Diploma of Nursing

Nurses play an essential role in the healthcare system

A career in nursing can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. As a nurse, you'll be engaged in a diverse range of healthcare activities that aim to provide assistance to those with acute, chronic, and complex medical conditions. Not only that, but you'll also be entering a thriving industry that plays a crucial role in supporting individuals, families, and entire communities. With nursing, you'll be a part of a growing field that is essential in ensuring the health and wellbeing of countless people.

HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing

Become one of the world's most employable graduates

 

UOW College Nursing student with trainer

 

  • Work as an Enrolled Nurse: after completion and registration you'll be able to begin working as an Enrolled Nurse​.
  • Explore your industry options: as an Enrolled Nurse, you'll provide nursing care to patients in a variety of health, aged care, welfare and community settings, in many cases under the supervision of Registered Nurses.
  • A growing workforce: health care is the biggest provider of new jobs in Australia and is projected to contribute 14.9% of employment growth from 2018 to 2023.

Course details

The HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing is an 18 month, full time program. This includes a minimum mandatory 400 hours of clinical work placement throughout the duration of the course, across four (4) placement experiences. 

There is no ATAR requirement for this course. A range of entry requirements are applicable to ensure academic suitability for the course. Please visit the Diploma of Nursing Course Finder page to view the entry requirements for domestic and international applicants, as applicable.

There are two intakes a year:

  • February
  • July

For a complete list of course dates, check our Key Dates page.

  • Receive a nationally recognised qualification upon successful completion of the Diploma of Nursing course.​
  • On completing the Diploma of Nursing program, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
  • Clinical work placements: students will undertake a minimum mandatory 400 hours of clinical work placement throughout the duration of the course, across four placement experiences. UOW College will arrange all clinical work placement experiences with healthcare facilities.​ Where clinical placement experiences are conducted at Ramsey, Healthe Care or Healthscope facilities, student assessment will be conducted by the host facility. For all other clinical placement experiences, UOW College trainers will attend the facility to provide student support and conduct student assessment.
  • Clinical simulation labs: learn in our clinical simulation laboratories to to practice your skills and knowledge in a simulated environment prior to application on real patients during clinical placement experiences.​

Teaching Locations

The Diploma of Nursing can be studied at either the UOW Wollongong campus, or UOW Liverpool campus. Find out more about the campuses below:

UOW Wollongong campus UOW Liverpool campus

Pathways to UOW

Students who successfully complete the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing are eligible to apply for the UOW Bachelor of Nursing. If admission is approved, students will be awarded 48 credit points towards the Bachelor of Nursing (entry into the second year).

Package offers

Package offers are available, providing students with an opportunity to receive an offer for this course and the Bachelor of Nursing at UOW. If you receive a package offer, you will have a guaranteed* pathway to the Bachelor of Nursing. Applicants will need to successfully complete the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) and provide evidence of current NMBA registration with AHPRA to be granted admission into the second year of the course. If you receive a package offer, your Bachelor of Nursing course will be subject to the conditions on your offer letter.

Fees and Scholarships

If you are a domestic student, you may be eligible for a government loan or subsidy. Scholarships are also available to eligible domestic and international students. There’s never been a better time to get started on your education journey.

Domestic fees and scholarships International fees and scholarships
girl smiling on campus

Our stories

Studying Nursing at UOW College prepares you for a lifelong career in healthcare. Our dedicated trainers are passionate about education and ensuring our students are well-equipped for success in their nursing careers or further studies at the bachelor level.

Why study with us?

I chose to study the Diploma of Nursing because I wanted to complete my studies in an small classroom environment with a close group of peers. After I graduate from UOW College, I intend on using my career ready qualification to work in a hospital, while I also study my Bachelor of Nursing, to further my knowledge in this field. Ebony Diploma of Nursing student

* Guarantee is subject to meeting UOW entry requirements.