The University of Tasmania’s Bachelor of Nursing (Fast Track) degree is popular because it allows you to become a Registered Nurse sooner. Here’s our five-point guide to the accelerated learning degree so you can better understand the course.
1. You will graduate faster
Fast Track Nursing is offered over two years, not the usual three years of study. How is that possible? The University offers a spring/summer semester so you graduate sooner, which is great if you want to return to study and get back into the workforce, or you don’t want a long break between semesters. By fast-tracking your degree you save time and, potentially, you can start earning an income faster too.
2. It's shorter- but it's no "short cut"
Fast Track Nursing gives you the same qualification as a ‘regular’ Bachelor of Nursing course so you’ll be eligible to apply for registration after graduation. It doesn’t compromise on the quality of learning because you’ll complete the full six semesters of study, including placements, over a two-year period. It’s not about skipping a year of learning; you just don’t have the traditional summer break between semesters. That means you won’t have three months waiting to get back into learning. And you’ll have the same access to the highly-qualified lecturers and University support team as ‘regular’ students do.
3. It's for students who know what they want
Fast Track is more intensive and busier than a three-year Nursing degree so it is for dedicated learners who have a pretty good idea of what they want to do when they graduate. The entry requirements are stricter. If you’re a Year 12 leaver you’ll need an ATAR score of 75 or higher. Mature-aged students will need to meet the University general entry requirements.
4. You'll get a head start
Once you graduate from the accredited course, you will have the knowledge and practical skills to register as a nurse in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Fast Track Nursing is deliberately structured to be time-efficient, so you can join the workplace or transition into a new career quicker. Not to mention you’ll get a head start in your career and receive a pay packet much sooner with a shorter degree.
5. You'll enjoy the flexibility
Bachelor of Nursing (Fast Track) courses are offered at the University in Hobart and also at both our Sydney campuses (Rozelle and Darlinghurst).
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Nursing (Fast Track) degree can study honours, or chose to articulate to the graduate certificate, or Graduate Diploma in Nursing after six months post-registration experience.
Here's what our students say about studying Nursing
“I really like how the lecturers that I had in first year are also my lecturers in second year. You build this relationship with your teachers, so as time goes on you feel more comfortable and confident in asking questions.” (Chantelle Ward, student.)
“I’d spoken to people who had done the course and said it was manageable. I always had a little bit of interest in the health industry. The options are limitless. There are so many areas in nursing you can go into, which I’m excited about.” (Adele Close, student.)
Find out more about Nursing at the University of Tasmania here.