Introduction
The Bachelor of Nursing from Charles Sturt University has led the way for nurses for more than 30 years. Our undergraduate students are part of the university’s strong and proud nursing tradition, joining the ranks of Charles Sturt University graduates across Australia who are known for their resilience, versatility and adaptability.
To ensure you graduate industry-ready and prepared for your role as a registered nurse, study the Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt. You can study this undergraduate nursing degree full-time or part-time; and on-campus, online or a mix of both. Please note that Session 2 and 3 online intake have restricted eligibility requirements.
Course highlights
Why study a nursing course with Charles Sturt University? Our accredited degree will prepare you for the healthcare workforce, and you'll benefit from our strong industry links and ties to regional and metropolitan communities across New South Wales. Patient care requires a holistic approach, and this course provides you with the theory, skills and understanding you'll need in the workplace.
Practical program: The Bachelor of Nursing supports students to undertake at least 800 hours of workplace learning in an exciting range of authentic healthcare settings.
Building professional capacity: You'll work in a broad range of contexts and with patients across the lifespan, graduating as a competent and adaptable registered nurse. You'll be able to think creatively and critically; and be a reflective and ethical practitioner, educator and facilitator. You'll also advocate for patient health and wellbeing.
Professional affiliations: Charles Sturt University has strong links with the Western, Far Western and Murrumbidgee Local Health Districts of New South Wales. These affiliations provide the opportunity to gain real-world practical experience and ensure our course is relevant to the industry and serves contemporary nursing needs.
Professional recognition
This course is a nationally accredited and registered award in tertiary education. The course was accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) in November 2014 for a five year period and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Charles Sturt University is currently seeking accreditation with ANMAC for the Port Macquarie campus.
The current Bachelor of Nursing was listed by the Nurses and Midwives Board on the recommendation of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council from 1 November 2014 to 1 November 2019 as an approved program of study leading to general registration.
Career opportunities
Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Nursing graduates are recognised for their critical thinking, diversity and professionalism. Many Charles Sturt University-educated nurses have received overseas recognition and now work internationally.
Work in public and private healthcare facilities: From emergency situations to post-procedure care, nurses are needed in public and private hospitals and health facilities, community health centres, defence forces, primary and secondary industries, insurance, justice health, mental health, and workplace health and safety.
Improve patient care: Use your knowledge and skills to conduct research and improve and advance patient care practice.
Specialise: After graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing, you have the opportunity to specialise in any area of nursing that interests you.
Credit and pathways
Getting into uni isn’t just about your ATAR. We understand that if you’re given the chance to study something you’re passionate about, you can really shine. We offer a range of pathway options, including Early Offer – Schools Recommendation Scheme, Location (Regional) Adjustment, and the Indigenous Access Program (IAP) to help you get on track to your dream career.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.
"The thing I like best is the flexibility Charles Sturt offers and that I can get a very high-standard education while pursuing other things that are important to me. I would recommend Charles Sturt in a heartbeat."Abbey Jones - Bachelor of Nursing
Subjects
For each 8 point subject, you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, residential schools, or examinations.
If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.
Graduation requirements
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course, you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.
International students
Gain an internationally recognised qualification with Charles Sturt University at one of our vibrant regional campuses, or study online from the comfort of your own home - anywhere in the world!
Please note: if you choose to study online with Charles Sturt University, the course study mode will not meet the necessary requirements for granting Australian student visas.
Entry requirements
A completed High School Certificate (or equivalent), with an ATAR of at least 65, inclusive of any eligible adjustment factors.
OR
Successful completion of a minimum of two university-level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the overall Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.
OR
A completed AQF Diploma studied at a TAFE, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or University - or equivalent.
OR
Partial completion of an AQF Diploma, of at least 50%, studied at a TAFE, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or University - or equivalent.
OR
A completed AQF Certificate III studied at a TAFE, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or University - or equivalent.
OR
A completed Tertiary Preparation Certificate from an Australian university (or equivalent), demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Overall Grade Average or Score achieved.
OR
A completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate IV in Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing (or equivalent) and AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
OR
A completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Diploma in Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing (or equivalent) and AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
OR
A completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Advanced Certificate in Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing (or equivalent) and AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
OR
A completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Advanced Diploma in Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing (or equivalent) and AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
OR
A completed Hospital Certificate in Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing (or equivalent) and AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
AND
Was born in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA or South Africa and have completed at least one qualification taught and assessed in English in one of these countries.
OR
Have successful secondary or tertiary studies of no less than 5 years full-time equivalent in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA or South Africa and have completed at least one qualification taught and assessed in English in one of these countries.
OR
An Academic IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below 7 in each of the individual skill areas or a qualification deemed equivalent (see Charles Sturt University ELP Concordance Tables).
AND
Must have achieved the minimum English requirements as specified in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s English language skills registration standards. English is your primary language - You must have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or the United States of America) including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
OR
English is your primary language - You have successful secondary and tertiary or vocational studies of no less than 5 years full-time equivalent undertaken in a recognised country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or the United States of America) and have completed at least one qualification taught and assessed in English in one of these countries.
OR
English is NOT your primary language - You must provide the required minimum scores with the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or equivalent test.
OR
You are an enrolled nurse with current registration with the NMBA - English language requirements will have been demonstrated for enrolled nurse registration at the NMBA
Please note: The online Session 2 intake is restricted to those who hold a Diploma of Nursing qualification and are registered as an enrolled nurse (Division 2). If you have completed other university studies, you are invited to make an application, and we will assess your eligibility for entry.
English language requirements
You can normally meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for entry to most Charles Sturt University courses by doing one of the following:
Providing evidence of having completed a sufficient standard of study in English.
Obtaining Academic IELTS within the last 2 years, with a minimum overall score of 6 and no individual score below 5.5.
Obtaining a qualification deemed to be equivalent to Academic IELTS (and its minimum scores) by Charles Sturt.
Support
Finishing high school this year? Taking a few years off to find out what you really want to do in life? Need to attend classes from anywhere in the world?
When you study with Charles Sturt University, we’ll be with you all the way, helping you develop your study and academic skills in person, online or over the phone. Whatever your situation, Student Central is your first point of call as a Charles Sturt University student. Our friendly support team can answer all your questions, whether you are studying on campus or online.
Key points
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s leading regional university. Charles Sturt campuses are small, friendly communities, based in vibrant regional Australian locations.
Charles Sturt University is #1 for graduate employment, More Charles Sturt grads get jobs faster than grads from any other university in Australia. (Good Universities Guide 2020/21).
Charles Sturt’s approach to teaching and learning combined with hands-on experience ensures graduates have the best opportunities to kickstart careers in their chosen profession.
