Bachelor of Nursing (Mount Gambier)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IBNU
SATAC Code
474031 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO Note: Enrolled Nurse Certificate IV or Diploma in Nursing - both with current practising certificate.
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 70.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
INTERSTATE APPLICANTS: This program includes mandatory on-campus workshops in Mount Gambier. All clinical placements must be undertaken in South Australia.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS: This program is also offered at City East and Whyalla.
Degree overview
- Study at a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing1, from a localised regional campus in Mount Gambier.
- Embark on 1,000 hours of nursing placements from your first year of study, in clinical settings across South Australia.
- Develop the knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes needed for professional practice.
- Learn from academics and industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.2
- Learn in our unique, clinician-led, authentic simulated hospital and health service on-campus with expert clinical and academic staff.
- Be supported by online learning resources, available to you 24/7.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.3 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities4, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12022 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 4Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
Snapshot
Start your unstoppable career in nursing at UniSA’s regional Mount Gambier campus, and become a highly sought-after health professional, caring for people across all health settings.
This is your opportunity to make a positive contribution to Australian healthcare. UniSA offers an industry-relevant, practical qualification which will ensure you’re career-ready.
With constant change in technology and approaches to care in the healthcare industry, UniSA’s nursing programs are also constantly evolving and adapting with this change.
What you'll need
All students studying a health-related program where interaction with the public is required, such as clinical placements in health settings, must meet certain compulsory requirements. All nursing students must confirm they meet the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements upon entry to their programs and on each re-enrolment, as well as meeting mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit page for more information.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is completed by the University with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after enrolment. No fees apply.
Students who elect to study this program externally must attend mandatory on-campus workshops and undertake all clinical placements in South Australia.
Interstate students will need to be aware that due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, borders between states can close at any time and impact clinical placements and attendance at on-campus workshops.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Nursing prepares you for placement and your professional nursing career with more than 150 hours of learning in our Horizon Hospital and Health Service. You’ll also complete 1,000 hours in clinical settings across metro, regional and rural hospitals, and health services in South Australia.
During your studies, your learning will enable you to meet the seven interconnecting Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse standards for practice, which include the capacity to:
- think critically and analyse nursing practice
- engage in therapeutic and professional relationships
- maintain the capability for practice
- comprehensively conduct assessments
- develop a plan for nursing practice
- provide safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
- evaluate outcomes to inform nursing practice
The degree is designed to prepare you to meet healthcare delivery requirements for the 21st century and respond to Australian and international healthcare priorities and trends including mental health, primary healthcare and healthy ageing. Six integrated themes are embedded throughout the curriculum and represent core approaches which inform contemporary nursing practice:
- safety and quality
- cultural safety
- evidence-based practice
- professional communication
- consumers as partners in care
- teamwork
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you’ll need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you’ll need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). As a general rule, if you're studying full-time you would need to allocate on average 40 hours per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- projects
- presentations
- case studies
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- objective structured clinical examination
- clinical placement assessment
- quizzes
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Nursing (Mount Gambier)
Nursing at UniSA offers a combination of theory and practical experience, with a strong track record of career-ready graduates.
The Mount Gambier campus has undergone a $12.5 million upgrade, which means you’ll get to train with the very latest equipment. Specialist health-related teaching facilities include patient bedrooms and treatment rooms modelled on the new Royal Adelaide Hospital as well as the local hospital in Mount Gambier.
UniSA is ranked No.1 in SA for campus facilities in nursing.1 This includes our Horizon Hospital and Health Service, which spans across all campuses. You’ll learn in authentic hospital wards, clinical units and community areas led by practising Registered Nurses and midwives.
To teach our nursing students the highest standards of patient care, the simulated hospital is populated by residents of a virtual health community, which is also unique to UniSA. Residents include interactive manikins each with their own persona; as well as real people acting as residents, who have their own personal stories, relationships, and health histories.
By learning from experienced clinicians and academics at a university with well above world-class research in nursing2, you’re assured the very best in resources and support to become a capable and confident Registered Nurse.
This degree comes with a blend of online and real-world learning, with dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
You’ll benefit from UniSA’s strong ties to the healthcare industry, across its many diverse settings. When you complete clinical placements as part of your study, you’ll learn from experienced clinicians, including Registered Nurses on-campus and in hospital and health settings in South Australia.
You’ll get to embark on clinical placements across metro, regional and rural hospitals and health services under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Through placements, you’ll practice your clinical skills, try hands-on patient care, and build valuable networks and relationships.
Students may also have the opportunity to go on an overseas study tour or participate in exclusive clinical placement streams with industry healthcare partners.
We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
This qualification is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- access videos and course resources online
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use online forums for teamwork and communication.
Some on-campus workshop attendance is required at the Mount Gambier campus. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Study nursing at UniSA's Mount Gambier campus
Explore the benefits of studying nursing at UniSA Mount Gambier campus.
Your career
Registered Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare, with their contribution to patient care imperative for the wellbeing of today's society.
The demand for nurses and midwives in the regions continues to grow. South Australia's Rural Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan recognises the critical services they provide to families and the broader community; and the need for a strong, available and sustainable workforce. It's the perfect time to build a highly respected and in-demand career in this field.
UniSA nursing graduates can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, such as:
- hospitals
- primary health and community support services
- aged and rehabilitative care
- schools
- home care
- drug and alcohol treatment centres
- community health organisations
- mental health services
- international aid agencies
- corrections facilities
- management
Graduates may complete the Transition to Professional Practice Program with a participating employer. You can also bolster your specialised skills in areas like allergy nursing, palliative care, nurse education, with our range of postgraduate qualifications.
As you gain working experience as a Registered Nurse, you can also extend your understanding of evidence-based practice by going on to a Master of Nursing. This will equip you for senior leadership roles in clinical practice, policy, research, education or management.
As a Registered Nurse, you may also undertake further study with a Master of Research.
1SA Rural Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan 2021-26
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The requirements for registration are determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health
- UniSA College Foundation Studies
- diploma-level TAFE or other registered training organisation (RTO) qualification
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Study on Demand with Australia's University of Enterprise
UniSA Online – 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning.
Your study experience and support
You’ll discover your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved in groups and events.
The Mount Gambier campus hosts sport activities to keep you active and, if you’re keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
At UniSA’s Mount Gambier campus, students experience flexible learning and quality teaching, with the benefits of a relaxed environment, small class sizes, tailored support services and a strong community connection.
Our nursing campus facilities are ranked No.1 in SA.1 This includes our Horizon Hospital and Health Service located at our City East, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses – the only one of its kind in South Australia.
Our state-of-the-art facilities include a fully equipped emergency department and day surgery, all led by practising Registered Nurses and midwives (clinicians). Housed in the simulated hospital environment are the Residents of Horizon – interactive manikins each with their own persona and health concerns, as well as real people acting as residents, who have their own personal stories, relationships and health histories.
These teaching facilities and study spaces are designed to enhance and support your understanding of nursing practice as it continues to evolve.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Your program director
My nursing career has predominantly been in Emergency, working for many years as a senior emergency nurse at the (old) Royal Adelaide Hospital and interstate. I completed my PhD in 2016 and remain a passionate nurse-researcher applying my clinical and theoretical knowledge to investigate the support needs of families with children with rare diseases, and how healthcare services aimed at supporting these families can be improved. I have taught and coordinated extensively across the Bachelor of Nursing program and am also an Academic Integrity Officer. In all of this, I remain committed to student-centred learning and to ensuring that our students get the most out of their studies, experience the full benefits of university life, and feel prepared for practice in the real-world as the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
Nursing at UniSA is very flexible, incorporating online and on campus components. It also provided many opportunities for hands-on, practical learning such as various city placements, which enabled me to step out of my comfort zone to develop further knowledge and skills.
Ellie Waters
Bachelor of Nursing (Mt Gambier)
Nursing allows me to follow my dreams. I have always wanted to care for people, and work in a hospital environment. The support that I got from my tutors and my colleagues throughout my studies was amazing. I also got the chance to create connections with local senior nurses via clinical placements. These placements were a way of putting all the skills I learnt at University into practice, while building my confidence.
Joseph Ndjeka
Bachelor of Nursing, Mount Gambier
Registered nurse at Mount Gambier Hospital
Nursing and Midwifery Careers Snapshot
Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS) at UniSA
