First graduates of JCU Nursing School

The first ever students have graduated from James Cook University’s Mackay-based Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre-Registration) course, in a boon for healthcare in the region.

Five of the seven graduates were the first entrants in the program in 2012, part of an initiative designed to help fill the gaps in healthcare services in regional, rural and remote locations.
Lecturer and site coordinator Jane O’Shannessy said six of the seven graduates will be commencing employment in Mackay and Emerald with one heading to Townsville for her graduate year. She said this secures 100% of the graduates in the North Queensland workforce.
She said that nine other nursing students have completed their second year of training, with 27 completing their first year. She expects between 30 and 35 people will start the course in 2015.
“Interest is strong for the degree here in Mackay and JCU is looking to build on the successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing Science over the next few years.”
Acting Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, Professor Melanie Birks, said the course had been very successful. “We are very much committed to growing our own workforce,” she said. “We would have lost these people to bigger cities, but because we are now able to provide a quality program it means they are able to stay in the region.”
She said JCU’s relationship with Mater hospital was instrumental in the success of the program and valued for the opportunities and relationships it brought with it.

About the JCU Bachelor of Nursing

Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science
Location: Townsville or Cairns, Queensland
Semester intake: February
Program duration: 3 years
Application deadline: No set deadline
Entry Requirements
Eligible applicants must have completed a high school diploma. A minimum GPA of 67% in the best six Ontario Grade 12 subjects or equivalent for students from other provinces. If you have completed post-secondary studies at the college and/or university level, those grades will also be considered. Applicants must also have completed the prerequisite subject of English at the high-school level. Biology, Chemistry and any high school studies in Mathematics are recommended.

Apply to JCU Nursing School!

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For more information about James Cook University Nursing School, including nursing program entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees, scholarships, please visit OzTREKK’s Australian Nursing Schools page or contact Australian Nursing Schools Admissions Officer Rachel Brady at rachel@oztrekk.com or 1-866-698-7355.