COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Nursing at ACU prepares students to become highly competent, compassionate, and adaptable health professionals, ready to meet the complex demands of contemporary healthcare. This program combines theoretical knowledge, interdisciplinary learning, and extensive hands-on clinical practice to develop graduates who are skilled in evidence-based care, ethical decision-making, and patient-centred approaches. Students begin with foundational units in Indigenous health, health sciences, and nursing theory, alongside early clinical practice placements, enabling them to integrate theory with practice from the outset. Core concepts such as human biology, health and wellbeing, and evidence-based practice underpin the development of essential nursing competencies, while successive clinical practice units progressively expand students’ skills across assessment, mental health, surgical, medical, and aged care contexts. Ethical and professional frameworks are emphasised throughout, with dedicated units exploring healthcare ethics, extended clinical reasoning, and contemporary approaches to nursing leadership. Students also engage with the broader social and cultural determinants of health, fostering an understanding of community needs, public health principles, and culturally safe practice. In the later stages of the degree, students consolidate their learning through advanced clinical placements and units focused on chronic illness, palliative care, and the transition to professional practice. ACU’s strong connections with hospitals and healthcare providers ensure students gain experience in diverse clinical settings, enhancing employability and professional readiness. The curriculum also integrates the ACU Core Curriculum, promoting critical thinking, communication, and reflective practice. Graduates leave the program equipped not only with clinical expertise but also with the ethical, analytical, and interpersonal skills needed to provide high-quality care, advocate for patients, and contribute meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of communities both locally and globally.