Australian universities offer overseas nursing students a variety of different study options, and opportunities not available anywhere else in the world. Qualifications from Australian universities are recognised worldwide, and respected for their academic excellence. An additional benefit of studying in Australia is the opportunity to combine professional study and development with recreational activities associated with the Australian climate, outdoor lifestyle and multicultural environment.Historically, nursing in Australia began its transition to the university education sector 25 years ago. Subsequently, all states of Australia implemented nursing education courses in tertiary institutions. Since then, it has become a country at the cutting edge of professional nursing education and scholarship. Nursing education at all levels in Australia is acknowledged worldwide as being comprehensive, challenging, dynamic and of high academic standard.
All Schools of Nursing in Australia have developed curricula, from undergraduate preregistration programs through to postgraduate and doctoral studies. Integrated within these study programs is the opportunity to complete study abroad units and certified continuing education packages that target specific areas of professional practice.
Numerous postgraduate study courses are available throughout Australia, designed to meet the changing health-care environment, and the greater complexity of the registered nurse's role in the provision of health care. The courses aim to develop advanced practitioners in nursing specialities; areas of focus include management, education, health promotion, research and a variety of clinical specialities. Students are provided with opportunities to expand their knowledge base, to increase their understanding of international health, and to gain expertise and experience allowing them to practise as advanced health professionals on a worldwide basis. As postgraduate courses also include research design, preparation and thesis writing, students are also well placed to pursue further studies at Master and Doctoral levels. Health management and administration courses include: strategic planning, quality improvement, nursing management, human resource management, financial management, and patient classification systems. This content facilitates the development of expertise in health management principles and practices that can be utilised across any health care environment.
Masters and doctoral studies provide opportunity for students to research in greater depth specific health administration and management concepts relevant to their own specific areas. Postgraduate courses in nursing education include generic educational units, such as staff development, reflective practice, curriculum design, and effective teaching and learning. Health education and promotion provides avenues for students to pursue courses specifically targeted at health counselling, behavioural health science, substance abuse management, mental health, and women's and men's health. Clinical speciality areas offer opportunities to those nurses wishing to advance their competencies and knowledge in clinically-based practice areas. Universities in Australia have developed postgraduate courses in clinical areas such as midwifery, neonates, paediatrics, critical care, nephrology, mental health, emergency, neurosciences, orthopaedics, oncology, spinal injuries, operating room, respiratory and cardiothoracic nursing.
Many universities have structured their courses on a collaborative teaching model with major public and private hospitals, enabling them to offer dynamic postgraduate courses in clinical nursing. With the strong involvement of the clinical areas, the courses are academically rigorous, relevant and practical to the reality of the changing health care environments in which we work all today. English study programs can be undertaken prior to commencing full-time postgraduate study, if needed to meet entry requirements. Additional English language study can then be incorporated into your program to support the progress of your study.
You will find Australians come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and this assists international students to integrate into the cultural environment of all cities and universities. Many universities in Australia have high numbers of international students, and therefore have resources and facilities on campus designed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to fulfil learning needs and maximise learning opportunities.
Australia has a great deal to offer international nursing students. Whether you choose to study in Australia because of its academic rigor, or as an opportunity to travel to a new and exciting country, you will not be disappointed by the diverse courses which are offered, and the range of experience these study opportunities will provide.
Author
Department of Health Sciences
Curtin University
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