COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland requires the successful completion of 24 units, structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in nursing practice while offering opportunities for in-depth learning across diverse healthcare contexts. The degree combines core courses with selected electives to ensure students develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professional nursing. The core curriculum consists of 22 units, beginning with foundational courses such as Bioscience, Introduction to Nursing, Literacies and Communication for Health Care, and the Context of Professional Nursing Practice. These early units introduce students to essential concepts in nursing, communication, cultural safety, and the broader healthcare environment. Students also engage with courses addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, the burden of disease, health equity, and foundational nursing practice, providing a strong grounding in holistic and culturally competent care. Progressing through the program, students undertake more advanced courses in Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Episodes of Care, Clinical Skills for Practice, Mental Health Care, and Developing Nursing Practice. These units combine theory with practical learning to develop clinical competence, critical thinking, and the ability to provide person-centered care across a variety of settings. In the later stages of the degree, students engage in complex care units, Clinical Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Transitions, and Quality, Safety, and Risk, equipping them with advanced skills in clinical reasoning, research application, and professional development. In addition to the core units, students choose two core selection units to tailor their studies according to individual interests and career goals, as outlined in the UniSQ Handbook. Overall, the Bachelor of Nursing curriculum is designed to integrate academic learning with hands-on practice, preparing graduates to enter the nursing profession as skilled, knowledgeable, and adaptable practitioners capable of delivering high-quality care in a wide range of healthcare environments.