Bachelor of Nursing (364JA.2)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing (364JA.2) at the University of Canberra is designed for those passionate about making a difference in healthcare. This program is perfect for individuals who are compassionate, dedicated, and eager to develop the skills necessary to provide high-quality nursing care in a variety of settings.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will lay a solid foundation in nursing principles through courses such as "Nursing Fundamentals" and "Health Assessment." These units introduce essential skills in patient care, communication, and critical thinking, preparing students for the challenges of the nursing profession.

During the second year, the focus shifts to more specialized knowledge and practical experience. Students will engage in courses like "Pharmacology for Nursing" and "Mental Health Nursing," where they will learn about medication management and the complexities of mental health care, alongside hands-on clinical placements that enhance their learning.

In the final year, students will consolidate their knowledge and skills through advanced courses such as "Leadership in Nursing" and "Community Health Nursing." This year emphasizes leadership roles in nursing practice and the importance of community health initiatives, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and confident nursing professionals.

Focus Areas: Clinical practice, mental health, community health, leadership, and pharmacology.

Learning Outcomes: Critical thinking, effective communication, patient-centered care, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), ensuring that graduates meet the national standards for nursing practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Canberra consistently ranks highly in employability, with recent statistics showing that 90% of graduates find employment within six months of completing their degree, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Nursing (364JA.2) program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This approach ensures that you not only learn the essential concepts of nursing but also gain practical skills that are crucial for your future career. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-world settings.

Through a combination of simulations, clinical placements, and collaborative projects, you will be well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. Here are some of the key experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Nursing program:

- Clinical Simulation Centre: Access to high-fidelity simulation labs where you can practice nursing skills in a safe environment, using advanced mannequins and medical equipment.
- Professional Practice Placements: Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and community health services, providing you with invaluable real-world experience.
- Group Projects: Engage in collaborative learning experiences that foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for a successful nursing career.
- Digital Tools: Utilize software such as the Clinical Skills Online platform, which offers interactive learning modules and assessments to enhance your clinical skills.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to healthcare facilities and organizations, giving you insights into different nursing practices and environments.
- Research Laboratories: Access to dedicated research facilities where you can engage in nursing research projects, contributing to the advancement of healthcare knowledge.
- Library Resources: Benefit from extensive library services, including access to nursing journals, databases, and study spaces tailored for nursing students.
- Supportive Institutes: Connect with the Institute for Applied Ecology and other research institutes that focus on health and community well-being.

Choosing to study nursing at UC means you’re not just learning; you’re preparing to make a real difference in people’s lives. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards a rewarding career in nursing!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Midwifery at the University of Canberra means you’ll enter the workforce as a confident, job-ready healthcare professional with extensive real-world experience. With over 1,300 hours of clinical placement and continuity of care experience supporting women through pregnancy and birth, you’ll be highly prepared for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings.

Typical roles include:

Registered Midwife
Community Midwife
Birth Centre Practitioner
Maternal & Women’s Health Specialist

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Strong clinical employability support: Extensive Work Integrated Learning (WIL) ensures hands-on experience from the first year, including placements across ACT Health and Southern NSW maternity services.
Industry-connected training: Direct partnerships with healthcare providers such as maternity hospitals and regional health services give you valuable professional networks before graduation.
High job readiness: You’ll graduate having supported 22 women through their full birth journey, making you highly attractive to employers.
Diverse career pathways: Opportunities exist across public/private hospitals, birth centres, community health, and rural/remote healthcare settings.
Accreditation advantage: The program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), enabling registration with AHPRA—your gateway to practising as a midwife in Australia.
Graduate outcomes: UC graduates are recognised for being job-ready, adaptable, and globally employable, with strong clinical, communication, and problem-solving skills embedded throughout the course.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you can continue advancing your expertise through postgraduate study such as a Master of Midwifery, public health, or specialised maternal health programs. You may also move into research degrees, leadership pathways, or policy development roles—allowing you to shape the future of maternity care while expanding your career opportunities even further.