Bachelor of Nursing

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing at The University of Notre Dame Australia is a three-year degree that prepares you to become a confident, compassionate registered nurse through a strong focus on the nurse–patient relationship and real-world clinical experience. It’s ideal if you want a highly practical program that combines theory with extensive placements, helping you graduate ready to work across diverse healthcare settings.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You begin with core foundations in nursing knowledge, communication, and human health, developing essential clinical skills and professional awareness. Units such as Human Anatomy and Physiology 1, Health Communications, Research and Informatics, and Professional Practice Nursing (NURS1001) introduce you to patient care, academic skills, and early clinical exposure.

Year 2
In your second year, your learning expands into applied nursing practice across different healthcare contexts, supported by increasing clinical placements. You deepen your understanding of patient care and begin exploring specialised areas through integrated theory and practice, strengthening your ability to respond to real clinical situations.

Year 3
The final year focuses on advanced clinical practice and transitioning into the role of a registered nurse. You’ll study complex care management while completing extensive placements (over 1,000 hours across the degree), refining your critical thinking, decision-making, and readiness for professional practice.

Focus areas (in a string):

Clinical nursing practice, nurse–patient relationship, evidence-based care, healthcare systems, professional placements

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop clinical competence, deliver safe and compassionate patient care, apply critical thinking in healthcare settings, communicate effectively with patients and teams, and adapt to diverse clinical environments

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), enabling graduates to apply for registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse

Reputation (employability rankings):

Notre Dame nursing graduates are highly regarded in Australia, with strong demand due to extensive clinical training and practical readiness

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Notre Dame Sydney, the Bachelor of Nursing 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 engage in real-world scenarios and develop the competencies needed to excel in the nursing field.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Nursing program:

- Simulation Labs: The university features advanced simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and clinical scenarios that mimic real-life situations, allowing you to practice your skills in a safe environment.

- Clinical Placements: You will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in various healthcare settings, providing you with invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to different nursing specialties.

- Group Projects: Collaborative learning is emphasized through group projects, where you can work alongside your peers to solve real-world nursing challenges, enhancing your teamwork and communication skills.

- Digital Tools: The program incorporates the use of digital tools and software, such as electronic health records (EHR) systems, to familiarize you with the technology used in modern healthcare settings.

- Field Trips: Engaging field trips to healthcare facilities and community organizations allow you to see nursing in action and understand the diverse roles nurses play in different environments.

- Research Laboratories: Access to dedicated research laboratories enables you to participate in nursing research projects, fostering a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice.

- Library Resources: The university's library offers a wealth of resources, including access to nursing journals, databases, and study materials that support your academic journey.

- Nursing Institute: The Notre Dame Nursing Institute provides additional resources and support for nursing students, including workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to prepare you for a successful career in nursing, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in the healthcare field.

Embarking on your nursing journey at Notre Dame means you’ll be well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry with confidence and competence.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Nursing in Sydney are highly regarded within the healthcare industry for their strong clinical preparation, compassionate patient care, and professional readiness. The program opens pathways to careers in public and private hospitals, community health organisations, aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres, and specialist healthcare services. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Registered Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Community Care Nurse, Acute Care Nurse, or Clinical Nurse Coordinator, with excellent long-term employment prospects across Australia.

This strong career foundation is supported by several future-focused opportunities:

Notre Dame provides dedicated career support services, including career planning, resume and interview preparation, professional mentoring, and graduate employment assistance tailored to healthcare students.
Students complete extensive clinical placements across a wide range of healthcare environments, helping them build practical experience, confidence, and professional networks before graduation.
The university maintains strong partnerships with leading healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organisations throughout Sydney and New South Wales, giving students valuable industry exposure.
The Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), enabling graduates to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as Registered Nurses.
Nursing graduates continue to experience strong employment demand across Australia due to ongoing healthcare workforce shortages and increasing demand for qualified professionals.
Graduate Registered Nurses in Australia generally earn starting salaries between AUD 70,000–85,000 per year, with opportunities for increased earnings through experience, leadership roles, and specialisation.
Notre Dame is widely recognised for its emphasis on ethical healthcare, patient-centred practice, and high-quality clinical education, enhancing the long-term value of your qualification.
Graduates benefit from the university’s smaller class sizes and supportive learning environment, which helps foster strong academic performance and professional development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Nursing, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master of Nursing in specialised areas including Critical Care, Mental Health, Emergency Nursing, Palliative Care, Leadership and Management, or Public Health. Graduates may also pursue research pathways through honours or doctoral study, leading to opportunities in healthcare leadership, education, policy development, and advanced clinical practice.