Start Date
Feb, May, Sept
Qualification
Undergraduate
Duration
4 years full-time / part-time equivalent
Subject
23 units
Fees
$4,627* per year
Apply Now

Course Overview

Our Bachelor of Nursing online degree was designed to help you develop into a confident and capable nurse. You’ll learn to look beyond an illness in isolation and focus on a person’s well-being as a whole. By the end of your Bachelor of Nursing degree, you will be equipped with all the skills necessary to be an outstanding health professional. You will have the nursing knowledge to understand and analyse a patient’s needs, and the experience to give them the best care possible. You’re the support they need.

Due to limited availability, this online degree currently requires full program completion and is not open to Enrolled Nurses (ENs) or applicants seeking credit for prior learning.

This degree is only available to students in New South Wales and Queensland. Students in Queensland will have to complete their Residentials in New South Wales.

The online Bachelor of Nursing offering is accredited by the Australian Nurses and Midwives Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

Please note: additional English language proficiency requirements set by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) must be declared and met before you are eligible to commence study for the Bachelor of Nursing.


Please ensure you read through the Program Requirements and Professional Accreditation information before applying.

There are many ways you can gain entry into a degree through Western Sydney University Online. We accept any one of the following, provided you meet the minimum requirements relating to those criteria:

  • Cert IV, in any field
  • Completion or partial completion of tertiary study
  • Completion of Year 12 HSC (or equivalent), with a minimum required ATAR
  • Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
  • PTE or IELTS for English proficiency may be required depending on where entry documentation was completed
  • Work experience, in any industry (assessed on a case by case basis)

Find out more about how studying nursing online works. We explain all the basics and break down your program into online subjects, clinical practice subjects and placement subjects.

Western Sydney University’s Inherent Requirements

As a student, you may need to pay a number of fees throughout your studies, depending on your degree and your enrolment status. These fees may include student contribution and tuition fees. If you’re eligible, you may also be able to obtain a HELP loan for payment of your student contribution or tuition fees. For more information, please visit the Student Contribution Bands page.

Fees for undergraduate International students are different than for local students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, NZ citizens, and holders of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa). For more information on fees for International students, please visit the International program fees page.

*Please note that fees are an estimation of annual fees and are subject to change.

Download Course Brochure

Download the Course Brochure for more information on this innovative course and student support.

Career Opportunities

Equipped with a degree from one of the top universities in the world, you can enter the workforce with industry knowledge and confidence. Here are some of the options available to a Nursing graduate:

Registered Nurse

13.9% Job growth in 5 years

As a Registered Nurse, provide nursing care to patients in hospitals, aged care and other healthcare facilities in the community.

Acute Care Nurse

$83,000* Annual Salary

Provide intensive short-term care for patients, such as during recovery from surgery or for an urgent medical condition. As a front-line care position, you will be prepared for diverse situations each day.

Specialist Nursing

2,900+ Job Opportunities

Use your nursing knowledge to specialise your skills in a particular area, from aged care to mental health, palliative care and onwards. Channel your focus to the area of healthcare you’re most passionate about.

Beyond Clinical Practice

17,000+ Nursing Job Opportunities

Use your dynamic healthcare skillset and knowledge to branch out and make an impact outside of Clinical Practice. Become a Nurse Educator, Academic, Policy Developer or Manager with your Nursing credentials.

Learn more about Nursing opportunities on SEEK

What Will You Study

First Year

Your first year is an exciting introduction to the world of nursing. You’ll start with the essentials of human biology and healthcare, setting the foundation for your nursing career. This year is about understanding what it means to be a nurse and how to approach patient care with empathy and professionalism.

Second Year

In your second year, you delve deeper into the science behind health and disease. You’ll learn the importance of evidence-based practice and get familiar with the use of medications in patient care. This year also introduces you to a variety of health challenges, providing practical experiences in diverse settings to enhance your skills and confidence.

Third Year

This year focuses on expanding your understanding of complex health conditions, including chronic diseases and mental health. You’ll gain insights into culturally sensitive care, specifically in the context of Indigenous Australian health. The year is significant for developing your skills in managing end-of-life care, a critical and delicate aspect of nursing.

Fourth Year

Your final year is all about integrating and applying all your knowledge and skills in more complex and acute scenarios. You’ll be challenged to handle life-threatening conditions and refine your identity as a professional nurse or midwife. This year includes the most intensive practical experience, preparing you for a seamless transition into the nursing profession after graduation.

 

Each year of the program builds upon the last, ensuring that you graduate as a well-rounded, skilled, and empathetic nursing professional ready to make a positive impact in healthcare.

Subject Details

Course subjects are carefully selected and taught by industry experts and professionals to ensure a well-rounded education to all our students. During each teaching period, you must complete two subjects.

 

We’ve highlighted below how those subjects will be structured. Find out more about how your online nursing degree will be structured. Subject to ANMAC and NMBA approval.

 

Here is a closer look at the subjects that will be covered in your 4-year degree in Nursing:

NURS 1023
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Bioscience 1

Bioscience 1 introduces the core concepts and terminology related to the structure, function, and homeostasis of the human body. Students begin to describe the relationships between the Australian National Health Priority areas and performances of activities of living and healthy lifestyle practices.

NURS 1017
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Primary Healthcare in Action

This subject introduces nursing and midwifery students to Primary Health Care (PHC) as a social model of health and a World Health Organization (WHO) strategy for achieving just and humane health care. The subject explores the impact and relevance of PHC as a framework for organising an Australian health care system that decreases health inequities and optimises the health of all people.

Students will examine the dimensions of PHC that assist in establishing collaborative partnerships in which people are supported to take responsibility for their health, including members of culturally diverse groups.

NURS 1022
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Becoming a Professional Nurse

Becoming a Professional Nurse or Midwife facilitates a student’s understanding of becoming a health care professional. Students are introduced to cultural sensitivity, safety, and competence to facilitate appropriate intercultural communication within the context of contemporary healthcare. The role of the registered nurse or midwife is explored, with students gaining an understanding of accountability, responsibility, therapeutic and professional relationships, and their capability for practice.

NURS 1020
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 1

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when promoting, maintaining, and supporting a person’s health and well-being across the lifespan. Students will be able to develop the foundational clinical skills in a simulated clinical environment to enable the further development of more complex skills in a health care setting.

NURS 1025
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Person-Centred Care Across the Lifespan

This subject introduces the concept of person-centred care as an approach that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs and values of individual people throughout the lifespan. Students develop an understanding of human relationships and life transitions, including concepts that inform nursing and midwifery practice.

The subject explores frameworks that support an understanding of the psychological, social, cognitive and moral components of human development including mental health and care of the older person.

NURS 1001
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice

Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice explores the nature and professional context of nursing. The roles and functions of the nurse and their relationship to others are considered in terms of expected competence, responsibilities, accountabilities and scope of practice. Students will gain an understanding of information-0enabled care, which is central to modern practice.

NURS 1024
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Bioscience 2

Bioscience 2 introduces the concepts associated with alterations in health across the lifespan. It will introduce pathophysiology, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology related to health breakdown due to injury or disease. This subject specifically examines the impact of microorganisms on people’s health and the body’s natural defences when dealing with infections and injuries and its significance to person-centred care.

NURS 1021
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 2

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when promoting, maintaining, and supporting person centred care. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 80 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 2036
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Evidence-based Practice for Nursing and Midwifery

This unit is designed to develop students’ knowledge in accessing and making judgements to translate the best available evidence into practice. This also includes the most current, valid and available research findings. General concepts associated with evidence-based health care are explored, including conducting literature searches from a wide range of sources, reviewing and appraising research and other evidence, and using and translating research into practice.

NURS 2040
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Pharmacology in Nursing

It is imperative that registered nurses and registered midwives have a solid understanding of pharmacology. This subject introduces the principles and core concepts of pharmacology with a distinct emphasis on safe medication administration in nursing and midwifery.

Students will acquire knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and develop an understanding of actions and reactions caused by commonly prescribed drugs. Electronic medication management systems, patient education and engagement in medication management are also addressed in this subject.

NURS 2037
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 1: Introduction to Alterations in Health

This unit utilises an evidence base to develop an understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions. It also expands it to nursing care of people who are experiencing acute but usually resolvable alterations in health. A particular focus of this subject are the Australian National Health Priority Areas.

NURS 2028
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 3

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when assessing and caring for people who are experiencing acute but usually resolvable conditions. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 160 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 2041
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being

This subject develops mental health nursing knowledge and skill required of the nursing workforce across a range of service delivery settings. It explores contemporary models of care such as recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care and social determinants approach. Students will plan evidence-based initiatives that promote mental health, prevent and intervene early in illness, facilitate recovery and promote wellbeing.

401209
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 2 – Chronic Illness and Disability

This unit explores the concepts of chronicity, disability, habilitation and rehabilitation in relation to chronic conditions, functional and intellectual disabilities. It also explores their implications for nursing practice. This unit provides theoretical underpinnings directly related to Professional Practice Experience 4.

NURS 2016
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 3: Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions

This unit utilises an evidence base to develop an understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions. It also develops an understanding of nursing care for people who experience acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.

NURS 2029
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 4

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when caring for people experiencing an acute exacerbation of a chronic condition. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 160 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 3041
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Indigenous Australian Health, Wellness and Culture

This subject will specifically enable nursing and midwifery students to investigate, discuss and develop an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and health statistics. It also explores the historical and present-day issues associated with poor health outcomes.

The concepts of cultural safety, health and illness will be discussed in terms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Students will explore and reflect on the impact of the different attitudes, institutional policies and value systems relating to the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

NURS 3017
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 5: Palliative and End of Life Care

Health Variations 5 Palliative and End of Life Care focuses on the palliative approach as a model of care, exploring the benefits of this approach when supporting dying individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Students will also acquire the capabilities to develop self-care strategies to manage their own grief, loss and stress associated with working in a palliative setting.

NURS 3015
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 4: Acute Life Threatening Conditions

Health Variations 4 Acute Life-Threatening Conditions utilises an evidence base to develop an understanding of the pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions. It also develops an understanding of nursing care for people who experience acute life-threatening conditions. This subject specifically focuses on detecting and recognising acute deterioration and escalating care.

NURS 3032
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 5

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when assessing and caring for people who are experiencing acute life-threatening illness and life-limiting illness. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 160 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 3002
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife

Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife explores the process of transition from student to a registered healthcare professional. Students analyse their role as a registered nurse or registered midwife, reflecting on accountability, responsibility, therapeutic and professional relationships, and their capability for practice. This subject will build the capacity within students to meet their professional responsibilities as capable practitioners in nursing or midwifery. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their job readiness skills in preparation for new graduate employment opportunities.

NURS 3039
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Experience Placement

This subject is a capstone unit that provides students an opportunity to consolidate the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse in preparation for transition to graduate practice. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications. While an Objective Structured Clinical Skills Exam and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The unit includes 240 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

This unit is worth 20 credit points.

NURS 1023
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Bioscience 1

Bioscience 1 introduces the core concepts and terminology related to the structure, function, and homeostasis of the human body. Students begin to describe the relationships between the Australian National Health Priority areas and performances of activities of living and healthy lifestyle practices.

NURS 1017
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Primary Healthcare in Action

This subject introduces nursing and midwifery students to Primary Health Care (PHC) as a social model of health and a World Health Organization (WHO) strategy for achieving just and humane health care. The subject explores the impact and relevance of PHC as a framework for organising an Australian health care system that decreases health inequities and optimises the health of all people.

Students will examine the dimensions of PHC that assist in establishing collaborative partnerships in which people are supported to take responsibility for their health, including members of culturally diverse groups.

NURS 1022
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Becoming a Professional Nurse

Becoming a Professional Nurse or Midwife facilitates a student’s understanding of becoming a health care professional. Students are introduced to cultural sensitivity, safety, and competence to facilitate appropriate intercultural communication within the context of contemporary healthcare. The role of the registered nurse or midwife is explored, with students gaining an understanding of accountability, responsibility, therapeutic and professional relationships, and their capability for practice.

NURS 1020
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 1

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when promoting, maintaining, and supporting a person’s health and well-being across the lifespan. Students will be able to develop the foundational clinical skills in a simulated clinical environment to enable the further development of more complex skills in a health care setting.

NURS 1025
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Person-Centred Care Across the Lifespan

This subject introduces the concept of person-centred care as an approach that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs and values of individual people throughout the lifespan. Students develop an understanding of human relationships and life transitions, including concepts that inform nursing and midwifery practice.

The subject explores frameworks that support an understanding of the psychological, social, cognitive and moral components of human development including mental health and care of the older person.

NURS 1001
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice

Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice explores the nature and professional context of nursing. The roles and functions of the nurse and their relationship to others are considered in terms of expected competence, responsibilities, accountabilities and scope of practice. Students will gain an understanding of information-0enabled care, which is central to modern practice.

NURS 1024
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Bioscience 2

Bioscience 2 introduces the concepts associated with alterations in health across the lifespan. It will introduce pathophysiology, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology related to health breakdown due to injury or disease. This subject specifically examines the impact of microorganisms on people’s health and the body’s natural defences when dealing with infections and injuries and its significance to person-centred care.

NURS 1021
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 2

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when promoting, maintaining, and supporting person centred care. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 80 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 2036
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Evidence-based Practice for Nursing and Midwifery

This unit is designed to develop students’ knowledge in accessing and making judgements to translate the best available evidence into practice. This also includes the most current, valid and available research findings. General concepts associated with evidence-based health care are explored, including conducting literature searches from a wide range of sources, reviewing and appraising research and other evidence, and using and translating research into practice.

NURS 2040
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Pharmacology in Nursing

It is imperative that registered nurses and registered midwives have a solid understanding of pharmacology. This subject introduces the principles and core concepts of pharmacology with a distinct emphasis on safe medication administration in nursing and midwifery.

Students will acquire knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and develop an understanding of actions and reactions caused by commonly prescribed drugs. Electronic medication management systems, patient education and engagement in medication management are also addressed in this subject.

NURS 2037
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 1: Introduction to Alterations in Health

This unit utilises an evidence base to develop an understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions. It also expands it to nursing care of people who are experiencing acute but usually resolvable alterations in health. A particular focus of this subject are the Australian National Health Priority Areas.

NURS 2028
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 3

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when assessing and caring for people who are experiencing acute but usually resolvable conditions. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 160 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 2041
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being

This subject develops mental health nursing knowledge and skill required of the nursing workforce across a range of service delivery settings. It explores contemporary models of care such as recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care and social determinants approach. Students will plan evidence-based initiatives that promote mental health, prevent and intervene early in illness, facilitate recovery and promote wellbeing.

401209
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 2 – Chronic Illness and Disability

This unit explores the concepts of chronicity, disability, habilitation and rehabilitation in relation to chronic conditions, functional and intellectual disabilities. It also explores their implications for nursing practice. This unit provides theoretical underpinnings directly related to Professional Practice Experience 4.

NURS 2016
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 3: Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions

This unit utilises an evidence base to develop an understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions. It also develops an understanding of nursing care for people who experience acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.

NURS 2029
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 4

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when caring for people experiencing an acute exacerbation of a chronic condition. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 160 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 3041
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Indigenous Australian Health, Wellness and Culture

This subject will specifically enable nursing and midwifery students to investigate, discuss and develop an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and health statistics. It also explores the historical and present-day issues associated with poor health outcomes.

The concepts of cultural safety, health and illness will be discussed in terms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Students will explore and reflect on the impact of the different attitudes, institutional policies and value systems relating to the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

NURS 3017
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 5: Palliative and End of Life Care

Health Variations 5 Palliative and End of Life Care focuses on the palliative approach as a model of care, exploring the benefits of this approach when supporting dying individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Students will also acquire the capabilities to develop self-care strategies to manage their own grief, loss and stress associated with working in a palliative setting.

NURS 3015
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Health Variations 4: Acute Life Threatening Conditions

Health Variations 4 Acute Life-Threatening Conditions utilises an evidence base to develop an understanding of the pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions. It also develops an understanding of nursing care for people who experience acute life-threatening conditions. This subject specifically focuses on detecting and recognising acute deterioration and escalating care.

NURS 3032
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Practice Experience 5

This subject focuses on the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse when assessing and caring for people who are experiencing acute life-threatening illness and life-limiting illness. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The subject includes 160 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

NURS 3002
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife

Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife explores the process of transition from student to a registered healthcare professional. Students analyse their role as a registered nurse or registered midwife, reflecting on accountability, responsibility, therapeutic and professional relationships, and their capability for practice. This subject will build the capacity within students to meet their professional responsibilities as capable practitioners in nursing or midwifery. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their job readiness skills in preparation for new graduate employment opportunities.

NURS 3039
Recommended 8-10 hours of study per week

Professional Experience Placement

This subject is a capstone unit that provides students an opportunity to consolidate the development of the role and clinical skills of the registered nurse in preparation for transition to graduate practice. A simulated professional task will assist with the development of essential clinical communications. While an Objective Structured Clinical Skills Exam and a professional experience placement to evaluate clinical skills development. The unit includes 240 hours of Professional Experience Placement.

This unit is worth 20 credit points.

Western Sydney University Online invites you to study in an advanced and flexible digital environment. Our online program allows you to study on your time, when it works for you, your work, family and life commitments. 

Student Support

We are here to support you when you need it. Our dedicated support team are available over the phone or online seven days a week to answer all your questions. From technical support through to academic questions, we have the tools and people to make your study journey achievable and enjoyable.

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Our Nursing degree gives you a solid foundation to start your career as a nurse. You’ll gain hands-on experience from placements and on-campus clinical practice units. This is one of the reasons why WSU’s school of nursing and midwifery is ranked #1 nursing school in Australia.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney Online.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Western Sydney University Online, we are dedicated to helping our students. Our Student Advisors are on hand to make your transition to university as smooth as possible. They are available via phone, email 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends. Once you are in your online classroom, your Online Learning Advisors will be there to guide your learning and there is plenty of assessment support services at your fingertips throughout your studies.

We understand that life can get busy and you may need to reconsider your study options. The good news is there are options available for you to consider. You can take a Leave of Absence and start in a future teaching period or you can transfer to another course if you meet the entry criteria. We recommend giving one of our helpful Student Advisors a call and have a chat about your specific circumstances. With their knowledge they can point you in the right direction.

Your subjects typically open the Friday before the commencement of the Teaching Period, however access to your subject outlines and Orientation Subject will be available in Canvas your online classroom four weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period.

Of course. Whether you study on-campus or online, your learning outcomes and qualification are the same. Even to the point of when you graduate, you will receive the same testamur. A testamur is your graduation certificate and it does not specify your mode of study. Regardless of whether you study online or on-campus you will still be getting the same qualification from an internationally ranked university.

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Get in touch

Are you ready to apply? Simply fill out the form below and a Course Consultant will be in touch to guide you through your application over the phone.

 

If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you complete your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 050 928.