What is different about the 2 year program?

The two year program contains exactly the same content, hours of study and contact time as the three year program. The difference is that the long summer breaks are utilised for study allowing the full course to be completed in two years instead of three.

Are HECS places available for this course?

Yes, HECS places are offered for this course. Click here to view details of guidelines for domestic students on the University of Tasmania website.

Will I still be a registered nurse after 2 years?

Yes you can apply for registration exactly as if you'd completed a three year program.

How much clinical experience will I get?

There is a total of 36 weeks experience across the 2 years of the program.

I have not heard about UTAS before - is it well regarded?

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is the fourth oldest university in Australia and was established in 1890. It is based at three campuses in Tasmania and has now established a campus in Sydney located at St Vincents & Mater Health.

UTAS has a world class reputation and it is internationally renowned for research and teaching in a number of areas including health.

Is it a well known University?

Yes, the University of Tasmania is well known and highly regarded amongst students and academics in Australia and overseas.

Who is SV&MHS?

St Vincents & Mater Health, Sydney (SV&MHS) is the largest non-government, non-profit, health care provider in Australia and is part of the Sisters of Charity Health Service. It consists of five major hospitals with over fifty inpatient and outpatient departments.

The five hospitals are:

• St Vincent's Hospital, a major public and principal referral hospital
• St Vincent's Private Hospital, one of Australia's leading private hospitals, co-located with the public hospital
• the Mater Private Hospital, specialising in cancer care joint replacement, sports injuries, maternity and women's health, lung and vascular diseases and cochlear implants
• Sacred Heart public hospital providing palliative and rehabilitation care
• St Joseph's public hospital providing aged care, palliative care and psychiatric care.

SV&MHS recognise the value of nursing in health care delivery and are committed to nursing education.

For more information about St Vincents & Mater Health please visit the SV&MHS web site.

Is accommodation available for students on site?

No. However, there is limited accommodation for restricted periods of time within walking distance of the Darlinghurst Campus.

I am a parent - are there any child care facilities on site?

Unfortunately there are no child care facilities on site. However, there are several local child care centres including*:

D 4 Darlinghurst Child Care Centre
Heffron Hall Burton Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Ph: (02) 9361 6678

SDN Surry Hills Child and Family Learning Centre
443 Riley St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Ph: (02) 9319 4988

Moore Park Gardens Pre-School & Long Day Care
780 Bourke St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Ph: (02) 9699 5499

'Kids Business' ( for 6 weeks to 5 years)
Level 3, 20 Berry Street,
North Sydney 2010
Ph: 02 89681500 (Managed by Universal Childcare Pty Ltd)

*This list is for information only and does not indicate an endorsement or recommendation of the child care centres concerned.

How much contact time will I have with academic staff and clinicians?

Contact time varies according to the nature of the subject and there will be a mix of lectures and tutorials for all subjects amounting to several hours a week. Contact with clinicians in clinical practice is also substantial amounting to up to 32 hours per week.

Is a job guaranteed at the end of the course?

Depending on your achievements in the course, employment at the end of the course will be virtually guaranteed.

I will need to work to support my study - is there flexibility for this?

There is some flexibility but it depends upon your timetable and other course commitments.

What uniform will I wear, do you provide this and or where do I get it and when, and how much will it cost me?

The uniform consists of a white polo top with the University logo and a navy skirt, trousers or shorts. The white tops will be available for purchase. The price of the tops is not determined yet. You will not need a uniform until the second semester of the course.

What parking is there for students?

All the facilities of SV&MHS are in densely populated urban areas and only very limited parking is available. However, public transport access is very good and this should be your preferred option.

What security is there when I go to and from work?

All facilities employ security services but you are responsible for getting yourself to and from each site.

When will we take holidays and how long will they be?

There are short holidays between each semester. Semesters are normally thirteen weeks long and inter-semester breaks are normally at least two weeks long.

Where will I get my text books from?

There are libraries in each of the SV&MHS facilities which have computer access and excellent journal and textbook holdings.

There are many excellent bookshops in central Sydney that will stock the textbooks that you require.

UTAS students can get a 10% discount off books purchased from the Co-op bookshop. There is a one off $20 fee for a discount card. Co-op bookshops are located all over Australia. The list of Co-op bookshops for New South Wales can be found here.

Do I have to be Catholic?

No. Applicants of all faiths are welcome.

Where will I be doing my clinical education?

You will do your clinical education at any of the SV&MHS facilities as well as other placements which we will negotiate on your behalf with those areas outside our services.

What services and support are available for students studying nursing in Sydney?

You will find a summary of the range of services available on the UTAS site: Services for Students Studying Nursing in Sydney.

Where is the Library & what facilities are available in it?

There are libraries in each of the SV&MHS facilities which have computer access and excellent journal and textbook holdings. In addition, students will have access to the UTAS library and other university libraries as well as the Clinical Information Access Program (CIAP) which is an online resource for nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health staff in New South Wales.

What are the selection criteria?

The selection criteria are based on:

• Year 12 qualifications that have reached the standard necessary for university admission, or
• previous tertiary study or qualifications, professional qualifications or work experience.

I am not a school leaver - can I apply?

We accept applications from year 12 school leavers and mature-age applicants. View the University of Tasmania's criteria for mature-age entry here.

How do I go about applying?

Applications are handled directly by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The application process is described here.

Are there any scholarships available?

The Royal College of Nursing Australia offers scholarships for nursing education. More information is available on their web site.

Who will I contact for further information?

Phone the School of Nursing and Midwifery: 1300 338816
Email: s.johnstone@utas.edu.au

How many students will you be taking?

About 60 students per year.