Nursing pathways: Which path into nursing is right for you
There's more than one way into a Nursing degree, and one of them starts where you are right now.
A nursing pathway is a way to get you into a Nursing degree based on your previous study, qualifications or experience. That could mean entering a Bachelor of Nursing directly, completing another qualification first, or receiving credit for study or work experience you've already done.
Whether you've just finished Year 12, you're considering a career change, or you're already working as an Enrolled Nurse (EN), there are a few different pathways into nursing.
We'll check out what each pathway involves and see roughly how long your path to nursing could take.
Which Nursing pathway suits you?
The right pathway depends on where you're starting. Your previous education and experience can help determine the right route into the Bachelor of Nursing.
Here is a quick overview:
- Recent school leavers: You may enter the Bachelor of Nursing directly based on your ATAR or consider an Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations or Diploma of Nursing pathway.
- Mature-age students: Depending on your previous study and experience, you may be eligible for direct entry, or you can start with an Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations or Diploma of Nursing.
- Enrolled Nurses: If you hold a Diploma of Nursing and meet relevant registration requirements, you may be eligible for credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Nursing pathways for school leavers
If you're finishing Year 12 and already know you want to become a Registered Nurse, direct entry into a Bachelor of Nursing may be your most straightforward option.
At Torrens University Australia, school leavers with an ATAR of 60 or above may be eligible for direct entry into the Bachelor of Nursing, subject to the course's full entry requirements.
If your ATAR isn't what you hoped for, it doesn't necessarily mean giving up on nursing. Your options include:
- Applying directly for the Bachelor of Nursing if you meet the other entry criteria
- Completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations before progressing to a Bachelor of Nursing
- Completing a Diploma of Nursing, which can prepare you to work as an Enrolled Nurse while you continue your studies towards to becoming a Registered Nurse
Learn about the difference between a Diploma of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing >
Remember that there's more than one path to nursing. Taking an alternative pathway can give you time to build your confidence and develop your study skills.
Nursing pathways for mature-age students
Starting university later in life can feel like a big change, especially if it's been a while since you studied or you're doing a 180 from your current career.
In the years since you've finished high school, you've probably learned skills like communication, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, you may receive credit for the learning you've already completed, reducing the subjects you need to study.
Everyone has a different combination of qualifications and experience, so it's worth having your situation assessed.
Your pathway options could include direct entry into the Bachelor of Nursing, the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations or a Diploma of Nursing pathway.
Pathways for Enrolled Nurses (EN)
Are you already working as an Enrolled Nurse and ready to take the next step? Becoming a Registered Nurse can expand the scope of your practice and open up further nursing career paths.
Your pathway into becoming a Registered Nurse could look like:
- Hold a Diploma of Nursing: Your existing qualification provides the foundation for your pathway
- Hold a current Enrolled Nurse registration: You'll need a current unconditional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Apply for credit: When applying for the Bachelor of Nursing, you can seek recognition for eligible previous study through RPL
- Complete the remaining requirements of the Bachelor of Nursing: This includes relevant coursework and required clinical placements
- Apply for registration as a Registered Nurse: Once you've successfully completed the approved degree, you can take the next steps towards registering as a Registered Nurse
This pathway recognises that you're bringing existing nursing education and experience with you, so you won't need to start the Bachelor of Nursing from the beginning.
How long does each Nursing pathway take?
The timeframes for nursing career pathways depend on your starting point, study load, and any credit you receive for previous study.
| Pathway | Who it's for | Estimated time to be qualified to become a RN |
|---|---|---|
| Direct entry into Bachelor of Nursing | School leavers with an ATAR of 60+ | 3 years full-time |
| Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations | Applicants who don't meet direct entry requirements or are new to university study | 3 years and 2 trimesters full-time |
| Diploma of Nursing | Applicants who don't meet direct entry requirements or want to work as an Enrolled Nurse first | Around 3.5 years full-time* |
| Enrolled Nurse pathway | Enrolled Nurses with a Diploma of Nursing and current unconditional AHPRA registration | Around 2 years full-time* |
*Timeframes may vary depending on your eligibility for credit or RPL, course progression, clinical placement requirements and study load
Speak with a Future Student Advisor about your qualifications, experience and goals to find the best pathway into a Bachelor of Nursing.
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