University of Southern Queensland

What you'll study

This three‑year, professionally accredited Bachelor of Nursing provides a core foundation in clinical nursing practice, health assessment, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Study blends theoretical subjects with substantial supervised clinical placements across acute, subacute, community and aged‑care settings. Typical topics and modules include:

• Foundations of Professional Nursing – professional practice, ethics, communication and legal aspects of care.
• Human Bioscience – anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to nursing practice.
• Pharmacology and Medication Management – safe medication administration and pharmacotherapeutics.
• Clinical Assessment and Skills – health assessment, clinical reasoning and practical skills developed in simulation and laboratory sessions.
• Mental Health Nursing – theories and approaches to caring for people with mental illness.
• Community and Primary Health – public health principles, chronic disease management and health promotion.
• Aged Care and Palliative Nursing – care approaches for older adults and end‑of‑life care.
• Indigenous and Rural Health – culturally safe practice and the delivery of health services in rural and remote communities.
• Nursing Research and Evidence‑Based Practice – research methods, quality improvement and applying evidence to clinical practice.
• Leadership and Professional Development – teamwork, clinical leadership and transition to practice.

Learning activities combine lectures, tutorials, skills labs and simulated clinical scenarios with progressively increasing clinical placements in hospitals and community services. Students gain practical experience under registered nurse supervision and work towards meeting the competencies required for national registration.

Entry requirements

Entry routes reflect a mix of academic and practical prerequisites. Typical pathways include:

• Completion of senior secondary school with required English competence (equivalent to Australian Year 12 English) or an approved alternative.
• Applicants with a relevant diploma or prior tertiary study may be eligible for advanced standing; enrolled nurses with current registration are commonly admitted with credit for prior learning.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements (for example IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) as set by the university.
• All admitted students must satisfy clinical placement requirements: criminal history/police checks, relevant immunisations, and specific health checks. Current first aid and CPR certification may be required before placements.

Selection can be competitive and may consider tertiary entrance scores, previous study, relevant work experience and any selection interviews or statements required by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the national nursing regulator and can work as Registered Nurses across a wide range of settings. Common graduate roles include:

• Medical/surgical, emergency and intensive care nursing in public and private hospitals.
• Community and primary health nursing, including chronic disease management and health promotion.
• Aged care and residential facilities, and palliative care services.
• Mental health services and specialist community programs.
• Rural and remote nursing, including practice in regional towns and Indigenous health services.
• Further career progression into clinical nurse specialist roles, nurse education, management, research or advanced practice (after postgraduate study).

Nursing graduates also commonly pursue postgraduate study (graduate diploma, master’s or nurse practitioner programmes) to specialise in areas such as midwifery, emergency care, critical care, mental health or nurse practitioner practice.

Why study at University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland has a strong regional and rural health focus, with campus and online delivery options designed to support students from metropolitan and remote areas. The degree places emphasis on practical skill development through simulated clinical learning and extensive placement partnerships with local health services and hospitals across Queensland.

Students benefit from dedicated student support services, placement coordination, and opportunities to gain experience in rural and Indigenous health settings — a particular strength of USQ’s nursing program. The curriculum is aligned with national competency standards, preparing graduates for the practical and professional demands of contemporary nursing practice.