Curtin University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science (Nursing) provides a balance of bioscience, nursing practice, professional communication and evidence-based care. Early subjects typically cover human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology fundamentals and the principles of health assessment. Core nursing units progress into clinical skill development, therapeutic nursing care, acute and chronic condition management, mental health nursing, paediatrics, maternity and family health, aged care, and community and primary health.

Additional study areas include research methods and evidence-based practice, professional and legal frameworks for nursing, cultural safety (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health perspectives), public health and health promotion, leadership and workforce issues. Simulation-based learning and clinical reasoning are threaded through the curriculum to prepare students for practice.

The programme contains substantial supervised clinical placements across a range of settings — for example metropolitan and regional hospitals, community health services, aged-care facilities and mental health services — enabling students to apply classroom learning to real-world practice and to meet the clinical hours required for professional registration.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on successful completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification, plus meeting Curtin's standard English language requirements. Some applicants may enter via recognised tertiary pathways or bridging programs if they do not meet direct entry criteria.

Applicants should be prepared to meet professional requirements for clinical placement, which commonly include a satisfactory background check, immunisation and health screening, current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, and any other workplace-specific clearances. International applicants must meet Curtin's English language standards and any visa-related health checks.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a registered nurse with the national nursing and midwifery regulatory authority and go on to work across a wide range of health-care settings. Common roles include acute care nurse in hospital wards and emergency departments, community and primary health nurse, aged-care nurse, mental health nurse, perioperative or critical care nurse, and maternal and child health nurse.

With experience and further study, graduates can move into specialist clinical roles, nurse practitioner pathways, clinical education, research, management, policy and leadership positions within health services, non-government organisations or the private sector.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a practice-oriented nursing degree delivered by staff with clinical experience and research expertise in health. The university maintains partnerships with public and private health services, providing diverse placement opportunities across metropolitan and regional sites. Curtin's dedicated simulation suites and clinical skills facilities allow students to practise procedures and clinical decision-making in a safe, realistic environment.

Teaching emphasises culturally safe, person-centred care and includes content relevant to Indigenous health and rural practice. Student support services — including academic skills, career guidance and placement coordination — are available throughout the program to help students transition into professional nursing practice.