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Ranked 4th in Australia for nursing
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Ranked 14th worldwide for nursing
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Largest paramedicine degree program in Australia
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 3 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200110041
- ATAR
- 80.00 for Ballarat
- Fees (first year)*
$6968 CSP
- Start dates
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Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available
Overview
In this double degree you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to become both a registered nurse and a registered paramedic.
The Bachelor of Nursing is known for producing adaptable, safe and ethical nurses – in fact, more nurses graduate from ACU than anywhere else in Australia. We use learner-centred approaches including case studies and situation-based learning to enhance students' experiences as well as their readiness for the workplace.
The Bachelor of Paramedicine at ACU aims to create professional paramedics who are motivated to improve communities by providing compassionate primary, urgent and emergency health care in dynamic environments. We use case studies and authentic learning experiences to maximise student engagement and prepare them for assisting individuals and the community.
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine students will also gain valuable practical experience in a range of health care environments. You may also have the opportunity to participate in international study experiences to gain unique educational and cultural experiences working in care facilities in developing countries.
Professional experience
Clinical experience forms an integral part of the course. Students will undertake six units of nursing practice and three units of Paramedicine practice in a variety of health care environments.
Professional recognition
Nursing
Eligible graduates can apply for registration as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Please refer to the Registration Standards for Nursing and Midwifery on the Ahpra website .
Paramedicine
As at 1 December 2018, paramedicine became a regulated profession under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and eligible graduates can apply for registration as a paramedic. Please refer to the Registration Standards for Paramedics on the Ahpra website including English Language Skills required for initial registration.
Accreditation
Nursing
The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine is currently accredited with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Paramedicine
The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine is currently accredited (with conditions) by the Paramedicine Accreditation Committee and approved by the Paramedicine Board of Australia (ParaBA). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the ParaBA.
Careers
Graduates can pursue a range of careers including:
- registered nurse
- registered paramedic
- maternal and infant care
- medical dispatch
- medical/surgical nursing
- accident and emergency nursing
- aged care
- clinical supervision
- community care
- developmental disability care
- training
With further study, qualified paramedics can become intensive-care paramedics (ICPs), team leaders or special operations team (SOT) rescue paramedics.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the below prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent.
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| ACT | Assumed knowledge: Nil. |
Queensland | Assumed Knowledge: English (Units 3 & 4, C). |
Victoria | Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL. |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
English language requirements
Applicants for Nursing courses should carefully review the details outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy to check how they must demonstrate their English Language Proficiency.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
An honours year is available to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.5, who meet the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) or Bachelor of Paramedicine (Honours).
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers a suite of postgraduate coursework degrees in nursing and paramedicine. Nursing specialties include mental health nursing, clinical nursing, clinical education, health administration as well as leadership and management in health care.
Fees
Course costs
$6968 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Testimonial
The inclusive learning environment at ACU makes everyone feel welcome and the staff go above and beyond to help when needed. In addition to the beautiful campus and modern lab equipment, ACU has a number of clubs, programs and support systems in place to help everyone succeed. I choose nursing and paramedicine because I am passionate in helping people live a better life and I want to achieve this in the fastest pace and interesting environment available. I want to gain a full understanding of both the pre-hospital and hospital environments before entering the healthcare field. My placements have allowed me to put many of my practical skills into practice in both the field environment as well as the healthcare setting. This has benefited me by making me more confident in myself and my training allowing me progress and learn further skills.
Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023
Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023
Australasian Council of Paramedic Deans. 2023