Increased funding assistance for Diploma of Nursing students

Mater Education Diploma of Nursing students will soon have access to greater funding assistance through the Queensland Government’s Higher Level Skills scheme.

Earlier this week, the Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman announced the subsidy to study a Diploma of Nursing will be doubled.

“The increase in subsidy levels in this critical training pathway is aimed at minimising the costs for students planning a career in nursing and boosting the number of students,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Employment demand for enrolled nurses has been strong and it’s vital that we continue to increase enrolments to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population.”

According to the Jobs Queensland Anticipating Future Skills report, health care and social assistance were the top industries predicted to grow, with a 20% or over 13,000 increase in nursing to 2022.

Mater Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Callan Battley said the changes will have a significant impact on the future of the nursing workforce, both at Mater and throughout Queensland.

“EN’s play an important role in the delivery of quality patient-centred care.”

“Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing graduates particularly, demonstrate outstanding skills and attitude that makes them a valuable part of our broader nursing team,” Callan said.

What does this mean for Mater Education Diploma of Nursing students?

New and existing students who are eligible for the Higher Level Skills funding scheme can now access approximately $4,000 extra assistance for the HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing, and there will be subsequent changes to the co-contribution amount in 2019.