Diploma of Nursing | SA and WA campus-based learning

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Diploma of Nursing course at Open Colleges School of Health are as follows.

You will need to:

• Be 18 years of age or over;
• Be an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or have a permanent humanitarian visa or certain temporary visas with study rights;
• Reside in South Australia or Western Australia;
• Provide evidence that you meet one of the Nursing and Midwifery English Language Skills Registration (ELSR) Standard pathways;
• Complete an online assessment to test your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills against the standard levels of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF);
• Provide a declaration regarding your ability to meet the core skill requirements of an Enrolled Nurse (refer to Inherent Requirements below for further information).

Inherent Requirements

Nursing can be a physically and emotionally demanding profession; therefore, it is important that Students possess a certain level of physical fitness and capacity to undertake the tasks and duties required of Enrolled Nurses. To work in the industry, the following skills need to be considered, but are not limited to: Observational, Communication, Technical and/or Motor, Cognitive/Intellectual, Behavioural and Social skills.

Students will be given the opportunity to discuss any concerns or challenges they may have meeting the physical or emotional demands of nursing, during the applicant interview.

Prior to Professional Experience Placement (PEP), you will be required to self-declare that you are fit to undertake the role of a nursing student including (but not limited to) the full list of Inherent Requirements.

The following information is designed to assist a you in making an informed decision about undertaking a nursing career. It outlines the skills and abilities needed to successfully complete the course.

To work in the industry area identified, the following skills need to be considered:

Observational skills – this includes the ability to:

• Notice changes in people’s behaviour, people’s capability, and the work environment
• Observe and detect changes in patients’ physical conditions
• Identify safety hazards and risks in the workplace
• Observe and understand non-verbal cues (facial expressions and body language)
• Identify signs of verbal distress and / or aggression

Communication skills – this includes the ability to:

• Communicate effectively, using appropriate respectful language, with a diverse range of people including understanding and responding to verbal and non-verbal communication
• Use Active listening skills
• Ability to construct accurate, clear, and logical written communication
• Read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Use technology to communicate (e.g. computer for reports, emails, documents) and work within the multi-disciplinary team

Technical and/or Motor skills – this includes the ability to:

• Deal with the physical demands of manual tasks (e.g. bending, squatting, kneeling, crouching, repetitive movements, carrying, reaching, grasping, pushing, turning, manipulating objects)
• Sufficient manual dexterity and use of fine motors skills to undertake manual tasks (pinch, squeeze, press)
• Be on your feet for extended periods of time, both walking and standing
• Use equipment and other technology (e.g. computers, push wheelchairs, manual handling equipment)
• Have sufficient vision and hearing to safely perform the required range of skills (e.g. differentiate sounds that may alert you of a problem - alarms, calls)
• Deal with body fluids (e.g. urine, faeces, blood)

Cognitive / Intellectual skills – this includes the ability to:

• Gather, understand, organise, recall, and communicate information
• Use appropriate judgement and basic problem-solving skills to respond to situations
• Understand other people’s perspectives / opinions and respect their choices
• Understand and use maths effectively (e.g. measurements, calculations, 24-hour clock)
• Maintain a sufficient level of concentration to complete an activity / task in a safe manner and within reasonable timeframes
• Apply and integrate knowledge to practice

Behavioural and Social skills – this includes the ability to:

• Demonstrate patience and willingness to work with a variety of people
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to change
• Demonstrate professional behaviours (e.g. punctuality, maintaining confidentiality and respect personal boundaries) and take responsibility for own actions – including use of social media
• Control your emotions and reactions and withhold personal opinions
• Tolerate proximity with individuals and be able to interact with all genders
• Demonstrate a high level of personal hygiene and maintain a neat professional appearance.

Download a copy of our Course Guide for further information about our Entry Requirements including Inherent Requirements.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Pre-Requisites

As part of this Diploma you will be required to complete at least three Professional Experience Placements (PEP) totalling a minimum of 400 hours (12 weeks) in a variety of settings.

The placements will give you the opportunity to develop your clinical skills in a real-world setting, and to gain valuable on-the-job experience. Placements are arranged, fully facilitated and supported by Open Colleges School of Health.

Please note that placements are full-time, unpaid and rostered according to standard industry shifts, which may include night shifts, weekends and/or public holidays on rosters of up to 7 days.

Prior to placement you will need to provide evidence of meeting all of the following pre-requisites:

• A clear and unencumbered Criminal History check
• A current immunisation record with evidence of up-to-date vaccinations and/or immunity as per the Australian Government Department of Health’s recommended vaccinations for Healthcare workers and any State Government Health Department requirements
• A current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011) – completed as per your course timetable
• A current Manual Handling Certificate – completed as per your course timetable
• Satisfactory completion of COVID-19 online learning modules in accordance with State Health Department requirements
• A self-declaration that you are fit to undertake the role of a nursing student including but not limited to your ability to meet the core skill requirements of an Enrolled Nurse (refer to Inherent Requirements)
• Completion of any State Health Department and/or Host Facility requirements, including but not limited to:

o relevant electronic health records system training – completed as per your course timetable.

Download a copy of our Course Guide for detailed further information about Professional Experience Placements (PEP) including pre-requisites.

Fees for studying in Western Australia

• Fee Free Study for 2025 - https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready
• The Free Free Policy, also known as the Jobs and Skills subsidy, is an initiative offered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development WA. Open Colleges School of Health became one of the institutions offering this policy in 2023 and has been extended to 2025. We offer the Diploma of Nursing fee free.
• Under the Skills Ready subsidy program, tuition fees are full covered, however resource fees, incidental costs and other administration costs may be charged accordingly. These additional costs will be clarified during the enrolment process.
• Resource fees are charged to cover materials required and used for training. For example, Workshop materials, workbooks/lab materials.
• Administrative/incidental costs cover study Identification cards, additional uniforms, printing of Statements of Attainments, suspension fees.
• The Fee free subsidy is subject to eligibility. Any fees charges are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Fees for studying in South Australia:

• The South Australian Government offer subsidised training and pays part of your accredited courses fees for you.
• Concessions are also available for subsidised students who hold a current concession card. You can gain more information and check your eligibility for subsidised training when you apply and from https://mytraining.skills.sa.gov.au/training/get-started/check-eligibility
• Total course costs: $26,000, with a subsidised rate of $14,654.89.
• Enrol now to receive 20% off student contribution

South Australia intake closing dates

18 July 2025 – Monday and Wednesday campus attendance

29 October 2025 – Thursday and Friday campus attendance

Western Australia intake closing dates

12 June 2025 – Thursday and Friday campus attendance

9 September 2025 – Monday and Wednesday campus attendance

6 November 2025 – Tuesday and Friday campus attendance

Case studies, Logbook and Portfolios, Practical skills assessments, Quizzes and Multiple-Choice Questions, Role plays, Third party observations, Written assignments