Bachelor of Nursing (Clinical Leadership)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) at Deakin University is a unique undergraduate degree that combines core nursing training with specialised leadership development, preparing you to become a registered nurse who can also lead and influence healthcare teams. It’s ideal for students who want strong clinical skills plus a competitive edge in leadership, supported by real-world placements and mentored learning alongside experienced nurse leaders.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year builds a strong scientific and professional foundation, introducing subjects like Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Quality and Safety: Nursing Practice 1, and Quality and Safety in Health Care. Alongside theory, you begin professional experience placements from Trimester 1, gaining early exposure to real healthcare environments and patient care.

Year 2
In the second year, your learning deepens into more complex nursing practice, focusing on clinical decision-making, patient-centred care, and diverse healthcare settings. You continue structured placements while strengthening your skills in areas like medical and surgical care, mental health, and community health, integrating theory with hands-on practice.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on advanced practice and leadership development, supported by specialised leadership units and mentored experiences. You’ll work closely with clinical nurse leaders and academic experts, completing extensive placements (totalling around 800 hours) while refining your ability to manage teams, improve healthcare delivery, and transition confidently into professional nursing roles.

Focus areas (in a string):

Clinical nursing practice, healthcare leadership, patient-centred care, multidisciplinary teamwork, evidence-based healthcare

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop strong clinical and communication skills; deliver safe, high-quality patient care; demonstrate leadership and decision-making in healthcare settings; integrate theory with extensive clinical experience

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), enabling graduates to apply for registration as a registered nurse

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked #14 globally for nursing, with strong employment outcomes and high student satisfaction, including around 88% of graduates employed full-time shortly after graduation

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Deakin University, experiential learning is built into every stage of the Bachelor of Nursing (Clinical Leadership), ensuring you graduate with real clinical confidence—not just theory. You’ll practise in state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centres that replicate real hospital and community environments, using advanced equipment and realistic case-based scenarios before stepping into actual healthcare settings.

From your very first trimester, you’ll move into professional experience placements, gaining hands-on exposure across hospitals, community health services, and diverse care environments, with around 800 hours of clinical practice completed by graduation. This blend of simulation, real-world placements, and leadership-focused learning ensures you develop both technical nursing skills and the confidence to lead in complex healthcare settings:

Clinical Simulation Centres (on-campus labs): Purpose-built facilities at Burwood, Geelong, and Warrnambool campuses featuring high-fidelity simulation wards, treatment rooms, and practice spaces that mirror real healthcare environments.
Advanced simulation technology: Use of realistic patient scenarios and modern clinical equipment to practise communication, teamwork, and decision-making in a safe, controlled setting.
Extensive clinical placements: Begin in Trimester 1 and continue throughout the course across acute care, mental health, aged care, rehabilitation, and community settings.
Healthcare partnerships: Access to placement opportunities with major providers such as Alfred Health, Monash Health, Epworth HealthCare, and Barwon Health, giving you exposure to leading clinical environments.
Fellowship program: Option to complete multiple placements within one hospital network, helping you build professional networks and continuity of learning.
Real-world clinical progression: Gradually move from observing care to managing patient loads and participating in multidisciplinary teams, reflecting actual nursing responsibilities.
Rural and regional experiences: Opportunities to work in diverse communities, expanding your adaptability and cultural competence in healthcare delivery.
Practice access beyond class: Simulation labs can be booked outside scheduled sessions, allowing you to refine clinical techniques and build confidence independently.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) at Deakin University step into the workforce with a rare combination of clinical expertise and leadership capability, making them highly attractive to healthcare employers. With a graduate employment rate of over 93%, you’ll be well positioned to secure roles across diverse healthcare settings and progress quickly into leadership pathways.

Typical career outcomes include roles such as Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Leader, Emergency Nurse, and Community Health Nurse, with opportunities spanning acute care, paediatrics, aged care, and beyond:

Strong employment outcomes: Over 93% graduate employment rate for undergraduate nursing, reflecting high demand for Deakin graduates
Competitive salary potential: Registered nurses earn around $82,000–$97,000+ annually on average, with senior and specialist roles exceeding $110,000+
Industry partnerships: Access to leading healthcare networks including Alfred Health, Austin Health, Barwon Health, Epworth HealthCare, and Melbourne Health, supporting real-world experience and job pathways
Career services support: Deakin offers award-winning career services, helping with resume building, job search strategies, and employer connections
Professional recognition: Accredited by ANMAC and approved by NMBA, allowing graduates to apply for Registered Nurse registration in Australia
Placement-to-employment pathway: Structured placements and fellowship programs help you build networks with hospitals—often leading directly to graduate roles
Global reputation advantage: Ranked #14 globally for nursing, enhancing employability both in Australia and internationally

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you can advance into postgraduate study such as a Master of Advanced Nursing, Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing, or specialised graduate certificates (e.g. cardiac or critical care nursing) at Deakin University. You may also pursue research pathways, including honours or PhD programs, opening doors to careers in clinical education, healthcare leadership, or academic research.