There has never been a better time for nurses to take up a postgraduate qualification with the University of Tasmania.
The latest report by The Future of Work: Occupational and Education Trends in Nursing in Australia– prepared by Deloitte Access Economics found that nurses could double their income by completing a postgraduate degree.
With the growth in the ageing population and consequential rise of chronic disease, the demand for nurses will increase, and those with postgraduate qualifications were estimated to reap the rewards.
The reward, in this case, would be an average income of $111, 235 by 2021, up from an average of $95, 391 last year.
According to the Deloitte Access Economics’ David Rumbens, the demand for nurses arising from this demographic change will also require adaptations in the skill mix of the nursing workforce, as the growing chronic disease burden means that there will be further need for nurses to be better utilised in specialist roles.
The report also found the increased digitisation of medical records means nurses will need to develop skills in data management.
University of Tasmania’s Associate Professor Christine Stirling believes that while management and leadership roles are occupied mainly by more experienced and senior nurses, the shortage could see those with postgraduate degrees step up and fill this gap.
“The University of Tasmania is the largest provider of postgraduate nursing courses in Australia with more than 20 specialisations on offer,” Associate Professor Stirling said.
Our program is designed for those nurses who are already in the workforce and are looking to advance in specialist areas of practice or move into a leadership or management role.
“As frontline healthcare providers, nurses are expected to keep up with the latest in healthcare developments and our postgraduate programs are designed to develop their skills and knowledge, whether they’re in the early or later stage of their career.
“Some of the significant topics covered include enhancement of specialist knowledge and skills, quality and safety, leadership, e-health, teaching for health professionals and clinical governance.”
Postgraduate nursing at the University of Tasmania is offered via flexible, part-time and online study, giving students the opportunity to maintain their work-life balance.
Interested in studying a postgraduate nursing course? Apply now.
You can access the full Deloitte report here.