Bachelor of Nursing

Course details

Bachelor of Nursing
NZQF Level	7

About the course

This three-year degree programme will enable you to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

You will gain an understanding of the many opportunities available for a career in nursing and be challenged to go beyond traditional health and illness care and focus on creating a supportive environment for health and wellbeing.

This programme is highly regarded nationally and combines theory with clinical experience and meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Competencies for the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice.

We will give you the opportunity to explore the diverse environments and relevant cultural understandings that nurses work within from hospitals, rest homes and health clinics to private practices and community care agencies.

Ara frequently leads the sector for graduate outcomes, with 92.6% of all November 2017 nurse graduates in employment within three months of completion (according to the "New Graduate Destinations" survey, conducted by Nurse Education in the Tertiary Sector).

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include:

14 credits at Level 3 in:

English or an approved literacy subject*

Biology or physical education or chemistry

One other subject from the list of approved subjects*

Numeracy* - 14 credits at Level 1 or above

OR
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent

OR
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

*NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

Alternative requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: This qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace. Contact Ara for advice.

Additional requirements

In addition you need to:

provide a personal statement outlining why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.

provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).

provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.

meet various Health Authority requirements in order to participate in the clinical components of the programme. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.

Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on your placement. The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of School. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

you may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria to ensure you will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.

Your personal statement, referees' reports, and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the nursing profession.

English requirements

IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in speaking, reading and writing subtests and 6.5 in listening subtest).

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart .

If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.

If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS, Pearson or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS test report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.