Start your career in Nursing
Considering a career in nursing? Below you’ll find answers to common questions about studying nursing, finding the right nursing role for you and determining how best to upskill.
Read on to learn everything you wanted to know about becoming a nurse or midwife in Australia.
What is the best degree for a nurse?
Choosing the right degree is all about where you want to take your nursing career. There are a variety of courses and degrees at JCU that you can study to become a nurse.
Maybe you’re looking to take the next step in your career?
Deciding on the nursing degree for you is about finding a course that suits your passions and interests. At JCU, we prepare you by providing opportunities for hands-on learning in diverse placement locations, developing your expertise in delivering effective nursing care and structuring your learning with a specialised focus on the healthcare needs of rural and remote communities.
Where can I study nursing in Queensland?
At JCU, you can obtain a nursing degree in Queensland no matter where you live. Depending on the course you select, you can study a nursing degree online, or on campus in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Mount Isa.
Through these, you’ll gain hands-on experience delivering health outcomes for rural, regional, and remote communities across Northern Australia and the Tropics.
How long does it take to complete a nursing degree?
There are many different factors that can determine how long it will take for you to complete your studies and become a nurse. Most courses give you the option to study full-time or part-time, which can affect how long it takes to complete a nursing degree.
At JCU, our postgraduate nursing courses can take as little as eight months full-time study for a Graduate Certificate of Nursing. An undergraduate degree can take three years full time for a Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] or four years full-time for a Bachelor of Nursing Science - Bachelor of Midwifery.
How do I become a nurse?
Several pathways are available to those interested in becoming a nurse, including studying nursing courses online and in-person.
At JCU, there are three simple steps that will put you on track to pursue this career path:
Whether you’re a school leaver or a mature student, there are a range of flexible courses that will enable you to graduate with a degree in nursing.
If you’d like to gain an introduction to the field of nursing science and get a taste for university life, then a Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway) might be the perfect fit. This course is available in both Mackay and Mount Isa, and successful completion can enable you to progress into a Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]. If you haven’t studied at university before, you’ll gain valuable academic and IT literacy skills that will support you on your nursing education journey.
To become a Registered Nurse you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree. JCU provides flexible study options that support you to study part of your nursing degree online. Choose from a Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] [Mixed-mode] for flexibility, or a Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] for the full on-campus experience. If you’d like to have expertise in both nursing and midwifery, a Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery can help you achieve your professional goals.
Once you’ve successfully completed your nursing degree, you’ll be eligible for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. When you apply, you’ll have to meet additional registration standards — including a criminal history check and English language proficiency — before you’re able to practice as a nurse.
A nursing degree from JCU equips you to work in a diverse range of healthcare roles. Graduates have found success working within hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, government departments, community health organisations and non-government agencies (NGOs).
JCU's committment to improving the lives of those living in the Tropics means your nursing degree will empower you with the knowledge and skills to support the health outcomes of those living in rural and remote communities as well as major metropolitan areas.
Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of nurses in several healthcare sectors. The Australian Government has predicted that an additional 123,000 nurses will be required by 2030 to meet the demand within the system. With opportunities available in unique locations such as Outback Queensland, as well as metropolitan areas such as Brisbane and Sydney, a nursing degree can open up a variety of doors and enable you to work wherever you like.
Several JCU students and alumni have already used their nursing studies to shape a career that works for them. Whether this involves delivering vital critical care in regional areas, providing continuity for mothers through pregnancy, birth and the newborn stages or building a new career focused on patient support, a degree in nursing has been the catalyst for many new and exciting career opportunities.
I'm actually already a nurse. How can I expand my professional skillset in nursing?
If you’ve already completed a nursing degree, you may want to expand your professional skills and experience with a Postgraduate Nursing Course at JCU. These courses, which include a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Master of Nursing, will help you upskill with majors in advanced practice, education, or leadership and management.
Current Registered Nurses might also be wondering how to become a midwife. Studying a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery at JCU can provide you with the skills and experience to get there.
JCU Nursing
Whether you are already working in the nursing field or new to the profession, JCU has the nursing qualification to suit your needs.
Discover how you can become a nurse through practical, hands-on training that's in high demand across rural, regional and metropolitan areas.
"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."
Ailee Hookey
Student
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]
Want to know more? JCU's Future Students team can help.
If you know nursing is the career path for you, but are interested in finding out which course suits your specific needs, connect with our Future Students Advisors today.
You'll receive specific information on courses, applications, prerequisites and much more.