Health & Nursing Courses
Diploma of Nursing
78 to 91 weeks
On Campus | Blended
Overview
Do you have a genuine passion for health and a desire to care for others? EQUALS’ HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing could be the perfect start to your nursing career!
Health Workforce Australia’s workforce projections show that demand for nurses will significantly exceed supply. With a projected shortfall of 123,000 nurses across Australia by 2030, the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing offers a nationally recognised qualification that enables graduates to register as an Enrolled Nurse with Ahpra.
At EQUALS we offer two innovative delivery modes for the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing, providing you with the flexibility to choose the right study mode for your situation. EQUALS’ Study Mode A offers a campus-based delivery model over 78 weeks. This study mode is suitable for international and domestic students looking for a standard delivery mode with attendance on campus most weeks during the study period.
Alternatively, our Study Mode B offers domestic students flexibility with blended online delivery and campus based intensive learning. Study Mode B is particularly designed for students living in regional and rural locations, and those who need more flexibility to learn in a blended format.
Irrespective of your study mode, as a nursing student at EQUALS you have access to a supportive learning environment where care and attention is given to your individual circumstances. Credit or recognition for previous nursing or health experience may apply for eligible students.
EQUALS’ Diploma of Nursing graduates benefit from quality employment pathways. As a graduate, you can build on your Diploma by continuing onto the HLT64121 Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Mental health) or undergraduate university studies at a number of Australian universities. EQUALS’ Diploma of Nursing course will provide 12 months credit at most undergraduate nursing degrees (subject to approval).
The Enrolled Nurse (EN) works with the Registered Nurse (RN) as part of the health care team and demonstrates competence in the provision of person-centred care. Core practice generally requires the Enrolled Nurse to work under the direct or indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse. At all times, the Enrolled Nurse retains responsibility for their actions and remains accountable in providing delegated nursing care (NMBA Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice 2016).
Students undertaking a HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing will be registered with the Ahpra student register.
For other course information, please read our HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing Course Handbook. General information can also be found in our Student Handbook.
Subsidised Training
If you want to study a course that will give you skills employers need, the South Australian Government pays part of your course fees for you.
Your eligibility for government subsidised training may be based on your employment status and any training you’ve already completed.
Check your eligibility here.
Subsidy available
YesTraineeship available
YesEntry Requirements
EQUALS is committed to supporting applicants into the course of study that will best suit their goals, needs and abilities. For the best opportunity for success, EQUALS requires applicants for the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing are 18 years or over at the time of application and have successfully completed:
- Year 12 or equivalent; and/or
- an Australian Certificate III or higher qualification (or equivalent)
All applicants must also demonstrate adequate English language skills and numeracy skills to communicate safely and effectively in the health care environments. Domestic applicants will be required to demonstrate adequate literacy and numeracy skills at pre-admission interviews through formal assessment.
Applicants of the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing are required to demonstrate English Language Skills requirements in line with the NMBA English Language Skills Registration Standard and the ANMAC Enrolled Nurse Accreditation Standards. View the English Language Entry Skill Requirements.
Students are required to maintain valid evidence of the following throughout their enrolment:
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate
- Vaccination evidence (including Covid-19 vaccinations)
- Department of Communities & Social Inclusion (DCSI) Screening Checks for working with Vulnerable People, with Children, and in the Aged Care Sector
All applicants are required to confirm their Physical Fitness for this course.
Study Units
Please access our HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing Course Handbook for unit information.
VET Student Loans
Eligible students will be entitled for loans up to a capped amount. Students will need to contribute the difference if the total course fee exceeds the loan cap for a course. A loan cap of $16,788 applies to this course.
Delivery Format
EQUALS’ HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing is offered in two study modes.
Study Mode A (Domestic and International Students): On Campus theoretical delivery, on campus practical/simulation, Structured Study Time, and Work Integrated Learning in industry. This course mode also requires self-paced study time which can be undertaken either on campus or offsite.
Study Mode B (Domestic students only): Blended delivery. Theoretical delivery via synchronous and asynchronous online learning, on campus intensive practical/simulation weeks, and Work Integrated Learning in industry. This course mode also requires self-paced study time which can be undertaken either on campus or offsite.
Access our HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing Course Handbook for additional delivery information.
Domestic Study Mode
On Campus | Blended
Work Integrated Learning
Students participate in a minimum of 400 hours of structured Work Integrated Learning where skills, knowledge and attitudes are developed as you work towards developing your nursing practice.
In addition to Entry Requirements, students will be required to:
- Comply with uniform requirements including but not limited to no jewellery (with the exception of a plain wedding band), bare below elbows, long hair tied back
- Undertake a N95 fit-check at their own cost (if required).
Nationally Recognised Training
Yes.
National Recognition (Credit Transfer) and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have related prior education and experiences, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please follow this link for more information on applying for Recognition of Prior Learning. If you have successfully completed units of competency from this qualification previously, you may be eligible for National Recognition, please follow this link for more information on National Recognition (Credit Transfer).
International Study Mode
On CampusDomestic VET Student Loans Eligible
YesDomestic VET Loan Cap
$16,788NMBA Registration Requirements Experience
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is the regulator for Australia’s nurses and midwives. It is a registration requirement that students are able to demonstrate and legally declare themselves to be of good character to practice in the field of nursing. Graduates wishing to practice as Enrolled Nurses will need to satisfy regulatory authority requirements upon registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. For specific registration requirements please visit the NMBA website. Prospective students should be familiar with Ahpra registration requirements if they intend to work as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia.
Applicants will have the opportunity to meet with an Admissions Adviser to discuss their application and have any of their questions answered. The applicant interview is a good opportunity to ask questions about registration with the NMBA.
Student Registration
All students enrolled in the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing must be registered as a student with the NMBA.
EQUALS will ensure that students enrolled in this approved course of study or who are undertaking a period of clinical training are registered with Ahpra.
To learn more, visit the Student Registration Information provided by Ahpra.
The NMBA also has English requirements, which all students are required to meet. Please complete the English Language Skills Requirements Evidence Checklist for a guide to see if you meet these requirements.
Value Added Workshops
Courses at EQUALS also include a number of value added workshops that students can choose to participate in during their studies at EQUALS. These workshops are not included in the packaging rules for the qualification. As such, they are not compulsory for students to achieve the qualification.
The workshops are voluntary and are principally delivered as they align to institutional values of equality, diversity and unity, and may offer additional skills and knowledge required and attitudes that improve employability and resilience in the workplace. Workshops are offered in areas including problem-solving and consultation skills, spiritual intelligence and introduction to human rights. These workshops are meaningfully designed to reflect industry feedback and support a student’s personal growth throughout their learning journey.
Pathways to Further Study
Yes.