Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The program builds core nursing knowledge and applied clinical skills mapped to national registration standards. Core study areas typically include anatomy and physiology for health, pathophysiology, pharmacology and therapeutics for nurses, foundations of nursing practice, professional and ethical practice, and health assessment and clinical decision-making. Specialist threads commonly cover medical–surgical nursing, mental health nursing, primary and community health, aged care and paediatric principles.

Study integrates classroom learning, high-fidelity simulation and assessed clinical placements across diverse settings such as acute hospitals, community health services, aged-care facilities and mental health services. You will also undertake a nursing research or evidence-informed practice subject that prepares you to apply research to clinical practice and to engage in quality improvement.

Program structure is practice-oriented and competency-based, with progression from foundational concepts through to complex care and professional practice. Clinical hours are scheduled throughout the program to ensure students achieve the clinical competencies required for registration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a completed bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution. Selection may take into account prior academic performance and relevant professional or volunteer experience in health settings. Some applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide a personal statement outlining motivation for nursing.

Successful applicants must meet professional and safety requirements for clinical placements. These typically include current immunisation status, a satisfactory criminal/police check, health clearance, and current basic life support/CPR certification. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency in accordance with Charles Sturt University policy. Additional documents such as academic transcripts and referees may be requested.

Career prospects

Graduates who complete the Master of Nursing (Pre-registration) are eligible to apply for registration with the national nursing board and to practise as registered nurses in a variety of settings. Typical roles include registered nurse in acute care (medical–surgical, emergency, perioperative), community and primary health nurse, mental health nurse, aged-care nurse, and specialist roles in areas such as chronic disease management and rehabilitation.

Career pathways also include transition to specialist clinical practice, leadership and management positions within health services, education roles, and further postgraduate study such as clinical masters, nurse practitioner programs or research degrees.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University offers a practice-focused program with a strong emphasis on simulation-based learning and substantial clinical placement partnerships across regional and metropolitan health services. The university has purpose-built clinical skills facilities and simulated wards that let students practise high-acuity scenarios in a supported environment.

Charles Sturt is known for its commitment to regional and rural health, providing opportunities to gain experience in community and remote settings. The program is delivered with flexible learning components to accommodate students who are working or relocating, and the university provides student support services including clinical placement coordination, academic support, and professional development resources.

Graduates benefit from an industry-aligned curriculum designed to meet national registration standards and from connections with health providers that support employment and professional networks after graduation.