Central Queensland University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical study with extensive supervised clinical practice to develop safe, evidence‑based nursing practitioners. Core subject areas typically include advanced anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and medication management, clinical assessment and decision making, pathophysiology, professional practice and ethics, and contemporary nursing practice across the lifespan.

Students also study specialty areas such as mental health nursing, primary and community health, aged care, and Indigenous and rural health. Research methods and an emphasis on evidence‑based practice form part of the curriculum to foster critical appraisal skills and clinical reasoning.

Learning is delivered through a mixture of on‑campus workshops, online theory, simulation in clinical skills laboratories and multiple clinical placements in hospital and community settings. Clinical placement hours meet professional registration requirements and expose students to acute, subacute and community nursing environments, including opportunities in regional and remote contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a completed undergraduate degree (usually a bachelor degree) in a discipline other than nursing. Admission is competitive and assessed on academic record and the suitability of the applicant for clinical practice. Candidates may also be required to attend an interview or provide a personal statement outlining their motivation for nursing.

Successful applicants must satisfy practical and regulatory clearances required by health placement providers and the national registration body. These typically include a current criminal history/police check, child‑safety or working with children checks where applicable, up‑to‑date immunisations, and evidence of fitness to practice. International applicants must meet English language requirements appropriate for professional registration and any visa conditions.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a registered nurse and commonly begin careers in hospitals (medical, surgical, emergency and critical care), community health services, mental health services, aged care and primary care clinics. The degree also prepares nurses for roles in rural and remote health, indigenous health services, and public health initiatives.

With clinical experience, graduates can progress to specialist clinical roles, clinical education, leadership and management positions, or pursue further study such as advanced practice and Nurse Practitioner pathways, postgraduate research degrees or health policy roles.

Why study at Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University offers a conversion pathway into nursing with strong links to local and regional health services, providing diverse placement opportunities across urban, regional and remote locations. The university’s campuses feature clinical simulation suites and staffed skills laboratories to build hands‑on competence before clinical placements.

CQU’s curriculum emphasises culturally safe practice and rural and Indigenous health, reflecting the needs of communities across Queensland. Support services for students include academic skills programs, placement coordination, and pathways for regional students. The programme is designed to meet professional registration standards, equipping graduates with the practical experience and theoretical foundations required for contemporary nursing practice.