The differences between the Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing
The Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing programs both lead to fulfilling roles in Nursing. Learn more about the differences between a Diploma of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing in terms of their qualifications and career pathways they provide.
The two main pathways to a Nursing career are through the Diploma and bachelor’s degrees. To find out about these courses we spoke with Michelle Griffin, Senior Educator and Course Coordinator for Think Education’s Diploma of Nursing and Wendy Newton, Senior Learning Facilitator and Course Coordinator for Torrens University’s Bachelor of Nursing.
The differences in Nursing qualifications
The two types of nurses in Australia are Enrolled Nurses (EN) and Registered Nurses (RN).
An 18-month to 2-year Diploma is the minimum qualification for Nursing. Upon graduation, they are then qualified to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to become an Enrolled Nurse.
To work as a Registered Nurse in Australia, you need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing. It is a 3-year course and it will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to work as a RN.
Diploma of Nursing
A Diploma of Nursing is a good entry into the profession. As an EN, you can work in a wide range of healthcare settings. You might feel inspired to pursue more in-depth studies to become an RN.
Think Education’s Diploma of Nursing incorporates training in clinical simulation labs and practical clinical placements. You will build skills in delivering care in various healthcare-industry and community settings.
Bachelor of Nursing
In the Bachelor course, you will gain knowledge and skills in assessment, critical thinking, person-centred care, therapeutic communication, research and evidence-based practice. Registered Nurses have a wider scope of practice than Enrolled Nurses and may engage in leadership, education, management and research opportunities.
A Bachelor of Nursing also allows you to acquire practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. The course offers evidence-based practice and prepares you for the lifelong learning that is required in the Nursing profession.
Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing: Which is right for you?
| Diploma of Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing |
|
Suitable for school leavers and those who want to start their Nursing career but have minimal or no healthcare experience |
Prerequisites include a Year 12 ATAR of 60 or relevant work experience. The Bachelor of Nursing Enrolled Nurse pathway allows you to enter our Bachelor of Nursing in the second year |
| Qualification at AQF level 5 | Qualification at AQF level 7 |
| In the course, you will gain skills in assessment, clinical decision-making, practical patient care, professional communication, awareness of diversity and self-care practices. It includes 400 hours of clinical placements | The course will assist you to gaining knowledge and skills in comprehensive health assessment, planning and providing nursing care for individuals, groups and communities and embeds National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, cultural safety and global citizenship. Students undertake 800 hours of clinical placements |
| Offered on campus and blended, 1.6 years (5 trimesters) full time | On campus, 3 years full-time |
| After course completion register as an Enrolled Nurse | After course completion register as a Registered Nurse |
| You can advance your career and complete the Bachelor of Nursing to become an RN | You can specialise and undertake postgraduate study while working in your chosen field |
Nursing career pathway
Enrolled Nurses can work in different environments and specialties to care for people at any stage in their lives, from birth to death. Also, there is the potential to work in other countries, interstate and rural areas.
Enrolled Nurses work in hospitals, aged-care facilities, homes, community clinics and schools. They can advance to become Registered Nurses through further study, opening paths to supervisory roles. The salary range for an Enrolled Nurse in Australia is AUD 64,683 – AUD 97,500.
Registered Nurses can work in primary healthcare, community care, aged care, and mental health. They can also pursue non-clinical roles in education, research, or leadership. Further specialisation through postgraduate studies is available in areas like oncology or as a Nurse Practitioner.
The salary range for a Registered Nurse in Australia is AUD 77,386 – AUD 110,433.
The role of Registered Nurses (RN) versus Enrolled Nurses (EN)
In clinical practice, Registered Nurses have a higher level of responsibility than Enrolled Nurses. A Registered Nurse can make some decisions about the patient’s treatment plan and care, while Enrolled Nurses participate in the decision-making process.
A Registered Nurse can lead healthcare teams, work independently in complex care areas, and perform specialised procedures like blood transfusions and diagnostic tests. They can administer medications, specialise in areas like pediatrics and supervise other staff.
An Enrolled Nurse works under RN supervision to support RNs and doctors. They provide basic patient care and record patient health data. With experience, they can progress to team leadership roles in aged care.
From a Diploma of Nursing to a Bachelor of Nursing
The Think Education Diploma of Nursing provides a pathway to Torrens University’s Bachelor of Nursing. After completing the diploma, you may be able to transfer some credits to your study for the bachelor’s degree, through Recognition of Prior Learning. If you completed your diploma at a different institution, you could also apply to transfer some credits.
To find out more about using your subject credits, visit our Course Credits page.
Related articles
