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Bachelor of Nursing · AQF Level 7 · CRICOS 118071E

The shift
you were made
for starts here.

Three years of person-centred theory, simulation and 800 hours of supervised placement, designed so successful graduates can apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the NMBA.

Show me details for
Illustrative image: a nursing student practising with a stethoscope in a simulation room
Illustrative image

800h

supervised placement

Duration
3 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
Units
24 units
19 theory + 5 placements
Delivery
Blended
on campus + online
Level
AQF 7
Bachelor degree
Campuses
4 cities
Melbourne · Sydney · Perth · Brisbane

01 · Three ways in

Where you start shapes the route, not the destination.

Each pathway is described plainly: how it is structured, who it suits, and what is and is not promised.

Structure · 3 years full-time

Enrol straight into the 24-unit Bachelor of Nursing: 19 theory units and 5 Professional Experience Placements across six semesters.

Who it suits

Domestic school leavers (ATAR 50) and international applicants meeting academic, English and interview requirements.

Advantages

  • The complete degree, from foundations to transition-to-practice
  • All five placements, 800 hours in total
  • Part-time study may be available for domestic students, subject to unit availability

Progression, honestly

On successful completion, graduates may apply to the NMBA for registration as a Registered Nurse, provided they meet all registration standards.

Registration is never automatic. International students should confirm study load requirements under their visa conditions.

02The course

Competence you can feel in your hands.

Illustrative image: a nurse holding an older patient's hand
Illustrative image

The BN combines anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics with the communication, ethics and clinical reasoning that make care safe. Blended learning keeps theory flexible; simulation and placement make it real.

  1. Person-centred, culturally safe care

    Including culturally appropriate nursing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and global, cultural health care.

  2. Simulation laboratories

    Practise clinical skills in simulated educational labs before you meet patients on placement.

  3. Digital health

    Electronic health records, mHealth apps, virtual simulation and a dedicated Health Informatics unit.

  4. Rural, regional and remote

    A final-year unit on health and wellness beyond the cities, where placements may also take you.

  5. Clinical leadership

    Leadership, advocacy and a transition unit preparing you for the role of the Registered Nurse.

Campuses

  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane

Course and intake availability can differ by campus. Please confirm your preferred campus and start date with IHM before applying.

03Professional experience

Five placements.
800 hours. One rising arc.

Placements are assessed against NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice. They are normally in the state of your campus and may be in rural areas; travel and accommodation are generally at your own cost.

  1. PEP 1160h

    Year 1 · Sem 2

    Introduction to clinical experience

    Interpersonal and communication skills, the nurse in a multidisciplinary team, caring for a healthy older person.

  2. PEP 2120h

    Year 2 · Sem 3

    Acute and chronic care

    Problem solving, assessment and nursing interventions across healthcare settings.

  3. PEP 3120h

    Year 2 · Sem 4

    Mental health nursing

    Developing critical thinking and therapeutic practice in mental health contexts.

  4. PEP 4160h

    Year 3 · Sem 5

    Community care

    Caring effectively for individuals within the community.

  5. PEP 5240h

    Year 3 · Sem 6

    Medical / surgical consolidation

    Translating theory and skills into practice before graduation.

Illustrative image: nursing students with an educator at a simulation bed
Illustrative image, not an IHM facility

Before your first placement

Healthcare facilities require pre-placement compliance. Immunisations can take up to seven months, so start early.

  • National police check (annual)
  • Working with Children Check
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check where required
  • Immunisations incl. dTpa, MMR, Hep B, varicella, annual influenza, TB screening, COVID-19
  • First Aid, CPR, hand hygiene, manual handling, infection control modules
  • Hand hygiene and medication / drug calculation hurdles
  • IHM uniform (at least two recommended)
  • Full attendance; missed shifts must be made up, possibly at extra cost

Screening, compliance check and mandatory training fees are the student’s responsibility. Requirements can change; IHM will notify students.

04Curriculum

24 units, in order.

Year 1 · Semester 1

  • N7001Nursing and the Australian Health Care System
  • N7002Health and Wellness in Nursing Practice
  • N7003Communication Skills for Nurses
  • N7004Anatomy and Physiology

Year 1 · Semester 2

  • N7005Health and Wellness in Older Adults
  • N7006Foundations of Patient Partnership in Nursing
  • N7007Culturally Appropriate Nursing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
  • N7008Professional Experience Placement 1PEP

Unit list per IHM’s published course page; structure may be updated. See current official course details.

05Admissions · domestic

What you need, here at home.

Domestic means an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder.

School leavers

ATAR 50

Direct school leaver entry for domestic students requires an ATAR of 50.

Enrolled Nurses

AQF 5 + EN

Accredited Diploma of Nursing and current unrestricted NMBA/Ahpra EN registration. Credit of up to 8 units may be granted after individual assessment.

From application to orientation

Intake dates change. We link to the official page rather than list dates that may be out of date.

  1. 1Apply online through IHM
  2. 2If eligible, an admissions counsellor contacts you to schedule an interview
  3. 3Successful applicants receive an offer letter
  4. 4Accept and receive your invoice
  5. 5Complete enrolment and prepare for orientation

05Admissions · international

What you need, from anywhere.

International applicants study on campus in Australia on a student visa. Requirements below are from IHM’s published course page.

Academic

60% / GPA 2.75

International Year 12 or final secondary qualification with a minimum 60% in all completed units, or a minimum GPA of 2.75 where GPA is calculated.

English (IELTS Academic)

7.0 overall

Minimum 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing, per IHM’s published page. Other tests may be accepted; check the current policy for exact equivalents.

Assessment

Interview

Eligible applicants are interviewed by an admissions counsellor before any offer is made. Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the visa.

From application to orientation

Intake dates change. We link to the official page rather than list dates that may be out of date.

  1. 1Apply online through IHM
  2. 2If eligible, an admissions counsellor contacts you to schedule an interview
  3. 3Successful applicants receive an offer letter
  4. 4Accept and receive your invoice
  5. 5Pay the enrolment fee to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, then you may apply for a subclass 500 student visa

06 · Bachelor of Nursing tuition · domestic

AUD$15,000

per semester

Fees note: this rate is provided for planning and is pending formal confirmation by IHM. It applies to the Bachelor of Nursing only, not the Diploma or Master of Nursing. Fees are subject to change annually; confirm the rate in your offer letter.

Costs beyond tuition

Budget for these separately. Amounts vary and are not listed here.

  • Police, WWCC and NDIS screening
  • Immunisations and serology
  • Uniforms
  • Mandatory training certificates
  • Placement travel
  • Placement accommodation

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan for eligible fee-paying students. Not every domestic student is eligible; eligibility for this course must be confirmed with IHM.

About FEE-HELP at IHM

06 · Bachelor of Nursing tuition · international

AUD$18,000

per semester

Fees note: this rate is provided for planning and is pending formal confirmation by IHM. It applies to the Bachelor of Nursing only, not the Diploma or Master of Nursing. Fees are subject to change annually; confirm the rate in your offer letter.

Costs beyond tuition

Budget for these separately. Amounts vary and are not listed here.

  • Police, WWCC and NDIS screening
  • Immunisations and serology
  • Uniforms
  • Mandatory training certificates
  • Placement travel
  • Placement accommodation
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Visa application costs
Illustrative image: a community nurse reviewing a digital health record with a patient
Illustrative image

07After graduation

Registration is a step you take.

Successful BN graduates may apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for registration as a Registered Nurse. You must meet all NMBA registration standards; registration is never automatic. Registration overseas is assessed separately by local regulators.

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Community health
  • Mental health
  • Aged care

Settings where Registered Nurses work. Employment outcomes are not guaranteed.

NMBA registration standards

08Questions

Straight answers.

Still unsure? Talk to a person.

How long does the Bachelor of Nursing take?
Three years full-time, or equivalent part-time. Part-time study for domestic students depends on unit availability. International students should check study load conditions for their visa.
Will I automatically become a Registered Nurse?
No. Graduates who successfully complete the BN may apply to the NMBA for registration and must meet all registration standards, including English language skills and criminal history requirements.
I am an Enrolled Nurse. Can I finish faster?
If you hold an accredited Diploma of Nursing (AQF 5) and current unrestricted EN registration, you may be granted up to 12 months (8 units) of credit. Credit is individually assessed; Year 2 entry and a shorter duration are not guaranteed.
Does the BN lead straight into the Master of Nursing?
No. The Master of Nursing is a separate course with a separate application and its own admission requirements, including nursing registration. Progression is not guaranteed.
Where are placements and who pays for travel?
Placements are normally in the state where your campus is located and may be in rural areas. Unless otherwise advised, students pay their own placement travel and accommodation.
When can I start?
IHM publishes intake dates on its official course page. Availability can differ by campus, so please confirm with admissions. View official dates.
What are the inherent requirements?
Inherent requirements are the essential abilities, knowledge and skills every student must meet to complete the course. Read IHM’s inherent requirements.
Which English tests are accepted?
IHM’s published page lists IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing. For other tests, refer to the current IHM English policy and the NMBA standard.

Care is a skill.
Come learn it properly.

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