Diploma of Nursing Entry Criteria

Entry into this course is based on an applicant’s previous study, demonstrated knowledge and skills, and/or work history.

Some additional criteria also apply:

Applicants are recommended to attend a course information session
Satisfactory completion of VCE, with a minimum score of 20 for English or 25 in EAL and satisfactory score for Units 1 and 2 in Maths or
ACSF Exit Level 3 (working at Level 4), or above, in both Reading and Numeracy as determined by an online literacy and numeracy test issued by Swinburne Online.

English language requirements

The Diploma of Nursing has entry criteria set by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. All students entering this course must demonstrate they have achieved the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) specified level of English language skills, prior to commencing the course.

You must demonstrate your English language competency in one of the following ways:

English is your primary language and you have attended and successfully completed at least five years (full-time equivalent) continuous education taught and assessed solely in English, in a recognised country* that is a combination of:

Tertiary and secondary education taught and assessed in English; or
Tertiary and vocational education taught and assessed in English; or
Combined tertiary, secondary and vocational education taught and assessed in English; or
Tertiary education taught and assessed in English.

The last period of education must have been completed no more than five years prior to applying for registration.

* Recognised countries include: Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa or the United States of America.

If you do not meet the above English language requirement, then you must to provide evidence that you have undertaken one of the following approved English Language Tests in the last 2 years, and have met the minimum scores required.

International English Language Testing System – (IELTS academic module) (minimum score of 7 overall and 7 in each of the four components)
Occupational English test – OET (Minimum score of B in each of the four components)
Pearson test of English academic – PTE Academic (minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum of 65 in each of the 4 components)
Test of English as a foreign language internet-based test – TOEFL (minimum total score of 94 and minimum 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking)

Refer to the AHPRA website to view the requirements in detail, including the number of test sittings you can undertake.

Test pathways – below is a list of the approved tests and the minimum scores required:

IELTS (academic Module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components
OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components
PTE (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills
TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and a minimum score of 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking.

Additional requirements:

All students must maintain a current Police Check and Working with Children Check for the duration of the course.
The first unit of this course, HLTAID003 Provide First Aid, must be completed prior to your first census date. This requirement can be filled by providing evidence of your completion in an Accredited First Aid course. You can complete this through different providers, including St. John Ambulance Australia and Australian Red Cross.
This course requires up-to-date evidence of immunisations. If you are not able to provide up-to-date evidence, you will not be able to attend the clinical placement component of this course. For more information about the minimum immunisation requirements please visit the health.vic website. Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your clinical placement. Further information will be provided at the commencement of the course.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

If you think a Diploma of Nursing could be for you, you can apply here.

DIPLOMA OF NURSING COURSE PAGE