Title: Registered Nurse (Division 1) Approved Programs of Study
Author: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Accreditation/Approved-Programs-of-Study.aspx
About
This AHPRA webpage provides a comprehensive list of all approved programs of study for aspiring Registered Nurses (Division 1) in Australia. It features a range of courses including Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), and Master of Nursing Practice.
The site also details combined degree options, commonly pairing nursing with disciplines like arts. Accredited by AHPRA and endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), these programs adhere to the highest standards of nursing education in the country.
Author
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), in partnership with the NMBA, is tasked with accrediting nursing and midwifery education programs. Their role ensures that these programs meet the rigorous standards necessary for nursing education in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Offers a complete list of nursing programs for Registered Nurses in Australia.
- Includes bachelor's, master's, and combined degree options.
- Combined degrees often integrate nursing with midwifery, arts, or psychology.
- Accredited by AHPRA and approved by NMBA.
- Valuable for verifying the legitimacy and accreditation of nursing courses.
List of Nurse Bachelor Degrees
Using this resource, Lerna Courses extracted a list of all non-combined bachelor degrees that qualify graduates to become registered nurses. These show all the providers in Australia, along with campuses where you can study to become a nurse.
Table 1. Universities and campuses for RN studies
| Provider | State | Campuses |
| University of Canberra | ACT | Canberra, Castle Hills (NSW) |
| Avondale University | NSW | Wahroonga, Lake Macquarie |
| Charles Sturt University | NSW | Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Online |
| Southern Cross University | NSW | Gold Coast (QLD), Lismore, Coffs Harbour |
| Torrens University | NSW | Sydney, Brisbane (QLD), Melbourne (VIC), Adelaide (SA) |
| University of New England | NSW | Parramatta, Armidale |
| University of Newcastle | NSW | Callaghan, Central Coast, Walgett (from 2023) |
| University of Notre Dame Australia | NSW | Sydney, Fremantle (WA), Broome (WA) (EN entry only) |
| University of Sydney | NSW | Camperdown |
| University of Technology Sydney | NSW | Ultimo Campus, Sydney |
| University of Wollongong | NSW | Wollongong, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Liverpool, Shoalhaven, Sutherland |
| Western Sydney University | NSW | Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta |
| Charles Darwin University | NT | Casuarina, Sydney (NSW), Perth (WA), External studies, Brisbane (QLD) |
| CQUniversity | QLD | Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Port Hedland (WA), Port Pirie (SA), Hamilton (VIC) |
| Griffith University | QLD | Gold Coast, Logan, Nathan |
| James Cook University | QLD | Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Mt Isa |
| Queensland University of Technology | QLD | Kelvin Grove |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | Southport Campus, Southbank Campus |
| University of Queensland | QLD | St Lucia Campus |
| University of Southern Queensland | QLD | Toowoomba, Ipswich, Geraldton (WA), Charleville |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | QLD | Sunshine Coast (Sippy Downs & SCHI), Moreton Bay, Caboolture, Gympie, Fraser Coast |
| Flinders University | SA | Sturt Campus, Bedford Park, Riverland Campus, Renmark |
| University of Adelaide | SA | North Terrace, Adelaide |
| University of South Australia | SA | Adelaide (City East), Mount Gambier, Whyalla |
| University of Tasmania | TAS | Launceston, Hobart, Burnie, Sydney (NSW) |
| Australian Catholic University | VIC | Ballarat, Blacktown (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), Canberra (ACT), Melbourne, North Sydney (NSW) |
| Deakin University | VIC | Burwood - Melbourne, Waterfront - Geelong, Waurn Ponds - Geelong, Warrnambool |
| Federation University Australia | VIC | Berwick, Churchill - Gippsland, Bairnsdale East Gippsland, Mt Helen - Ballarat, Horsham |
| Holmesglen Institute | VIC | Moorabbin |
| La Trobe University | VIC | Bundoora, Shepparton, Bendigo, Mildura, Albury Wodonga, Chisholm Berwick, Chisholm Frankston |
| Monash University | VIC | Peninsula Campus, Clayton |
| RMIT University | VIC | Bundoora |
| Swinburne University of Technology | VIC | Hawthorn, Wantirna |
| Victoria University | VIC | St Albans, Sunshine |
| Curtin University | WA | Bentley, Albany, Kalgoorlie |
| Edith Cowan University | WA | Joondalup Campus, South West Campus |
| Murdoch University | WA | Perth, Mandurah |
Updated: 19 December 2023
The list highlights that you can study nursing from almost any location in Australia. Campuses are positioned in cities as well as many regional centres. Distance education options are also available, supporting students who may not be able to attend campus on a daily basis.
Related: Bachelor of Nursing Degree in Australia
List of Masters Degrees to Become a Nurse
For those looking to enter the nursing profession with a higher degree, Australia offers master's degree programs specifically designed for individuals without a prior nursing background. These programs enable graduates to qualify as registered nurses in two years of full-time study.
Table 2. Master of Nursing Practice and similar programs
| Education Provider | Program of Study Name | State | Approved Campuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Darwin University | Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration) | NT | Casuarina (Darwin), Sydney, Brisbane, External Studies |
| Edith Cowan University | Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) | WA | Joondalup |
| Monash University | Master of Nursing Practice | VIC | Clayton |
| Queensland University of Technology | Master of Nursing (Entry to Practice) | QLD | Kelvin Grove |
| Southern Cross University | Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) | QLD | Gold Coast, Lismore, Coffs Harbour |
| The University of Queensland | Master of Nursing Studies | QLD | St Lucia, Brisbane |
| University of Adelaide | Master of Clinical Nursing | SA | North Terrace, Adelaide |
| University of Melbourne | Master of Nursing Science (Entry to Practice) | VIC | Parkville |
| University of Sydney | Master of Nursing | NSW | Camperdown, Westmead |
| Western Sydney University | Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) | NSW | Parramatta, Hawkesbury |
Updated: 20 December 2023
Related: Can I Do Nursing Masters Online?
Types of Degrees Leading to Nurse Registration
In Australia, degrees that enable an individual to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) include:
- Bachelor of Nursing: A comprehensive program combining theoretical learning and practical training, designed to prepare students for RN registration.
- Bachelor of Nursing (Fast Track): An accelerated version of the Bachelor of Nursing, condensing the curriculum to allow for quicker completion.
- Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway): A pathway for diploma-qualified Enrolled Nurses to upgrade their qualifications to RN status.
- Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry): Tailored for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, this program provides the necessary education to become an RN.
- Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry): Similar to the Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry), this program is for those with a prior undergraduate degree in another field and leads to RN qualification.
Each of these programs includes the necessary education and clinical placements required for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Related: Degrees for Nursing in Australia