Marine Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).
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
Emerald – Apply direct to JCU
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
Ailee Hookey
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]
My journey with JCU has been a lifechanging experience. The lecturers genuinely care and go above and beyond for us. As a science enthusiast, the microbiology, anatomy and physiology labs were the highlight of my first year, and the Indigenous Education and Research Centre has played an essential role in my success.
-
Student
Jaise Jaimon
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]
With a unique emphasis on rural and remote healthcare, JCU equips me for real-world challenges, making me confident in my abilities as a nursing student. The dedicated faculty and enriching community environment are crucial to my professional and personal growth, helping me become a competent and compassionate nurse.
-
Student
Melanie Elloy
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]
As a mature student, going to uni was the best decision I have ever made. JCU has allowed me to make new friends and learn valuable skills from lecturers who are healthcare professionals, while receiving the best support and guidance. Now, I am kicking goals and making my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse a reality.
-
Lecturer
Julie Shepherd
Nursing and Midwifery
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.
-
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.