Diploma of Nursing

Mater Education wants everyone enrolled in the program to have the best opportunity to succeed at their study. Our dynamic program is delivered in a way that caters to all learning styles, and our selection process is designed to set our students up for success.

Application process for HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing
Before applying, please ensure you have thoroughly read and understood the "Admission requirements & eligibility" information above. Mater Education will only enrol students who meet these eligibility requirements.

1. Apply online

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form, highlighting:

• Your motivation to pursue a career in nursing
• Why you think the Mater Education program would suit you
• How you plan to balance your life, work and full-time study commitments
• Your education history and work (including volunteer) experience

Applicants who successfully address these requirements will progress to the next stage.
 

2. Demonstrate competence in reading and numeracy

To advance to the selection stage, applicants must complete the Safe Work Resources VFH LLN Assessment Tool online tests for reading and numeracy. A competence at or above Exit Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is required for both reading and numeracy.

Students will be advised as soon as practicable after assessment of the outcome of their test and that information will be provided to the Secretary, Department of Education and Training in the form, manner and by the time requested by the Secretary.
 

3. Attend interview and written exam

Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in an interview and written examination. 

Mater Education ensures all potential students are treated fairly and equally in this process.

Nurses need to be responsible, practical, physically fit and mentally alert. That doesn’t mean that you need to run marathons, but you do need to be able to carry out all the physical activities associated with nursing to complete the course.

This process allows us to take into account the different ways these attributes can be demonstrated and indicate a student’s potential to succeed in the course.

If you are offered a place:

Certificates and permits

• Criminal History Check
  Confirmation of your enrolment is subject to the completion of a criminal history check (Fit2Work).

• Blue Card
  A Blue Card may be required to complete workplace experience placement in child related areas of practice. If required, you will need to obtain a Blue Card. This is free for students and can be discussed at the interview stage.

• AHPRA Registration and Eligibility Criteria (see "Admission Requirements & Eligibility")
  You’ll need to consider AHPRAs registration requirements before you apply:

  • Application for general registration as a nurse or midwife for students completing an approved program of study: ASGR-40
  • Supporting Documentation for Graduate Applications
  • AHPRA's Criminal History Standard
  • NMBA's English Language Skills Registration Standard

Upon application for registration with AHPRA, graduates must provide results of a formal English language skills test (as required by NMBA). Mater Education will only enrol students who meet the eligibility requirements of the English language skills registration standard as required by the NMBA.

If you have any questions about enrolled nurse registration, or would like more information, use AHPRA's Online Enquiry Form or call them on 1300 419 495.

Immunisation

You must currently be immunised or in the process of being vaccinated (or be willing and able to immediately start the process of vaccination), for the following communicable diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Seasonal or industry vaccinations (influenza) as required.

If you need to update your vaccinations or obtain a record of your immunisation history, see your GP. A blood test may be required to confirm your immunisation status. Students will be responsible for any costs associated with obtaining vaccinations. 

First aid

Applicants are required to provide evidence of successful completion of HLTAID003 Provide first aid prior to enrolment. All enrolled students must maintain currency of HLTAID003 Provide first aid for the duration of the course, including annual completion of HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Transitioning students

We understand how a change in circumstances can mean looking for other ways to complete your studies.

If you’ve previously been enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing program at another Registered Training Organisation, and wish to transition into Mater Education's program, you may be able to apply for entry into semester two or three.

In addition to the selection and application process outlined above, you’ll also need to submit:

• an academic transcript from your current/previous provider showing your completed units of competency
• evidence of workplace experience placement.

If you don’t have your academic transcript yet, you’ll need to provide that evidence before your enrolment can be accepted.

Not all Diploma of Nursing programs are delivered the same way. Our Faculty will review your documentation to determine your eligibility for entry into our program. You may be asked to undertake some gap training, which may attract additional fees.

Full fee paying students: $23,500

Eligible students will be able to apply for Higher Level Skills funding (funded by the Queensland Government) and/or a VET Student Loan (see below for eligibility and details). Payment plans are available for full fee paying students (students not receiving Queensland Government funding).

Higher Level Skills provides a government subsidy to eligible Queenslanders with the aim to assist individuals gain the higher level skills required to secure employment or career advancement in a priority industry, or to transition to university. To be eligible for the Higher Level Skills funded by the Queensland Government you must meet eligibility criteria.

Higher Level Skills Subsidy Non-Concessional Students: $14,960 

Subsidised student co-contribution: $850—Where students are eligible for a VET Student Loan  and are also eligible for the Higher Level Skills funding, students must make a co-contribution of $850.

Higher Level Skills Subsidy Concessional Students: $13,130
Concession student co-contribution: $725—Where students are eligible for a VET Student Loan and are also eligible for the Higher Level Skills funding, students must make a co-contribution of $725.

View the schedule of fees:

• October 2020 Campus Model fee schedule
• October 2020 Mixed Model fee schedule
• January 2021 Campus Model fee schedule
• January 2021 Mixed Model fee schedule
• January 2021 Part Time fee schedule
• April 2021 Campus Model fee schedule
• April 2021 Mixed Model fee schedule
• July 2021 Campus Model fee schedule
• July 2021 Mixed Model fee schedule

To be eligible for Higher Level Skills funding you must meet the following criteria:

• prospective students must not have, or be enrolled in, a certificate IV or higher-level qualification, not including qualifications completed at school and foundations skills training
• be 15 years or older
• have completed or left secondary school
• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident residing in Queensland, or New Zealand citizen permanently residing in Queensland (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency.

Students may be entitled to the concession fee if they are meet eligibility requirements for subsidised training, and:

• are listed on an Australian Government Low Income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card,
• are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander,
• hold a Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, or
• have a disability.

For more information on Commonwealth Loans or Queensland Government funding, visit:

• Study Assist website
• Information for VET Student Loans Students
• Queensland Government—Higher Level Skills Student Fact Sheet

As a condition of enrolment, you will be required to complete a student training and employment survey within three months of finishing or discontinuing your training (see Student Survey Factsheet).

Students will no longer be eligible for a government subsidised training place under the Higher Level Skills program once they have completed one certificate IV level or higher qualification (see Higher Level Skills FAQs).

Additional costs

As part of your enrolment you will be required, or may need to buy:

• Mater Education Uniform shirt (approximately $60 - $80 per shirt)
• Closed-in black shoes
• Black business pants or knee-length black skirt (preferably with pockets)
• Criminal history check 'Fit2Work' ($29) for each check to a maximum $87
• Nursing fob watch (approx. $80)
• First Aid and CPR certification, if void or expires whist studying (approx. $100)
• Any additional vaccinations you may require
• Laptop or portable device with internet access.

Note: Mandatory course text books are supplied after census date each semester. The cost is included in the course fee.

Refund policies

• Refund of Tuition Fees after the Census Day
• Re-Crediting HELP Balances Policy

Full Time Model:

Brisbane and Townsville campus
Campus attendance three days per week
Duration: 18 months

• Self-directed learning at home plus on-campus classes and support.
• Face to face educator support and learning support sessions.
• Simulation practice each week and students will be required to attend workplace experience placement for five days per week over three to four weeks at the end of each semester.
• Students identified by self or faculty, as not meeting the requirements as per the timetable, will be supported with further on-campus sessions.

Part Time Model (available January intake only):
Brisbane campus
Campus attendance one day per fortnight
Duration: Three years 

• The one day per fortnight attendance limits the opportunity for face to face engagement with education faculty and potentially learning support services, so should only be selected by students whom are highly motivated and autonomous with their learning. 
• This model is over three years, so should be selected by students prepared to stay motivated and on track for a longer period of time.
• This model requires a higher volume of self-directed learning than the full time three days per week model.
• This model of delivery requires longer attendance for four day block for simulation practice and assessments each term, alongside their required three weeks of Monday to Friday work placement. 
• Students identified by self or faculty, as not meeting the requirements as per the timetable, will be directed to transfer to the three day per week model.

Class timetables
View the indicative timetables for Semester One students commencing study in:

• January 2020 - Brisbane
• January 2020 - Townsville
• April 2020 - Brisbane
• July 2020 - Brisbane Full Time Campus Model
• July 2020 - Brisbane Full Time Mixed Model
• July 2020 - Townsville
• October 2020 - Brisbane Full Time Campus Model
• October 2020 - Brisbane Full Time Mixed Model
• January 2021 - Brisbane and Townsville 
• April 2021 - Brisbane

Placement areas

Workplace experience placements consolidate your knowledge within the real nursing environment, applying theory to practice. These occur following theory and simulation each semester and are predominately facilitated on campus at Mater. It is a requirement that all workplace experience placements for the Diploma of Nursing are undertaken in Queensland. 

Mater Education has a dedicated Placement Coordinator who will make arrangements for your mandatory placement as part of this program.

You can undertake workplace experience placement in specialities including:

• acute medical
• acute surgical
• aged care
• rehabilitation
• orthopaedics
• oncology
• perioperative
• maternity
• community and at home care services.

Notes

• Placement may include day, evening and night shifts across weekdays and weekends; shifts and days will change each semester.
• Allocation of placement may vary according to the acuity of the hospital and selection of elective units of competency.
• While we make every effort to ensure each student secures the electives of their choice, Mater Education reserves the right to allocate electives according to availability and the academic capabilities of individual students.
• Placement must be undertaken in Queensland.

Placement guide

Semester 1 = 120 hours of workplace experience placement
Semester 2 = 120 hours of workplace experience placement
Semester 3 = 160 hours of workplace experience placement (inclusive of elective subject learning hours)

Applicants are required to provide evidence of successful completion of HLTAID003 Provide first aid prior to enrolment. All enrolled students must maintain currency of HLTAID003 Provide first aid for the duration of the course, including annual completion of HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing is comprised of 20 core units and five elective units:

Core units

HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret information about client health status and to check a client’s physical health. It requires a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

HLTENN001 Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to practise as a nursing professional within the Australian health care system, providing health care across the lifespan of people in a range of health and community care services or environments.

HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow organisational infection prevention and control procedures, including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to infection risks.

HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members.

HLTENN002 Apply communication skills in nursing practice
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply effective communication skills with a person, family or carer and with other healthcare professionals in a variety of health care settings.

HLTENN003 Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required, within the scope of practice, to perform preliminary and ongoing physical health assessments of all body systems, gathering data that contributes to a person’s individualised health care plan.

HLTENN013 Implement and monitor care of the older person
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform nursing interventions to support the social and emotional wellbeing and nursing care needs of the older person in both acute care settings and residential care environments.

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety.

HLTENN015 Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
This unit describes the nursing skills and knowledge required to work in a primary health care environment including community-based, educational, occupational and informal settings, and in general practice.
Primary health care involves a person-centred and holistic approach to health care. It is made accessible to people by being located as close as possible to where they live, and supporting their full participation in a spirit of self-reliance and self-determination.

HLTENN007 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to administer and monitor medications and intravenous (IV) therapy including calculating dosage requirements, interpreting written instructions from an authorised prescriber, assessing the person for medication effectiveness and side effects, and responding to an allergic pharmacological reaction.

HLTENN008 Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to within work legal and ethical parameters in professional nursing practice, including supporting rights and meeting duty of care requirements.

HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse client health information and then to plan appropriate health services within scope of own role. It requires an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

HLTENN004 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care plans
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement nursing care as outlined in a person’s plan of care, evaluate outcomes of care provided, record and report progress, and respond to an emergency situation.

HLTENN005 Contribute to nursing care of a person with complex needs
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide clinical nursing skills for a person with complex needs and to contribute to complex nursing interventions using critical thinking and problem-solving.

HLTENN011 Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health problems
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the care of the person with an acute health problem by performing clinical nursing skills and interventions that support the person’s health care needs and assist them to regain optimal function and lifestyle.

HLTENN012 Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health problems
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the care of a person with chronic health problems by performing nursing interventions that support the person’s needs and assist them in maintaining an optimal lifestyle.

HLTENN006 Apply principles of wound management in the clinical environment
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply contemporary wound management principles to the care of various types of wounds. It involves working with the interdisciplinary health care team to contribute to assessment, treatment and ongoing management of a person’s wounds.

HLTENN009 Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
This competency unit describes the skills and knowledge an enrolled nurse needs to perform within the legal and ethical parameters of professional practice, supporting client rights and meeting duty of care requirements.

Compulsory units

All students need to complete the following three compulsory units:

HLTENN010 Apply a palliative approach in nursing practice
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide nursing care using a palliative approach in care environments such as hospitals, home and community care, hospices and long-term care facilities.

HLTENN025 Implement and monitor care for a person with diabetes
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide nursing care to a person with diabetes including assessing needs, planning and implementing complex nursing interventions, evaluating outcomes, and educating the person on his/her condition and available resources.

CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work.

Elective units (subject to availability)

Students can choose two electives from the following areas:

BSBLDR403 Lead team effectiveness
This unit defines skills, knowledge and outcomes required to plan and supervise the performance of the team and develop team cohesion. It applies team leaders, supervisors and new emerging managers who have an important leadership role in the development of efficient and effective work teams.

CHCCCS027 Visit client residence
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make visits to clients to assess needs and/or deliver services in their place of residence. This unit applies to workers who are required to deliver services to people in their home or in any temporary or permanent community residence. Work may be directed under regular (direct, indirect or remote) supervision.

CHCLLN001 Respond to client language, literacy and numeracy needs 
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify situations where client language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills may be impeding access to services, to adjust service delivery, and to refer appropriately to improve client outcomes.

HLTENN014 Contribute to maternal and infant health care
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide care to mother and newborn infant in a range of health care settings such as postnatal, neonatal, child and family health care and paediatric settings.

HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress.  

This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances. 

BSBPEF402 Develop personal work priorities
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and prioritise own work tasks. It also addresses the skills and knowledge to monitor and obtain feedback on personal work performance. 

 
Note:

• While we endeavour to accommodate students’ elective preferences, we cannot guarantee that students will receive their first preference, due to the demand and availability of some electives.
• Days of commitment may change each semester.
• Electives are subject to review and may change. Any changes will be communicated to students.
• The anaesthetic electives must be undertaken together and require an additional time commitment. Due to the nature of these subjects and limited placement availability, students must show demonstrated ability before being accepted into these electives.

Mater Education's Diploma of Nursing program aims to develop your ability to assess, plan, implement, evaluate and apply critical-thinking skills. You’ll then apply these to provide quality patient-centred nursing care for patients/clients with varying healthcare requirements as a beginner-level enrolled nurse.

The curriculum integrates all core competencies of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice. The program ensures the central focus is on enrolled nursing practice and providing competent, safe, patient-centred care.

Objectives/outcomes

The major goal of Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing Program is to have each student demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills, attitude, communication and safety in all units of competency. As a graduate you will be expected to be clinically competent and ready to function as beginning enrolled nurses based on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice.

^{Model of educational delivery and transition to patient centred care}
 

Learning philosophy

Mater Education recognises that adult students are individuals, and so adopts a learner-centred focus using a variety of teaching methods to meet their learning needs. These include:

• problem-based learning tutorials (PBL)
• lectures
• online learning modules
• videos
• simulation
• high-quality workplace experience placements.

The diagram shows how our evidence-based curriculum supports the students’ transition, both educationally and clinically. Our blended delivery methods promote critical thinking and support professional, multidisciplinary communication. What follows is a smooth transition from the learner-centred educational focus to the patient-centred care delivery through simulation and workplace experience placement.
 

Conceptual framework

Mater Education's Diploma of Nursing program’s conceptual framework is centred on the enrolled nursing professional and eight themes that support professional practice. An emphasis on knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional and ethical practice as essential elements for enrolled nursing practice binds these themes together. The themes incorporate the three domains of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) Enrolled Nursing Standards for Practice:

• professional and collaborative practice,
• provision of care, and
• reflective and analytical practice.

By emphasising knowledge (capabilities), skills, attitudes, and professional and ethical practice as essential elements for enrolled nursing practice, these themes are bound together.

The focus and themes of the conceptual framework align with Mater's teaching and learning strategy, which is based on a robust and systematic approach to transforming work-based cultures to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.

^{Mater Education - Diploma of Nursing Program's Conceptual Framework}

The conceptual framework guides faculty, students, advisors, and academic staff in designing and implementing any component of the Diploma of Nursing curriculum, including student and program evaluation.

Mater puts the patient at the centre of everything we do, and provides an environment receptive to their perceptions of their care. The Mater Education curriculum has been designed to incorporate all of the above, based on this conceptual framework.

Eligible students may be able to apply for funding assistance via the Commonwealth Government's VET Student Loan scheme.

To be eligible for a VET Student Loan, students must meet the following citizenship and residency requirements:

You must be:
(a) an Australian citizen; or
(b) the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa who is usually resident in Australia; or
(c) a qualifying New Zealand citizen.

A qualifying New Zealand citizen is a New Zealand citizen who:
(a) holds a special category visa; and
(b) has been usually resident in Australia for at least 10 years; and
(c) was a dependent child when he or she was first usually resident in Australia; and
(d) has been in Australia for periods totalling 8 years during the previous 10 years; and
(e) has been in Australia for periods totalling 18 months during the previous 2 years.

You must also have been assessed as academically suited to undertake the course by Mater Education as part of the enrolment process.

To apply for a VET Student Loan you will need to:

• provide information about your identity and date of birth,
• provide your tax file number or a certificate from the Commissioner that you have applied for a tax file number,
• if you are under 18 years of age, one of the signatories to the application is a responsible parent;
• or, if on the basis that you are you are independent, provide information that you have received youth allowance (within the meaning of the Social Security Act 1991).

Students must submit an electronic Assistance Form (eCAF) to access the VET Student Loans program. Students must submit their eCAFs by 11:59 pm AEST on the first census day for which they wish to access a loan.  Students are also required to complete a Progression Form issued by Mater Education in the eCAF system.  Students will be required to indicate that they are continuing to be a genuine student by submitting a progression eCAF at four-month intervals.  Completion of progressions by students is directly connected to their VET Student Loan eligibility. Where a student fails to complete two consecutive progressions their access to a VET Student Loan will be impacted.

For more information about the new VET Student Loans, see the Department of Education and Training website and Study Assist.

VET Student Loan is a debt and will need to be repaid.

Note: VET Student Loan scheme has been effective since 1 January 2017, replacing the VET FEE-HELP scheme.

Withdrawal from a program

Students who have enrolled in a program of study are required to submit a formal, written notification of their intention to withdraw from the program by completing Mater Education’s Withdrawal Form.

Where students have been provided with uniforms, identification cards, and/or loan equipment or books these items must be returned to Mater Education. 

Mater Education reserves the right to charge a student withdrawing from a course a fee for any item not returned.

Students will not receive acknowledgement of their study e.g. statement of attainment unless all fees have been paid in full and all Mater resources provided to the student e.g. uniforms or text books are returned in good order.

Mater Education Limited (MEL) will repay to any MEL student who is, or would be, enrolled in a VET unit of study, any upfront payment of VET tuition fees if the student withdraws from that unit of study on or before the relevant census date. 

Students who have requested VET Student Loan assistance who remain enrolled after the published census date will incur a VET Student Loan debt. Where a student withdraws from a VET unit of study after the relevant census date and is seeking a refund, please refer to Mater Education's Refund of Tuition Fees after the Census Day procedure and Re-Crediting HELP Balances Policy in the 'Cost' section above.

Cancellation of enrolment

Mater Education can cancel a student’s enrolment where:

• Tuition fees remain outstanding after the student has been suspended for 28 days.
• a student has withdrawn from the course and has outstanding fees.
• a student, with outstanding fees, in the middle of a semester or in the final semester of studies haven’t responded to the 3 reminders to pay outstanding fees.
• a student has outstanding fees from a completed semester and hasn’t responded to 3 reminders
• there are ongoing behavioural concerns
• non–achievement of learning plans
• in the event that a student enrols on the basis that some or all of the VET tuition fees will be covered by a VET Student Loan, if the student does not submit an eCAF (including eCAF progressions) on or before the census day (or is not approved for a VET Student Loan) and does not voluntarily pay for the part of the course upfront. 

For the purposes of VET Student Loans, cancellation of a student’s enrolment which occurs after a census day provides for the student to have at least 28 days to initiate grievance procedures before the cancellation takes final effect.

Students can access the Complaints and Appeals procedure on our website to initiate an appeal against a decision to cancel enrolment.