Fast Facts
Commencing
- Mackay: February
- Mount Isa: February
Fees
$7,055.00+
$24,053.00^
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
^estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry Requirements
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 50 or equivalent.
QTAC Codes
- 337120
- 347120
Course detail
Discover opportunities to contribute to the expanding healthcare industry in Mackay, Mount Isa and surrounds. The Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway) introduces you to the knowledge and skills of the nursing profession and prepares you to transition into a JCU nursing qualification. Study a combination of introductory nursing subjects and preparatory academic subjects, which support you to develop study skills. Successful completion of this Diploma grants you entry to the Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]. This course is currently waiting on an outcome from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC) regarding a change to entry pathways where block credit is awarded. In the meantime, students can apply for individual credit assessments as per the JCU Credit Transfer Procedure.
You'll learn in a supportive environment as you gain a strong, academic foundation for university study. Balance nursing content with study skills each semester for a well-rounded learning experience. Your nursing science subjects will explore the foundational principles of communication and health sciences, nursing as a profession, and effective methods for delivering culturally safe health care. Preparatory academic subjects will equip you with skills in digital learning, mathematics and comprehension. Small class sizes ensure that you get to know your peers and lecturers well, providing you with a network of like-minded people to support you on your healthcare journey.
The Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway) is delivered in a mixed-mode format, providing a flexible university experience through online and on-campus study. Online lectures, tutorials and digital resources are available for you to arrange your study time around your work and personal commitments.
Upon graduating, you can progress directly into JCU’s Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] or explore opportunities within the diverse range of JCU health-related degrees available on-campus and online.
View the Handbook for specific subject 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 Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway).
The Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway) is designed as a direct pathway into JCU’s Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]. Completion of this course is the first step in a diverse and exciting nursing career.
JCU Nursing graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to work across a range of rural, regional and metropolitan settings. This includes roles in hospitals, medical centres and health clinics, government departments and defence, non-government agencies (NGOs), community health organisations and health education.
If you choose to pursue employment immediately after completing the Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway), you may be eligible for some non-registered health assistance roles, although some employers may require additional qualifications.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2024 |
Course code | 78121 |
Course type | Diploma (AQF Level 5) |
Owner | Academy |
| College | Healthcare Sciences |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course prerequisites | Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 50 or equivalent. |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements assessed under the Australian International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of at least 7 with no element less than 7 or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 94 |
| 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. |
| Post admission requirements | This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, the requirement to obtain a Suitability to Work with Children Card, federal police check and/or other requirements that Students must comply with. Students must complete all Professional Experience Placement requirements by the prescribed deadlines and maintain currency of all 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 | 24 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway), graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements page. |
Reasonable adjustments | Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Teaching Period 1
NS1771:03 Introduction to the Professions
HS1111:03 Communication for Nursing and Midwifery
CS1022:03 Learning in a Digital Environment
BM1111:03 Introduction to Health Sciences
Teaching Period 2
MA1022:03 Essential Maths
NS1555:03 Culturally Safe Healthcare for Australia’s First Peoples
CU1022:03 Developing Academic Skills
NS1015:03 Law and Ethics for Nursing and Midwifery
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Mackay | |
| JCU Mt Isa |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 3 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Not applicable |
Special assessment | Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy |
Professional accreditation | 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 |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Supplementary examinations are available, subject to current College and Division policies |
Credit
Eligibility | Not eligible |
Maximum allowed | Not applicable |
Currency | Not applicable |
Expiry | Not applicable |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | DIPLOMA OF HEALTH (NURSING PATHWAY) |
Approved abbreviation | DipHlth(NursPath) |
Exit with lesser award | Not applicable |
Course articulation | Students who are awarded the Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway) are eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Nursing Science and will be granted credit of 12 credit points for all subjects completed under this course. This course is currently waiting on an outcome from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC) regarding a change to entry pathways where block credit is awarded. In the meantime, students can apply for individual credit assessments as per the JCU Credit Transfer Procedure. In accordance with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council’s requirement, students must hold 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. |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD7,055.00
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD24,053.00
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.
JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this Diploma, consider exploring our available Pathways options.
Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.
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.
This course is currently waiting on an outcome from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC) regarding a change to entry pathways where block credit is awarded. In the meantime, students can apply for individual credit assessments as per the JCU Credit Transfer Procedure.
Real stories
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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.
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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.