Bachelor of Nursing

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
February, July
Campus icon
Campus
Duration icon
Duration
3 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
BNURS
Study as icon
Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
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SATAC code
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
None
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Assumed knowledge
None
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Entry scores
2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):80 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):A,A,B
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

  • Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

  • Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

  • Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
  • A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
  • Qualify for special entry.

Essential requirements

  • Prior to admission, applicants must meet some professional registration requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). These include the English Language Skills standard. Applicants will complete a declaration stating how they demonstrate English language proficiency, which in some cases may require provision of English language test results.
  • Upon entry to the program, all students must confirm they meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements.
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Note:

Our Bachelor of Nursing is offered on campus in Adelaide, Whyalla and Mt Gambier, or you can choose to study primarily online, offering flexibility in how you choose to study.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Nursing?

Nurses are at the heart of our hospitals and health sector. They play a vital role in meeting today’s complex and evolving health needs.

Nursing is more than just a job. It's an exciting, challenging and rewarding profession, full of caring and resilient problem-solvers. Whether it’s at the height of a pandemic or delivering community care, nurses make a difference by providing quality treatment and support.

Get ready to put yourself at the forefront of patient care and develop your skills in this fulfilling and growing field.

program overview

Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing is a clinically focused degree, offering valuable industry insights and the best in nursing practice. Learn from experienced academic and clinical staff in our simulated hospital and health service environments where you can consolidate your learning and build confidence in your practice.

Complete 1000 placement hours, providing you opportunities to learn and experience the diversity of nursing practice and healthcare. Explore some of the latest technologies in healthcare including the use of 360 video and augmented reality.

This degree prepares you to meet the Registered Nurse standards for practice (2016) required for a registration as nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

You will also have opportunities to further your studies and specialise in an area that meets your career aspirations.

You can also choose to study this program at our regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

What you'll learn

Our Bachelor of Nursing is offered on campus in Adelaide, Whyalla and Mt Gambier, or you can choose to study primarily online, offering flexibility in how you choose to study.

Please note to meet accreditation requirements, some courses, workshops and clinical placements must be completed in-person.

In this degree you will explore contemporary nursing knowledge, research and practice and experience the diversity of clinical nursing practice. Coursework is designed to prepare you for your nursing career so you can be confident in meeting healthcare delivery needs.

From your first year, you'll begin clinical placements to help you build essential knowledge and professional skills. These placements continue throughout your second and third years, with a total of 880 hours of clinical experience across the degree. All clinical placements are conducted in healthcare settings, including metropolitan, regional, and rural hospitals and health services across South Australia.

First-year studies will also include courses on Human Biology 1 and Human Biology 2, Social and Political Determinants of Health and Aboriginal Health. These are designed to broaden your foundational knowledge across disciplines and topics.

You will also complete the following undergraduate courses as part of your studies:

  • Becoming a Nursing Professional
  • Health of Older People
  • Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice
  • Health of Infants, Children and Adolescents
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Assessment, Diagnostics and Pharmacotherapeutics
  • Health of Adults
  • Transition to Professional Practice.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

  • 102 units for all Core courses, and
  • 42 units for all Work integrated learning

Complete 102 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Human Biology 1
Course code
BIOL1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Human Biology 2
Course code
BIOL1002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Becoming a Nursing Professional
Course code
NURS1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Aboriginal Health
Course code
NURS1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Health of Older People
Course code
NURS1002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Social and Political Determinants of Health
Course code
NURS1003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Health of Adults
Course code
NURS2001
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Scientific Basis of Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS2002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Health of Infants, Children and Adolescents
Course code
NURS2003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Mental Health Nursing
Course code
NURS2004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Pharmacotherapeutics
Course code
NURS2005
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Evidence Based Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS3001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Primary Health Care Nursing
Course code
NURS3002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Transition to Professional Practice
Course code
NURS3003
Units
12

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Human Biology 1
Course code
BIOL1001
Units
6
Course name
Becoming a Nursing Professional
Course code
NURS1000
Units
6
Course name
Social and Political Determinants of Health
Course code
NURS1003
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 1
Course code
NURS1901
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Human Biology 2
Course code
BIOL1002
Units
6
Course name
Aboriginal Health
Course code
NURS1001
Units
6
Course name
Health of Older People
Course code
NURS1002
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 2
Course code
NURS1902
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Health of Adults
Course code
NURS2001
Units
12
Course name
Scientific Basis of Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS2002
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 3
Course code
NURS2901
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Health of Infants, Children and Adolescents
Course code
NURS2003
Units
6
Course name
Mental Health Nursing
Course code
NURS2004
Units
6
Course name
Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Pharmacotherapeutics
Course code
NURS2005
Units
12
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Evidence Based Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS3001
Units
6
Course name
Primary Health Care Nursing
Course code
NURS3002
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 4
Course code
NURS3900
Units
12
Semester 2
Course name
Transition to Professional Practice
Course code
NURS3003
Units
12
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 5
Course code
NURS3901
Units
12

Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 1
Course code
NURS1901
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 2
Course code
NURS1902
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 3
Course code
NURS2901
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 4
Course code
NURS3900
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 5
Course code
NURS3901
Units
12

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Human Biology 1
Course code
BIOL1001
Units
6
Course name
Becoming a Nursing Professional
Course code
NURS1000
Units
6
Course name
Social and Political Determinants of Health
Course code
NURS1003
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 1
Course code
NURS1901
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Human Biology 2
Course code
BIOL1002
Units
6
Course name
Aboriginal Health
Course code
NURS1001
Units
6
Course name
Health of Older People
Course code
NURS1002
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 2
Course code
NURS1902
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Health of Adults
Course code
NURS2001
Units
12
Course name
Scientific Basis of Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS2002
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 3
Course code
NURS2901
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Health of Infants, Children and Adolescents
Course code
NURS2003
Units
6
Course name
Mental Health Nursing
Course code
NURS2004
Units
6
Course name
Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Pharmacotherapeutics
Course code
NURS2005
Units
12
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Evidence Based Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS3001
Units
6
Course name
Primary Health Care Nursing
Course code
NURS3002
Units
6
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 4
Course code
NURS3900
Units
12
Semester 2
Course name
Transition to Professional Practice
Course code
NURS3003
Units
12
Course name
Professional Experience Placement 5
Course code
NURS3901
Units
12

Ready to apply?

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

Not sure if you'll meet the entry requirements? Adelaide University offers a range of pathway options to help you start your study journey.

Explore Pathways

Fitness to Practice in Nursing and Midwifery clinical placements

Adelaide University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is committed to supporting the rights of all people who wish to pursue a career in nursing or midwifery.

The Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placement Inherent Requirement Statements have been developed to identify the essential abilities, knowledge and skills needed to achieve the core learning outcomes of accredited programs required for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA), inclusive of programs that require a clinical placement experience to meet the program/course learning outcomes.  

The programs included are: 


Nursing and midwifery degrees include substantial practice-based learning elements, where students are exposed to clinical practice and the public. Adelaide University has an obligation under the National Law to notify AHPRA if a student enrolled in an approved program has: 

“an impairment that, in the course of the student undertaking clinical training, may place the public at substantial risk of harm” (Clause 141 (1) (b)).

The Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements Inherent Requirement Statements have been developed to advise prospective and current students of the requirements necessary to undertake a clinical placement in preparation for entry (registration) into the nursing and midwifery professions, or for specialist/advanced practice. All students must confirm that they meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements inherent requirements when commencing their program and before they undertake a course-related clinical placement. It is important to note that the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements inherent requirements of the programs are not necessarily synonymous with an impairment requiring notification under the National Law. 

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to teaching and learning, assessment, clinical practice and other activities to enable them to participate in their course and meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements. However, reasonable adjustments should not fundamentally change the nature of the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements. 

All students are required to complete the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placement Declaration. You must confirm that you meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements inherent requirements upon entry to your program, annually for the duration of your studies, and/or as may be required by your Program Director. 

Students who are required to complete the declaration will be sent an email alert to the online Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placement Declaration form, which will be available from your InPlace portal. You’ll complete the form by reading and acknowledging each statement.  

This annual declaration will apply for the duration of your program of study and is mandatory to complete before the commencement of all professional placement experiences. 

Adelaide University provides a range of student services and support to ensure you can succeed in your studies. If you have a disability, medical or mental health condition that may impact your studies, you are are strongly encouraged to speak with the Access and Inclusion team when accepting your offer into a program. Visit the Access and Inclusion webpage to find out more.  

Students with a disability, mental health or medical condition who have an assessment with an Access and Inclusion Adviser will be provided with a personalised Access Plan. This document will propose reasonable adjustments that can be made to assist the student to achieve their program’s Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements aligned to the program learning outcomes and program rules.  

The provision of an Access Plan should not be construed as a determination by the University that the student can meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements of the specified program. The reasonable adjustments proposed in the Access Plan are approved by the Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery or the Program Director, and may be subject to amendment if they consider the proposed adjustments are inconsistent with the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placement requirement statements of the program. 

The following procedure must be initiated when concerns are raised regarding a student’s ability to meet each of the eight domains of Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements. 

Any concerns of this nature must be properly investigated. Students who are not fit to practice during a clinical placement may pose a risk to the public, clinical placement host staff, Adelaide University staff and other students if they are permitted to participate in clinical placements. These students may also fall within the mandatory notification requirements under the National Law. The University shall carry out the procedure described below in a manner that is as timely and discreet as reasonably practicable and provides procedural fairness for students who are the subject of investigations. All information collected by the School of Nursing and Midwifery as part of the procedure described below shall be retained and dealt with in a manner that is consistent with the Adelaide University Privacy Policy.  

The following circumstances are examples that could raise doubts about a student’s ability to meet one or more of the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements inherent requirements and potentially cause a student to be unfit to practice during a clinical placement. These examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be exhaustive: 

  • Evidence of chronic drug or alcohol misuse 
  • Severe mental illness 
  • Acting in a violent or aggressive manner 
  • Intimidation of patients/clients, placement host staff, UniSA staff and fellow students 
  • Fraudulent or dishonest behaviour 
  • Failure to comply with legislative and compulsory pre-clinical document requirements for clinical placement 
  • Convicted or found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment in Australia and/or overseas. 

Requirement for Medical Clearance

Where the Program Director decides that a medical clearance from a registered medical practitioner is necessary to determine a student’s fitness to practice, the student will be requested to provide a report from a medical professional within 10 business days (or a longer period as may be approved by the Program Director). A template form has been developed by the School of Nursing and Midwifery for this purpose. Through the Program Director, the University can stipulate the medical practitioner the student is required to consult for an independent assessment. 

Concerns about a nursing or midwifery student’s ability to meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placement inherent requirements and to demonstrate fitness to practice on a clinical placement will be managed in accordance with Adelaide University’s Assessment Procedure.  

Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placement Inherent Requirement Statements

These statements identify the essential abilities, knowledge and skills needed to achieve the learning outcomes of nursing and midwifery programs that require a clinical placement experience. 


The professions of nursing and midwifery are governed by professional standards, including practice standards and codes of ethics and conduct, where nurses and midwives are accountable and responsible for ensuring professional and ethical behaviour in all contexts. Students in this program must therefore demonstrate knowledge of, and engage in, ethical behaviour in practice at all times. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Compliance with the standards, codes, guidelines and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all. 

What support can be provided?

Support must ensure the standards, codes, guidelines and policies are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. Examples may include additional learning support or counselling. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Demonstrating appropriate behaviour with confidential information in classroom and clinical settings 
  • Demonstrating the ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour. 

Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in the nursing and midwifery professions. Students must demonstrate behavioural stability to work constructively in a diverse and changing academic and clinical environment.  

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Nursing and midwifery students will be exposed to emergency situations and human suffering and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events. 

What support can be provided?

Support should enable stable, effective and professional behaviour in both academic and clinical settings. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. Adjustments and support may include the provision of counselling to assist students in managing emotional challenges; locating placements so that students can maintain access to support networks. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement? 

  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback 
  • Coping with your own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with individuals in the clinical setting 
  • Reacting appropriately in stressful and changing situations in a clinical setting, for example, with patients who have cardiac arrest, severe wounds and or are dying 
  • Dealing with bodily functions appropriately. 

Nursing and midwifery practitioners are mandated by legislation to enable the safe delivery of care. Nursing and midwifery students are registered with the NMBA and must demonstrate knowledge and compliance with Australian law, professional regulations and scope of practice. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Knowledge, understanding and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements are necessary prerequisites to clinical placements in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. Compliance with these professional regulations and the Australian law ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice. 

What support can be provided?

Support must be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff.  

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Complying with the requirement for student registration with AHPRA 
  • Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation.

Nursing and midwifery students require effective, verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills. 

Verbal

This requirement includes: 

  • Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences 
  • The ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner 
  • The ability to provide clear instructions in the context of the situation 
  • Timely, clear feedback and reporting. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide safe delivery of care. Nurses and midwives are required to communicate in a way that displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships. In addition, communication may be restricted to verbal because of physical limitations of the individual (e.g. injury, disease or congenital conditions) and speed and interactivity of communication may be critical for individual safety or treatment. Timely, accurate and effective delivery of instructions is critical to individual safety, treatment and management. 

What support can be provided?

Support must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safety and appropriate care. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with an Adelaide University counsellor or access and inclusion support staff. Support may include provision of additional communication skills development programs. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Participating in tutorial, simulation and clinical discussions 
  • Responding appropriately to a care request in the clinical environment. 

Non-verbal

Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to nursing and midwifery practice and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic and non-judgmental. This requirement includes: 

  • The capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues 
  • Consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours 
  • Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists in building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships. Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, and being mindful of space and time boundaries, body movements, and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships. Being sensitive to individual and/or cultural differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships. The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for the safe and effective observation of patient symptoms and reactions to facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients. 

What support can be provided?

Support must enable the recognition, initiation of, or appropriate response to effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement? 

  • Recognising and responding appropriately in classroom situations 
  • Recognising and responding appropriately to cues in the clinical environment. 

Written

Nursing and midwifery students must demonstrate the capacity to construct coherent and effective written communication, in English, appropriate to the circumstances. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental nursing responsibility with professional and legal ramifications. The construction of written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards is necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice. Accurate written communication, including record-keeping and patient notes, is vital to provide consistent and safe patient care. 

What support can be provided?

Support must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and clinical settings. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Constructing an essay to academic standards 
  • Constructing a nursing report in a timely manner that meets professional standards. 

This course requires knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition, literacy and numeracy. 

Knowledge and cognitive skills

Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide safe and competent nursing and/or midwifery care. This includes: 

  • The capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information 
  • The ability to process information relevant to practice 
  • The ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Safe and effective delivery of nursing care is based on comprehensive knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately. 

What support can be provided?

Support must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items 
  • Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in the clinical setting. 

Literacy (language)

Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective delivery of care. This includes: 

  • The ability to acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective messages 
  • The ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information 
  • The capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment and delivery of care. The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for the safe and effective delivery of nursing and/or midwifery care. 

What support can be provided?

Support must achieve a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement? 

  • The ability to listen to information, for example, on the telephone, in an emergency, in tutorials 
  • The ability to convey a spoken message accurately 
  • The ability to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions 
  • Demonstrates accurate, concise and clear nursing documentation.  

Numeracy

Competent and accurate numeracy skills means that you have the ability to interpret and correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Competent and accurate application of numeracy skills is essential in nursing to facilitate the safe and effective delivery of nursing and/or midwifery care. 

What support can be provided?

Support must demonstrate a capacity to interpret and apply concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Support specific to the individual can be discussed with the Program Director or access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Performing accurate drug calculations 
  • Demonstrating accurate recording on a fluid balance chart

Sensory ability

This course requires adequate visual, auditory and tactile abilities (sight, hearing, touch). 

Visual ability 

Students must demonstrate sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of skills. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Adequate visual acuity is required to provide safe and effective nursing care. Sufficient visual acuity is necessary to demonstrate the required range of skills, tasks and assessments to maintain consistent, accurate and safe care of self and to others. Visual observations, examination and assessment are fundamental to safe and effective nursing practice. 

What reasonable adjustments can be made? 

Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in clinical practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the vision impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Accurately drawing up medication to administer 
  • Observing and detecting subtle changes in wounds and patient condition. 

Auditory ability

Auditory ability is required to provide sufficient aural function to undertake the required range of skills. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Auditory ability is required to provide safe and effective nursing care. Sufficient auditory ability is necessary to monitor, assess and manage an individual's health needs consistently and accurately. Auditory assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective nursing and/or midwifery practice. 

What reasonable adjustments can be made?

Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in clinical practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the hearing loss must be effective, consistent and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Accurately undertaking a blood pressure measurement by auscultation 
  • Detecting care request by activation of call bell or calls for help. 

Tactile ability

Sufficient tactile ability is required to perform competent and safe nursing care. This includes adequate tactile function sufficient to undertake the required range of skills and assessments. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Sufficient tactile ability is necessary to monitor, assess and detect patients' physical characteristics and act on any abnormalities detected to provide thorough nursing care. Tactile assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective nursing and/or midwifery practice. 

What reasonable adjustments can be made?

Adjustments must have the capacity to make effective assessments of physical characteristics and abnormalities within safe time frames. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement? 

  • Detecting any changes in circulation observations e.g. temperature and pulse palpation 
  • Conducting a physical assessment and detecting any anatomical abnormalities. 

This program requires strength and mobility involving fine and gross motor skills. 

Gross motor skills

Nursing and midwifery involve physical demands which include the ability to perform gross motor skills to function within the scope of practice. This includes lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting and bending. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Sufficient gross motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise care. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. 

What reasonable adjustments can be made?

Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement? 

  • Maintaining balance while safely mobilising and transferring individuals or resources 
  • Able to safely retrieve and utilise stock and equipment. 

Fine motor skills

Nursing and midwifery are professions that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills, such as being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze and manipulate various objects and individuals. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Sufficient fine motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise care. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. 

What reasonable adjustments can be made?

Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety to self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement? 

  • Performing an aseptic wound dressing 
  • Able to prime, accurately insert and set the prescribed rate on an infusion device. 

Nursing and midwifery practice requires both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level. This includes: 

  • Consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time 
  • The ability to perform repetitive activities with a level of concentration that ensures a capacity to focus on the activity until it is completed appropriately 
  • The capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance throughout the designated period of time. 

Why is this an inherent requirement?

Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and effective care. 

What reasonable adjustments can be made? 

Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with access and inclusion support staff. 

What examples may demonstrate that you have met the requirement?

  • Participating in tutorials, lectures, skills 
  • Providing consistent care over a negotiated time frame. 

Related laws, rules, policies and procedures

Pertinent Adelaide University policies and procedures include: 

National Law 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Codes and Standards  

Acknowledgements

The Adelaide University Fitness to Practice Guidelines and Procedures are based on the following works: 

Johnson, A., Allan, T., Phillips, K., Azzopardi, T., Dickson, C., Goldsmith, M & Hengstberger-Sims, C. (2011). Program Requirements of Nursing Education (IRONE), UWS School of Nursing & Midwifery and Student Equity & Disability Services. 

Edith Cowan University (2016) School of Nursing and Midwifery, Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements Guidelines and Procedures.   

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

  • Career advice and mentoring services
  • Personal counselling
  • LGBTQIA support
  • Academic support
  • Fees and finance help
  • Security services
  • Accommodation services
  • Common rooms
  • Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This program is offered at our Adelaide City, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
Graduates

Explore Adelaide University

Accommodation options

Considering calling Adelaide home? Explore accommodation options to find a place that's right for you.

Rundle Mall shopping

Life in Adelaide

Discover why Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Ebenezer Place shopping and cafes, bikes, bicycles

Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

Taken during Orientation Week