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TAFE

TAFE

TAFE

TAFE

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Online course

Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)

  • Qualification

    Diploma

  • Duration

    2 years

  • Units

    25

  • Start Date

    Feb, Jul

Overview of the course

Overview of the course

Applications for the Diploma of Nursing are currently open. 

Under the supervision of a registered nurse, the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) will teach you the essential skills and knowledge necessary to work in a range of healthcare settings.

You will learn how to implement basic nursing care, assess clients’ health and analyse health-related information through a combination of online units, on-campus hospital simulations and 400 hours of mandatory supervised clinical placements. You will also learn how to administer and monitor medication as well as care for older clients, acute-care clients and people with mental health conditions.

Swinburne’s Diploma of Nursing is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), which is responsible for the regulation of nurses and midwives.

This course is currently not available to international students. Interstate applicants are eligible for this course, but will not be eligible for Skills First Funding and must be able to travel to Victoria for practical course elements at their own financial cost. Applicants who currently hold a higher qualification will not be eligible for Skills First Funding.

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What are the entry criteria?

Entry requirements

Entry into this course is based on an applicant’s previous study, demonstrated knowledge and skills, and/or work history. It is recommended that all applicants attend a course information session.

For information on essential physical and behavioral abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements, please review the Informed Choices statement.

Academic requirements

You are required to complete VCE (within the past seven years), with a minimum score of 20 for English or 25 in EAL. You must also have a 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 the level of English language skills specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) prior to commencing the course.

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

  • You completed your schooling in Australia or at a school taught and assessed in English.
  • You have achieved a specified minimum score in an approved English language test, such as IELTS, OET, PTE or TOEFL iBT. (For full English language requirements, please see the Diploma of Nursing Entry Criteria page.)

Additional requirements

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of placement
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check – this process includes a National Police Check

*If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.

  • Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.

Immunisations

This course requires up-to-date evidence of immunisations. If you are not willing to provide up-to-date evidence, you may not be eligible to complete this program.

Immunisation requirements include the following:

  • COVID-19 Vaccination – full course required after 15 November 2021
  • Measles / Mumps / Rubella
  • Diphtheria / Tetanus/ Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
  • Varicella (Chickenpox)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza (Annual requirement)
  • Tuberculosis Screening – QuantiFERON Gold test.

For more information about the minimum immunisation requirements please download the Vaccination for healthcare workers information.

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.

Please review the following additional requirements before submitting your application:

  • Applicants must be residing in Victoria, Australia, for the duration of the course.
  • You must maintain a current Police Check and Working with Children Check for the duration of the course.
  • The first unit of this course, HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, must be completed prior to your first placement. 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.

This course is currently not available to international students. Interstate applicants are eligible for this course, but will not be eligible for Skills First Funding and must be able to travel to Victoria for practical course elements at their own financial cost. Applicants who currently hold a higher qualification will not be eligible for Skills First Funding.

Studying at Swinburne Online has been an excellent experience for me. The team is very supportive, the online platform is user-friendly and the studying resources are extensive.

Monica, Swinburne Online graduate

Course Units

The Diploma of Nursing consists of 20 core units and 5 preferred elective units.

Core

Confirm physical health status/Analyse and respond to client health information (HLTAAP002/HLTAAP003)
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures (HLTINF001)
Follow safe work practices for direct client care (HLTWHS002)
Practise nursing within the Australian health care system (HLTENN035)
Perform clinical assessment and plan nursing care (HLTENN037)
Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care (HLTENN038)
Implement and monitor care of the older person (HLTENN045)
Apply communication skills in nursing practice/Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice (HLTENN036/HLTENN041)
Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy (HLTENN040)
Work with diverse people/Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (CHCDIV001/CHCDIV002)
Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions (HLTENN042)
Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting (HLTENN047)
Apply principles of wound management in the clinical environment (HLTENN039)
Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health problems (HLTENN043)
Reflect on and improve own professional practice (CHCPRP003)
Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health problems (HLTENN044)
Apply a palliative care approach in nursing care (HLTENN068)

Electives

Provide first aid (HLTAID011)
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately (BSBMED301)
Research and apply evidence to practice (CHCPOL003)
Manage personal stressors in the work environment (HLTWHS006)
Implement and monitor care for a person with diabetes (HLTENN057)

Career opportunities

Career opportunities

  • Acute Care Nurse

    Assist a registered nurse in the care of patients suffering from a severe injury or episode of illness.

  • Mental Health Nurse

    Provide medical and some psychological support to patients who have mental health issues or who are in distress.

  • Rehabilitation Nurse

    Assist individuals with a disability and/or chronic illness to attain and maintain maximum function.

  • Aged Care Nurse

    Assist in the delivery of primary health care to aged patients in a variety of settings including hospitals and home care.

  • Palliative Care Nurse

    Provide care and support to people at any age who are experiencing severe or complex symptoms due to a life-limiting or terminal condition.

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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Basics of nursing care

    Learn the basics of practising nursing within the Australian healthcare system, including how to confirm a patient's physical health status and analyse client health information.

  • Administration and monitoring of medication

    Learn how to administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy and apply principles of wound management in the clinical environment.

  • Nursing communication

    Learn how to apply communication skills and respond to client language, literacy and numeracy needs in nursing practice.

  • Legal and ethical parameters in nursing

    Learn how to apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice and maintain work health and safety.

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Other courses you may be interested in

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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  • How does your model of online study work for the Diploma of Nursing?

    All of your study will happen in Canvas. Canvas is the online platform where you’ll manage your course and receive study support from your Vocational Learning Advisors (VLAs). The Diploma of Nursing course is fast-paced and you will need to find a work-life-study balance that suits your personal needs.

  • Where can find out more about VET Student Loans?

    More information is available at VET Student Loans.

  • Do I need to purchase any learning materials for the Diploma of Nursing?

    Yes, you will be required to purchase textbooks for this course at an additional cost. You will also need to purchase a nursing kit and a uniform for when you go on placement at your own cost. You can purchase these online once you begin your studies or at your on-campus orientation tour.

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