Academic requirements

University Entrance (UE):

NCEA Level 3 including:

Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of a minimum of:

·         14 credits in science e.g. biology, chemistry, general science, or approved science subjects

·         14 credits in English OR an English rich subject

·         14 credits in one other approved subject

·         Remaining credits may come from either achievement or unit standards

And

Literacy -10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

• 5 credits in reading
• 5 credits in writing

And

Numeracy -10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:

• achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects,
• Applicants over 20 years of age must have completed the equivalent of NCEA Level 3 science (or NZQA-approved qualification) within the last five years. This may be achieved through successfully completing a bridging programme such as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways(external link); however, completing these pre-entry qualifications does not guarantee automatic entry into this programme.

Additional Entry Requirements

To be considered for entry in the Bachelor of Nursing programme, evidence of health, abilities, and conduct that align with fitness for registration as a nurse, including:

• physical and mental health status, including any health condition(s), and that the applicant has the level of health and abilities that will enable them to achieve clinical learning experience competencies in the programme.
• any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in the programme.
• all existing or pending criminal convictions.
• consent to undergo a process of safety checking as required under the Children’s (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children's Workers) Regulations 2015.
• providing evidence of immunisation status as required by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and healthcare organisations before commencing a clinical learning experience. Clinical learning experiences cannot be guaranteed without this evidence, as per agreements with clinical learning experience providers.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Applicants must meet all stated entry requirements and demonstrate English language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 with no band score less than 6.5 OR Occupational English Test (OET) with a C+ band/score in each section in one sitting or equivalent approved test. Tests must be from an outside organisation, and results must be from within two years of applying.

The Nursing Council of New Zealand regularly reviews its requirements, which will be reflected by changes.

• IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in all subtests).

Note: The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore, applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills. IELTS scores must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the test date.

Discretionary Entry

This is an alternative pathway for applicants who do not meet standard entry criteria. This is at the discretion of the Head of Nursing and is dependent on the availability of places in the programme.

Please provide the following documents with your application:

• Personal statement
  This should outline why the applicant has chosen nursing as a career.
• Referee’s Information
  Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via 2 referees.
• Immunity evidence
  To participate in the clinical components of the programme, the applicant must meet all relevant Health Authority requirements, including evidence of immunity to nominated diseases. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.
• Consent to Disclosure of Information
  Successful applicants must complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form. The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Curriculum Manager. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

Interview
Applicants who meet academic entry criteria may be required to attend an interview.

The applicant’s personal statement, referee information, and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the nursing profession.

Please see the Supporting document requirements (external link)section for more information and form templates.

Contact our enrolments team for support if you have questions regarding the documentation requirements on 03 539 5469. 

This programme is now fully delivered on both the Marlborough and Nelson campuses.

Students based in Marlborough can complete all classes, practical learning activities, and assessments on campus, with access to the same great teaching, facilities, and Library Learner Services support as those studying in Nelson.

Marlborough PCU Unit

During the programme, you will apply your learning in a range of clinical settings, which will help you understand what it means to be a nurse. 

You will be able to respond to people needing skilled nursing care in a complex healthcare environment. 

With over 1,100 hours of clinical experience, you will learn to recognise and respond effectively to the physical, mental health, and well-being needs of people and their communities.

Meet Sam

Meet Sam - a high-tech $35,000 training mannequin who can be programmed to simulate a wide range of health conditions. 

Clinical practice will be gained in a variety of settings in Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and the West Coast. The hours of nursing practice will vary considerably depending on the agency in which you are placed.

All students will be required to travel outside the Nelson region at various stages during the programme. You will also be required to work shifts. 

Students must provide their own transport to practice placements and may be required to cover their own travel and accommodation costs. 

In this programme, you have the opportunity to join the whānau group to build whanaungatanga. You will join with graduates and your peers across all years of nursing study.

Attend the annual National Māori Student Hui, strengthen your Māori cultural identity, be part of the Facebook group and attend regular group hui.

You will gain new friends, role models and opportunities to network as well as being part of the solution to improving Māori health outcomes.

Many of our students are adults balancing study demands with family commitments. For those with young children, there is a childcare centre on the Nelson campus providing full or part-time care.

Campus Corner Early Learning Centre(external link) cares for children six months to five years old. Early booking is essential - ph. (03) 548 0104.

Normally, the Bachelor of Nursing programme is achieved in three years but can be completed over five years.

As a graduate, you can work in many different areas of nursing.

Career options include:

• Primary Healthcare Nursing
• District Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Public Health Nursing
• Health Promotion
• Education
• Older persons health
• and all clinical settings within Te Whatu Ora

You can learn more about nursing careers on the Careers New Zealand website(external link).

Please budget approx. $1,400.00 for the Bachelor of Nursing Programme to cover: 

• Textbooks
• Uniform (two uniform tops, pants and shoes)
• Associated clinical costs (travel and accommodation)
• Specialist equipment, e.g. stethoscope, fob watch

Additional Information

• A laptop/device will be required
• Students are also responsible for all travel and accommodation costs associated with clinical placements
• There is an expectation that students will travel out of town to complete at least one placement. 

Please note: All costs are approximate and subject to change.

This programme is highly regarded nationally, combines theory with clinical experience, and meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Competencies for the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice.

After completing the Bachelor of Nursing degree, ākonga must pass the NCNZ State Final Examination to gain registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand(external link).