Are you considering a career that’s significantly different? Opting to go into nursing is a very big decision and finding the right place to start your studies is equally important. Thanks to its laid-back lifestyle – combined with a world-leading medical education – Adelaide is increasingly the go-to destination for students both in Australia and overseas.
We at Asia Pacific Group meet countless students who want to get into the line of a career that can provide them job security and involve helping others as well. In this guide, we’ll be taking you through everything you need to know about nursing courses in Adelaide – from the types of degrees on offer, to the support you can find along the way.
Why Choose Nursing Courses in Adelaide?
Adelaide isn’t all pretty parks and festivals; there are thriving medical research and top-standard education in store too. The city has many big hospitals and clinics, so there are always needs of good nurses.
By far the nicest part of studying here is the balance. You get a quality education minus the full-on hustle of those bigger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne. And, Adelaide is typically cheaper so you can stretch your budget a bit further while you bury yourself in books.
Top Universities for Nursing in Adelaide
And when you’re searching for a nursing degree, you need a name employers respect. Adelaide offers some of the best in the country:
- Adelaide University: This is a university that prides itself in academic strength, with high tech facilities which has one the most respected Bachelor of Nursing programs throughout Australia.
- University of South Australia (UniSA): UniSA is renowned for its practical philosophy. They have “simulated hospitals” on campus where you can practice your skills on the type of high-tech mannequins long used in the aviation industry before you ever set foot in a real ward.
- Flinders University: Located just south of the city centre (albeit on a train line) Flinders uni has a massive medical center right on campus. That gives students a rare opportunity to learn by doing in an actual setting.
Types of Nursing Courses You Can Study
And various paths may be available to you, depending on your prior education and intended career:
- Diploma of Nursing
This is usually a 1.5 to 2-year course. If you want to get into the workforce as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) quickly, its a great course. It covers the fundamentals, like anatomy, patient care and safety. Many students see this as a launching pad into a full degree later. - Bachelor of Nursing
It’s a “dream” for anyone who wants to be a Registered Nurse (RN). It’s a 3-year full-time course. You’ll do a lot of “clinical placements,” which is just a fancy term for working in real hospitals under supervision so you gain some experience. - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
If you have a degree in another field (science, or even business) you don’t need to start from zero. Some Master’s degrees take you from start to finish in only 2 years and you graduate as a nurse.
Scholarships to Support Your Journey
We understand that moving to a new city and embarking upon a course is a big financial investment. The good news is there’s a lot of support out there.
Many universities in Adelaide provide up to 30% scholarships to international students. These are typically awarded on the basis of your previous academic achievement, or perhaps how committed you are to your field. At Asia Pacific Group, we know how to sift through these applications so students don’t leave any financial aid behind.
Entry Requirements to Keep in Mind
Before submitting you will have to check a few boxes. Though each school is slightly different, here is what they would expect in general:
- English Proficiency: As communication is a matter of life and death in a hospital so you must score good at IELTS or PTE. Generally a minimum mark of 7.0 is expected for registration (“no less than”/a “pass” in) Particulars and/or Professional/Academic Discussion.
- Academic History: You’ll have to provide records of second-level study or any diplomas you’ve completed.
- Health and Character Checks: You’ll need a police check, and vaccinations up to date to attend clinical placements.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
The world is your oyster after you complete your nursing courses in Adelaide. It’s not just that you’re trapped in a hospital ward. You could work in:
- Aged Care: Helping the elderly live comfortably.
- Mental Health: Supporting people through tough psychological times.
- Pediatrics: Caring for babies and children.
- Community Health: Working in local clinics to prevent illness.
The demand for nurses is so high that many students find work almost immediately after they graduate.
How Asia Pacific Group Can Help
Choosing a course, applying for a visa and moving to a new city can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
You don’t have to worry if you are rushing as we (Asia Pacific Group) exist for doing a seamless process. We can help you find the best university for you guide you through the scholarship process (especially those 30% discounts), and get your paperwork right. We’ve placed 1000s of students into their ideal jobs in Australia and we would like to do the same for you.
Adelaide is waiting for you. So, are you prepared to start your journey to becoming a Nurse?
