Diploma of Nursing
Swinburne Online - Online delivery only
Overview
Gain essential industry experience to work in a range of healthcare settings with the Diploma of Nursing. Guided by a registered nurse, you’ll learn to administer and monitor medication and care for a range of clients with various needs. Taught online and on-campus, you’ll graduate with 400 hours of experience through supervised clinical placements.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training
Interested in this course?
Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.
Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real industry experience. This course involves 440 hours of mandatory supervised clinical placements.
Skills you’ll learn
- Health assessments
- Monitor medication
- Skills to work in a variety of settings
- Effective communication skills
Your career opportunities
- Acute Care Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Rehabilitation Nurse
- Aged Care Nurse
- Palliative Care Nurse
Location options
- Online
Professional accreditations
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.
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Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Admissions
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.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
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.)
Other requirements
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*
- Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
*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.
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.
Informed Choices Statement
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of nursing, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements in nursing and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.
Prior to applying
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.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Diploma of Nursing
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Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
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Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy)
Course structure
The Diploma of Nursing consists of 20 core units and 5 preferred elective units.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
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Confirm physical health status
Core unit, 90.0 credit points |
HLTAAP002 |
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Analyse and respond to client health information
Core unit, 60.0 credit points |
HLTAAP003 |
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Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
HLTINF001 |
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Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
HLTWHS002 |
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Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
Core unit, 75.0 credit points |
HLTENN035 |
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Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
HLTENN037 |
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Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care
Core unit, 110.0 credit points |
HLTENN038 |
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Implement and monitor care of the older person
Core unit, 75.0 credit points |
HLTENN045 |
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Apply communication skills in nursing practice
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
HLTENN036 |
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Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
Core unit, 30.0 credit points |
HLTENN041 |
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Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
Core unit, 275.0 credit points |
HLTENN040 |
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Work with diverse people
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CHCDIV001 |
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Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
CHCDIV002 |
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Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
Core unit, 60.0 credit points |
HLTENN042 |
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Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
Core unit, 80.0 credit points |
HLTENN047 |
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Apply principles of wound management
Core unit, 60.0 credit points |
HLTENN039 |
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Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions
Core unit, 150.0 credit points |
HLTENN043 |
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Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit, 120.0 credit points |
CHCPRP003 |
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Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions
Core unit, 60.0 credit points |
HLTENN044 |
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Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
Core unit, 70.0 credit points |
HLTENN068 |
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Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
Core unit, 275.0 credit points |
HLTENN040 |
|
Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
Core unit, 70.0 credit points |
HLTENN068 |
| Elective units | |
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Provide First Aid
Elective unit, 18.0 credit points |
HLTAID011 |
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Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points |
BSBMED301 |
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Research and apply evidence to practice
Elective unit, 65.0 credit points |
CHCPOL003 |
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Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points |
HLTWHS006 |
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Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points |
HLTENN057 |
2024 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$34,790
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,097
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.