Nursing

Diploma of Health Science

Course overview

This course has been Accredited by TEQSA as an AQF Level 5 – Diploma course.

This course provides a broad knowledge and skill base that will enable students to practice independently and interdependently as a registered nurse within the Australian healthcare industry.

The course is designed to enable graduates to be well prepared to make significant contributions to the outcomes of patients within a diverse range of health care settings. On successful completion of the Diploma of Health Science (Nursing), students will receive 8 units of credit towards the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) at Edith Cowan University. 

Key Information

Duration

Year 1: 8 units (8-12 months)
Year 2: 8 units (12 months)

Intake dates

Year 1: February, June, October
Year 2: February, July

Campus location

ECU Joondalup Campus West

International Domestic

Fees

Year 1: A$26,000

Year 2: A$35,000

Fees

Year 1: A$16,400

Year 2: A$17,600

Leads to ECU

Your Diploma of Health Science can lead into ECU second year of this degree:

Places in this course are limited. 

Students will need to graduate from this degree to be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Domestic students must enrol minimum 2 units (30 credit points) per study period.

Career Opportunities

Nurse, Registered Nurse, Comprehensive Registered Nurse. 

Diploma of Health Science (Year 1)

CRICOS Code 103337G

Stage 1 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters. It provides opportunities for scaffolded learning and the development of core academic and employability skills.

This unit introduces the foundations of academic writing – from library research using databases, selection of approved academic resources, to writing paragraphs and essays, using the APA referencing system and delivering oral presentations using multi-media.  The unit also includes essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking and the use of memory aids for study purposes.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit is an introduction to computing and you will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in computer systems. Theoretical knowledge including a broad range of essential topics such as software, hardware, digital security, privacy, ethics, communication networks, Internet and the management of information and data. During this course you will develop practical skills in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Power Point applications and some basic hands-on skills in program design using Pseudocode.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background suitable for studies in business, health sciences and computing/IT courses.  Students will learn to use a scientific calculator and develop critical thinking skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and solve mathematical calculations in arithmetic, statistics, algebra, functions and their graphs, optimisation, sequences, series, growth and decay, trigonometry, geometric sequences, series, set theory and interest.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

Students will identify, analyse and apply communication, social and intercultural skills for effective interpersonal and workplace relationships.  This unit develops written skills, oral presentation skills and research skills, to prepare students for academic or professional environments.  Students will make connections between learning and future employability through topics such as effective workplace relationships, negotiation, managing conflict, and skills for teamwork and leadership.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit introduces concepts and skills used by managers to propose, plan, secure resources, budget and lead project teams to successful project completion.  Students will examine and apply fundamental principles, strategies and approaches for project management in a variety of contexts that are universally applicable across organisations and project types.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

ICS100  Intercultural Studies

The unit introduces students to intercultural interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on multiple and diverse audiences, modalities, globalisation, cultural symbols and values, language, and interpretations of intercultural sites. Accounting for the international students' experiences, they are given a practical introduction to relevant processes leading to expanding their cultural knowledge. Global citizenship, including intercultural communication skills, is introduced and enhanced, focusing on cultural diversity and contemporary implications for professional practice. Students will explore, report and present on their intercultural communication journey, and its' relevance to their discipline / professional interests.

SCN110 Foundation Science

This integrated Science unit enables students to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. It incorporates aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics, and is suited to students wishing to pursue a range of future career and study options. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in context, and use scientific evidence to make informed decisions about scientific issues.

 

CHE100 – Introductory Chemistry

This Chemistry unit is designed for students who wish to study engineering, physical sciences or health sciences at a tertiary level. It covers the study of matter and its interactions (chemical quantities, atoms, states, chemical bonding, chemical calculations, electronic and molecular structures, organic and inorganic chemistry).   Students will develop skills in organising, analysing and interpreting information and use simulated activities to prepare for future laboratory work.

BUS129 – Introductory Marketing

This unit explains theoretical principles/practices for marketing in changing environments.  It introduces fundamental marketing concepts across many institutions (government, manufacturing, services and not-for-profit sectors) and how marketing concepts are applied in the real world.   Students identify, analyse and combine key marketing tools to develop a marketing mix for specific markets and market segments; identify, collect and evaluate data for different marketing requirements and apply them in simulated contexts.   Students will also investigate social media and develop communication skills as part of a marketing campaign pitch

Diploma of Health Science (Year 2)

CRICOS Code 103337G

Stage 2 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 semesters.

Semester 1 units

This unit introduces the student to interpersonal and professional modes of communication and conduct that support effective and efficient functioning with clients, colleagues, and institutions. Academic literacy will be developed as a foundation to a successful professional discourse. The relationship between professional communication and the role of the nurse as a contributor to the health care community is central to this unit.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

The aim of this unit is to ensure that nursing students will have the necessary background knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and the overarching homeostatic mechanisms from the cellular to organ system levels. This unit introduces basic human anatomy and physiology and lays the foundation for application to nursing practice. Specific topics to be addressed include: the organisation of the human body, anatomical terms, cellular function, body tissues, homeostasis and anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, and endocrine systems.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit introduces the role the registered nurse in the context of the Australian healthcare system. It forms an introduction to the content of many other units within the course and outlines the regulations governing the clinical placements which students will undertake on their journey to becoming a registered nurse. The unit discusses national and international roles that nurses play in the delivery of healthcare. These include: the development of health care policy; education; community capacity building; leadership and patient advocacy.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

Weekly practical workshops will enable students to develop knowledge and skills learned in this unit as well as the nursing theory units. The content of this unit focuses on the development of beginning level knowledge, techniques, professionalism, and skills required for a new nursing student. Students will develop beginning level critical thinking skills in relation to risk assessment and management, physical assessment, assisting with activities of daily living and promoting patient’s well-being.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2 hr recorded lecture. Weekly face-to-face 2hr tutorial (starting in week 3).

Credits: 15

Semester 2 units

This unit utilises a case-based learning approach to build on the concept of homeostasis and how this is assessed within specific body systems. Clinical case scenarios are used as the basis for exploring how a holistic health assessment enables the identification of clinical manifestations of normal and abnormal physiology. The basics of pharmacology are introduced including the quality use of medicines, drug use/misuse and interactions.

Pre-Requisite Units: SCN1111D

Tuition Pattern:

Credits: 15

This unit introduces students to the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) and its application to quality improvement in health care. Using the principles of inquiry-based learning, students will examine research and evidence-based case studies to understand how clinical problems can be addressed and clinical knowledge expanded using research and evidence-based practice. An evidence-based practice model will be applied as the framework to encourage students to engage with and critique the current evidence base of clinical practices.

Pre-Requisite Units: NUR1101D & NUM1102D

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

The aim of the unit is to provide students with an understanding of ethics and law related to nursing and midwifery practice. Students will examine issues that may generate ethical and legal challenges for health care professionals and develop the knowledge and skills to discuss and debate these challenging issues. The content will include an examination of current Australian law pertaining to health care as well as ethical theories, principles and doctrines that aid in decision-making processes.

Pre-Requisite Units: NUR1101D & NUM1102D

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

In this second of six professional work integrated learning units, students will continue to develop nursing skills required to provide patient care that is holistic, safe, clinically effective, and culturally competent. The application of professional standards, reflective practice and a case-based approach will enable the student to assess and manage patients in the area of adult nursing.

Pre-Requisite Units: NPU1101

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2 hr recorded lecture. Weekly face-to-face 2hr workshop or clinical placement.

Credits: 15

* ECU service taught unit