Previous Version Version Effective: 1st of July, 2024
Version Effective: 1st of July, 2024

HLT54121 - Diploma of Nursing

Course Details

Course Summary

HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing reflects the role of an enrolled nurse working under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered nurse.

Enrolled nurses provide nursing care for people across the health care continuum and at all stages of life.

To be eligible to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse and to practice in Australia, individuals must complete a Diploma of Nursing program accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved as ‘an approved program of study’ by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) in accordance with the Enrolled Nurse Accreditation Standards. To confirm the education provider holds the necessary accreditation check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) at www.ahpra.gov.au.

The scope of practice for enrolled nurses is determined by legislative requirements and the policies and procedures of the employing organisation.

HLT54121 may contribute to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) registration requirements to practice as an enrolled nurse.

HLT54121 is delivered over 18 months with observation of performance of 400 hours in a work context. It is essential for students to demonstrate consistency of performance throughout assessments and demonstrate consistency throughout the required range of workplace situations.

 

 


Entry Requirements

Completion of the BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.

Minimum Age Requirement: Students must be 18 years, prior to completion of the course.

English Language Proficiency Requirements: All applicants for the Diploma of Nursing are required to provide evidence of demonstrating your English language competency in one of the following ways:

English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country, including at least two years between years 7 and 12. Recognised country means one of the following countries: Australia; Canada; New Zealand; Republic of Ireland; South Africa; United Kingdom; United States of America.

Or

English Proficiency Assessment If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the scores as below. English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study.

1. IELTS (academic module). We only accept test results from one test sitting; or a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period only if:

· you achieve a minimum overall score of 7 in each sitting, and

· you achieve a minimum score of 7 in each component across the two sittings, and

· no score in any component of the test is below 6.5

2. OET. We will only accept test results from one test sitting; or a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period only if:

· you are tested in all four components in each sitting, and

· you achieve a minimum score of B in each component across the two sittings, and

· no score in any component of the test is below C.

3. PTE Academic. We will only accept test results from one test sitting; or a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period only if:

· a minimum overall score of 65 is achieved in each sitting, and

· you achieve a minimum score of 65 in each of the communicative skills across the two sittings, and

· no score in any of the communicative skills is below 58.

4. TOEFL iBt. We will only accept test results from one test sitting; or a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period only if:

· a minimum total score of 94 is achieved in each sitting, and you

· achieve a minimum score of 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking across the two sittings, and

· no score in any of the sections is below:

20 for listening; 19 for reading; 24 for writing and 20 for speaking

NOTE:
Students who were not born in any of the above recognised countries need to be aware of the English Requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia that need to be demonstrated prior to registration. Please contact the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for information on this requirement - http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/

The selection rank has been removed for this course. 


Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

Students may be required to travel intrastate or interstate to undertake vocational / work placements.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Aged Care (3 weeks) Community (2 weeks) Acute Care (5 weeks)

Mandatory Clinical Placement/Work Integrated Learning Requirements: As per CQU Immunisation Policy, immunisation checks are now mandatory for any placement. Refer to the Mandatory Checks Requirements for Clinical Placement/Work Integrated Learning for more details.

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students, including disciplines other than healthcare that undertake professional experience placements.     


VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units.

For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us .


Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $25,700.00 (2024)
Subsidised Full Fee $16,300.00 (2024)
$16,775.00 (2025)
Subsidised Concession Fee $14,300.00 (2024)
$14,725.00 (2025)
Fee for service per unit $1,028.00 (2024)
Fee for service (International) $26,400.00 (2024)
Fee for service per unit (International) $1,056.00 (2024)
Subsidised full fee per unit $652.00 (2024)
$671.00 (2025)
RPL Fee for service per Unit $514.00 (2024)
$797.00 (2025)
For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
  • Interview/Portfolio/Audition
How to Apply Please Enquire or Apply Now
Study Area
  • Health
Skill Area
  • Health
AQF Level Level 5: Diploma

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
  • ROC - 110159F

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Graduates of HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing are eligible for registration as an enrolled nurse and will be eligible to seek employment opportunities across a variety of aged care, community, and acute care settings. 

Graduates may be eligible to undertake further study utilising units from HLT54121 as credit towards other qualifications. 

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 20 core units
  2. Complete 5 elective units

Study Mode Definitions

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Please select a course structure from the options below:
On Campus - Rockhampton

18 months full time

  • On-campus
Core

Stage 1 students are required to complete sequences 1 and 2 with sequence 2 commencing mid-term.

Stage 2 students are required to complete sequences 3 and 4 with sequence 4 commencing mid-term

  • The unit HLTENN040 is assessed over both stage 2 and stage 3 commencing in sequence 3.

 Stage 3 students are required to complete sequence 5

HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN037 Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN038 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN036 Apply communication skills in nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN045 Implement and monitor care of the older person More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN068 Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN035 Practise nursing within the Australian health care system More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN040 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN039 Apply principles of wound management More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN041 Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN044 Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN047 Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN042 Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN043 Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
Elective
HLTENN057 Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice More Information Training.gov Details
BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness More Information Training.gov Details
HLTOHC007 Recognise and respond to oral health issues More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care
1 HLTAAP002 - Confirm physical health status
1 HLTENN037 - Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
1 HLTENN038 - Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care
1 HLTINF006 - Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
1 HLTENN036 - Apply communication skills in nursing practice
2 HLTENN045 - Implement and monitor care of the older person
2 CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
2 CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
2 HLTENN068 - Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
3 HLTENN035 - Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
3 HLTAAP003 - Analyse and respond to client health information
3 HLTENN040 - Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
3 HLTENN039 - Apply principles of wound management
3 HLTENN041 - Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
3 HLTENN044 - Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions
3 HLTENN057 - Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes
4 HLTENN047 - Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
4 HLTENN042 - Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
4 CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
5 HLTENN043 - Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions
5 HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment
5 CHCPOL003 - Research and apply evidence to practice
5 BSBLDR414 - Lead team effectiveness
5 HLTOHC007 - Recognise and respond to oral health issues


Mixed Mode

18 Months full time

  • Mixed Mode
CORE

Stage 1 students are required to complete sequences 1 and 2 with sequence 2 commencing mid-term.

Stage 2 students are required to complete sequences 3 and 4 with sequence 4 commencing mid-term

  • The unit HLTENN040 is assessed over both stage 2 and stage 3 commencing in sequence 3.

Stage 3 students are required to complete sequence 5

HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN037 Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN038 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN036 Apply communication skills in nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN068 Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN045 Implement and monitor care of the older person More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN041 Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN040 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN044 Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN039 Apply principles of wound management More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN035 Practise nursing within the Australian health care system More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN047 Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN042 Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN043 Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
Elective
HLTENN057 Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes More Information Training.gov Details
BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness More Information Training.gov Details
HLTOHC007 Recognise and respond to oral health issues More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 HLTINF006 - Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
1 HLTENN037 - Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
1 HLTENN038 - Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care
1 HLTAAP002 - Confirm physical health status
1 HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care
1 HLTENN036 - Apply communication skills in nursing practice
2 HLTENN068 - Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
2 CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
2 HLTENN045 - Implement and monitor care of the older person
2 CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
3 HLTENN041 - Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
3 HLTENN040 - Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
3 HLTENN044 - Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions
3 HLTENN039 - Apply principles of wound management
3 HLTENN035 - Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
3 HLTAAP003 - Analyse and respond to client health information
3 HLTENN057 - Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes
4 HLTENN047 - Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
4 CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
4 HLTENN042 - Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
5 HLTENN043 - Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions
5 BSBLDR414 - Lead team effectiveness
5 HLTOHC007 - Recognise and respond to oral health issues
5 CHCPOL003 - Research and apply evidence to practice
5 HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment


RPL

RPL only

  • RPL/RCC/Credit
CORE

RPL Only

HLTENN004 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care plans More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN036 Apply communication skills in nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN038 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN068 Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN045 Implement and monitor care of the older person More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN041 Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN039 Apply principles of wound management More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN037 Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN035 Practise nursing within the Australian health care system More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN040 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN044 Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN047 Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN042 Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety More Information Training.gov Details
HLTENN043 Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions More Information Training.gov Details
Elective

RPL Only

HLTENN057 Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment More Information Training.gov Details
BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness More Information Training.gov Details
HLTOHC007 Recognise and respond to oral health issues More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 HLTAAP002 - Confirm physical health status
1 HLTENN036 - Apply communication skills in nursing practice
1 HLTENN038 - Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care
1 HLTINF006 - Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
1 HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care
2 HLTENN068 - Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
2 CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
2 HLTENN045 - Implement and monitor care of the older person
2 CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
3 HLTENN041 - Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
3 HLTAAP003 - Analyse and respond to client health information
3 HLTENN039 - Apply principles of wound management
3 HLTENN037 - Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
3 HLTENN035 - Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
3 HLTENN040 - Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
3 HLTENN044 - Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions
3 HLTENN057 - Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes
4 HLTENN047 - Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
4 HLTENN042 - Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
4 CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
5 HLTENN043 - Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions
5 CHCPOL003 - Research and apply evidence to practice
5 HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment
5 BSBLDR414 - Lead team effectiveness
5 HLTOHC007 - Recognise and respond to oral health issues

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
HLTENN004 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care plans

Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Third Party Verification
Written/Electronic Assessment
Practical Task
RPL
Project
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

Residential Schools/Workshops

Mixed Mode

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Mixed Mode
HLT54121 Residential Classes
Location Mixed Mode, Per Online Timetable
Start Date To Be Advised
End Date To Be Advised
Start Time 8:30 AM
End Time 3:30 PM
Compulsory Yes

On Campus - Rockhampton

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Rockhampton North
HLT54121 Residential Classes
Location Rockhampton North, Per Online Timetable
Start Date To Be Advised
End Date To Be Advised
Start Time 8:30 AM
End Time 3:30 PM
Compulsory Yes

Domestic 2022 Availabilities

On Campus - Rockhampton

On-campus

Rockhampton

July: Full Time

Mixed Mode

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
July: Full Time

RPL

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2023 Availabilities

On Campus - Rockhampton

On-campus

Rockhampton

July: Full Time

Mixed Mode

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time
July: Full Time

RPL

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2024 Availabilities

On Campus - Rockhampton

On-campus

Rockhampton

July: Full Time

Mixed Mode

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time
July: Full Time

RPL

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

International 2023 Availabilities

On Campus - Rockhampton

On-campus

Rockhampton

July: Full Time

Mixed Mode

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

RPL

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

International 2024 Availabilities

On Campus - Rockhampton

On-campus

Rockhampton

July: Full Time

Mixed Mode

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

RPL

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.
For individual class days and times for each intake please check the TAFE Timetable located here
The availabilities shown above are for the current and future years. To view any historic availabilities please press "Show Historic Availabilities" below:

Show Historic Availabilities
More Details

More Details

Timetable Information 

Please access your timetable via the link here. Click on your chosen Course Room Guide, then locate the tab of the campus that you are enrolled in to view your timetable. 


Orientation 

A compulsory three (3) day on campus orientation will be held for all new students from 8:30am - 3:00pm on the below dates;

 

  • Term 1 (February) 2024 Intake: Tuesday 6th - Thursday 8th February

  • Term 2 (July) 2024 Intake: Monday 1st - Wednesday 3rd of July


Study Modes 

The Diploma of Nursing has two (2) available study modes: 

 

  • Mixed-Mode/Online: Mixed-mode/online students are required to attend compulsory residential classes on campus. These are in blocks of three days, four times during each term. Dates for each campus are shown on the timetable below. This mode also includes online tutorial classes which will be held on:

  • Mondays and Fridays for the Term 1 (February) intake

  • Thursdays and Fridays for the Term 2 (July) intake


Available Intakes

Term 1 (February): Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg 

Term 2 (July) Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Bundaberg (Except Rockhampton)

 

  • On-Campus/Face to Face (Rockhampton Only): Students studying on-campus in Rockhampton will be required to attend on-campus tutorials (3 days every week) from 8:30am - 3:00pm. 

Term 2 (July) Enrolment (Rockhampton) in campus weekly class schedule for each stage of the Diploma of Nursing is as below: 

 

  • Stage 1: Tuesday to Thursday 

  • Stage 2: Monday to Wednesday 

  • Stage 3: Tuesday to Thursday


Available Intakes

Term 2 (July) Rockhampton Only 

Note: Mixed-mode/ online students starting Stage 1 in the Term 2 (July) cannot attend Rockhampton Residential Schools, which are exclusively for on-campus/face to face students. Instead, July students enrolled as mixed-mode/online must attend Residential Schools in their chosen campus, either Cairns, Townsville, Mackay or Bundaberg, as outlined below. 

Residential Schools

For both mixed-mode/online and on-campus/face to face modes of study there are three (3) stages of six (6) months duration to complete. 

In each stage of study, students must attend all four (4) blocks of three (3) day Mandatory Residential Schools. These schools are held on-campus at Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg from 8:30am to 3:00pm (generally one residential school block per month). 

Please see below the 2024 Residential School dates for the February and July intakes at the available campus:

 

Stage 1

 

Cairns Townsville  Mackay Rockhampton  Bundaberg
February Intake 
20th - 22nd Feb 13th - 15th Feb 13th - 15th Feb 13th - 15th Feb 20th - 22nd Feb
12th - 14th Mar 19th - 21st Mar 5th - 7th Mar 19th - 21st Mar 26th - 28th Mar
9th - 11th Apr 9th - 11th Apr 9th - 11th Apr 16th - 18th Apr 16th - 18th Apr
7th - 9th May 14th - 16th May 7th - 9th May 7th - 9th May 14th - 16th May
July Intake 
22nd - 24th Jul 22nd - 24th Jul 8th - 10th Jul Weekly on-campus classes as specified in your room guides. 22nd - 24th Jul
19th - 21st Aug 19th - 21st Aug 5th - 7th Aug 19th - 21st Aug
9th - 11th Sep 16th - 18th Sep 2nd - 4th Sep 16th - 18th Sep
14th - 16th Oct 14th - 16th Oct 8th - 10th Oct 8th - 10th Oct

 

Stage 2

 

Cairns  Townsville Mackay  Rockhampton Bundaberg
February Intake 
6th - 8th Feb 20th - 22nd Feb 6th - 8th Feb Weekly on-campus classes as specified in your room guides. 13th - 15th Feb
26th - 28th Mar 2nd - 4th Apr 19th - 21st Mar 5th - 7th Mar
16th - 18th Apr 29th Apr - 1st May 16th - 18th Apr 9th - 11th Apr
14th - 16th May 21st - 23rd May 14th - 16th May 7th - 9th May
July Intake
12th - 14th Aug 12th - 14th Aug 29th - 31st Jul 22nd - 24th Jul 12th - 14th Aug
2nd - 4th Sep 9th - 11th Sep 26th - 28th Aug 19th - 21st Aug 9th - 11th Sep
23rd - 25th Sep 8th - 10th Oct 23rd - 25th Sep 9th - 11th Sep

30th Sep - 2nd Oct

28th - 30th Oct 28th - 30th Oct 21st - 23rd Oct 30th Sep - 2nd Oct 21st - 23rd Oct

 

Stage 3

 

Cairns Townsville Mackay Rockhampton Bundaberg
February Intake 
13th - 15th Feb 6th - 8th Feb 20th - 22nd Feb 6th - 8th Feb 6th - 8th Feb
2nd - 4th Apr 26th - 28th Mar 26th - 28th Mar 12th - 14th Mar 27th - 29th Feb
30th Apr -2nd May 22nd - 24th Apr 30th Apr -2nd May 9th - 11th Apr 2nd - 4th Apr
21st - 23rd May 28th - 30th May 21st - 23rd May 30th Apr - 2nd May 30th Apr - 2nd May
July Intake 
29th - 31st Jul 5th - 7th Aug 22nd - 24th Jul Weekly on-campus classes as specified in your room guides 29th - 31st Jul
26th - 28th Aug 26th - 28th Aug 19th - 21st Aug 26th - 28th Aug
16th - 18th Sep 23rd - 25th Sep 16th - 18th Sep 23rd - 25th Sep
21st - 23rd Oct 21st - 23rd Oct 14th - 16th Oct 14th - 16th Oct

 

Further information regarding room guides for each campus will be provided to admitted students. 

Required Resources - Textbooks 

The following textbooks are required for this course. Textbooks can be purchased from the CQUni Bookshop. Please ensure you purchase the latest edition. 


Stage 1

Title Publisher ISBN
Required:
Tabner's Nursing Care: Theory and Practice - 8th Edition (Koutoukidis) Elsevier 9780729597272

Person-Centred Care - 2nd Edition (Koutoukidis) - Workbook

(Packaged together at CQUniversity Bookshop)

Elsevier 9780729543309
Optional: (available online or in hard copy at the CQU Library)
The Human Body in Health and Illness - 7th Edition (Herlihy) Elsevier 9780323498449
Australian Nurses Dictionary (Jennie King) Elsevier 9780729543491

 

Stage 2

Title Publisher ISBN
Required:
Harvard's Nursing Guide to Drugs - 11th Edition (Tiziani) Elsevier

9780729542548

Optional: (Available online or in hard copy at CQU Library)
Lewis's Medical-Surgical Nursing; Assessment and Management of Clinical Problem's 4th Edition (Diane Brown) Elsevier 9780729541770

Wound Care Manual - 7th Edition (Kerylin Carville) 

Silverchain  97809587369
Nursing Calculations - 9th Edition (Gatford & Phillips) Elsevier 0780702062315
Law for Nurses and Midwives - 9th Edition (Staunton & Chiarella) Elsevier 9780729542456
Understanding the Australian Health Care System - 3rd Edition (Willis, Reynolds & Keleher) Elsevier 9780729542326
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing - 5th Edition (Evans, Nizette, O'brien) Elsevier 9780729542319

 

Stage 3

Title Publisher ISBN
Required: (N/A)
 
Optional: (Available online or in hard copy at the CQU Library)
Nursing and Midwifery RESEARCH Methods and Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice - 5th Edition (Schneider, Whitehead, LoBindo-Wood & Haber) Elsevier 9780729542302

 

 

Computing Requirements

It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that you have access to the CQUniversity website. You will be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email, Microsoft Teams and the internet. 

It is strongly recommended that you have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online resources that would include but are not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission. 

All submissions of assessment must be uploaded electronically to the VET Moodle platform. 


English Language Proficiency

In order to be registered as a health practitioner in Australia, you must be able to demonstrate that your English language skills will enable you to safely practice your profession. The English language skills registration standard is one of the five core standards that practitioners are required to meet, under the National Law.

You can either: 

  • Demonstrate you meet the standard through the English Language Test Pathway or

  • Demonstrate you meet the standard through the Extended Education Pathway if you have completed and can provide evidence for at least five years (full-time equivalent) continuous education in English in a recognised country. 

For more information, please visit https://www.ahpra.gov.au/registration/registration-standards/english-language-skills/faq.aspx


Clinical Placement Requirements

Throughout the duration of this course, all students will undertake three placements, as follow: 

  • Placement 1: Care of the Older Adult - This placement will be held in Stage 1 for a duration of three (3) weeks (120 hours). 

  • Placement 2: Community Care - This placement will be held in Stage 2 for a duration of two (2) weeks (80 hours).

  • Placement 3: Acute Care - This placement will be held in Stage 3 for a duration of five (5) weeks (200 hours). 


Important: Changes to Mandatory Check Requirements 

As per the CQU Immunisation Policy for patient and student safety, students are required to meet mandatory check requirements. 

Please click here for full details of your requirements. 

Please see mandatory check cut off dates here. You will not be eligible to proceed to placement if you fail to meet the deadline. There are no extensions or exceptions to this requirement. 

The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team organises placements for students, provided they satisfy all necessary requirements. Students are expected to travel to placement locations and adhere to the assigned roster, which may include morning, afternoon, and night shifts. 

Students will only be offered one placement per student, per course, per term. 

For enquiries relating to placement or mandatory checks please email the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team on (07) 4930 9124 option 4 or via email:

Nursing placements email: WIL-NMSS@cqu.edu.au 

Mandatory Checks email: WILCompliance@cqu.edu.au

 

 

Uniform Standards 

The following uniform standards are required in class, during residential schools and on placement to meet industry standards. 

Uniform: 

  • CQU Diploma of Nursing student scrubs (preference) 

  • CQU Diploma of Nursing polo shirt (if scrubs are unavailable) with navy blue/black shorts or trousers 

  • Navy or black socks with trousers

  • Long white socks with shorts 

  • Jeans are not acceptable

Footwear: 

  • Navy blue or black enclosed shoes, rubber non-slip soles preferred
  • No canvas or running shoes 

Nails: 

  • Short, clean nails - artificial nails, extensions and nail polish are not permitted and students will be barred from entering the clinical learning spaces as these contravene workplace safety and infection prevention policies.

Hair:

  • Clean, neat and tied back off the collar and face

Jewellery:

  • Plain rings only 
  • Facial piercings are an Occupational Health and Safety Hazard in the workplace and must not be worn

ID:

  • Student ID must be worn at all times 

  • No lanyard 

  • No nurses pouch

Non-compliance with uniform standards will result in being asked to leave the residential school or placement and could affect your course completion. 


Academic Pathways

Units completed in the Diploma of Nursing may provide credit into other related Health and Community Services VET qualifications. There is a formal articulation agreement in place for those who have successfully completed the Diploma of Nursing, to enter the BN (CL91) with 1 year credit. 

  • CL91 Bachelor of Nursing (articulation pathway - total of 8 credits)

 

VET Student Loan Information 

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. 

Loan limits of caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units. 

For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit out VET Student Loans webpage or contact us.