301591 v.3 Bachelor of Science (Nursing) Conversion Program for Registered Nurses

Introduction

This course is designed to build on the professional knowledge and experience of registered nurses from hospital-based courses taking the study of the biological and behavioural sciences underlying nursing to greater depth. Emphasis is placed upon the maintenance and further development of students' professional competencies, upon increasing their capabilities as members of an inter-professional team in a changing health care system. The course will establish a basis for future postgraduate study for specialisation and research. All students will have the opportunity to study core concepts of nursing that are concerned with the well being of the individual, family and community and can be applied to any nurse situation. Utilisation of the problem solving approach is stressed, with particular focus on the identification and assessment of health problems and nursing needs of individuals and their families and on provision of appropriate nursing care to assist them to identify and meet their own health needs.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Nurses registered with, or eligible for, registration with the Nurses Board of Western Australia as a general and or mental health nurse will qualify for entry on the basis of their professional qualification. Overseas applicants must have completed a nursing program of three years or more in length leading to registration, be currently registered in their own country and provide documentation to that affect. Overseas applicants may apply for the first semester intake.

Specific Requirements

This course is available to nurses who hold a current nurses registration and are eligible for registration with the Nurses Board of Western Australia as a general and/or mental health nurse. Evidence of current registration must accompany the TISC application form. Nursing students are required to complete a health screening series. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning or exemptions may be granted to students who have successfully completed approved tertiary studies at Curtin. Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis with applicants eligible to be awarded recognition of prior learning equivalent to two and a half years.

Duration and Availability

The course is three and a half years full-time study in which students may receive recognition of prior learning equivalent to two and a half years. The remaining year of study required for graduation may be completed within one year full-time or two years part-time equivalent. The course is predominantly comprised of units from the existing pre-registration undergraduate curriculum. Some units are available at regional centres. Many units are also available externally. External study programs must be arranged in consultation with the School's enrolment officer.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.