Diploma of Nursing

Diploma of Nursing - HLT54121

VOCATIONAL

Develop the skills to register and work as an enrolled nurse anywhere in Australia.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

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*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$19,000 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

Overview

The Diploma of Nursing has been designed to help you build knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. Through on-campus simulation laboratories and industry placements, you'll graduate ready to help others.

There continues to be a high demand for enrolled nurses, and job expectations in this field are strong. In this nationally-accredited diploma, you will gain the skills to help provide acute, curative and rehabilitative care under the direction of a registered nurse.

You’ll learn to work with patients of all ages in different environments. There is a focus on aged care, community, acute care and mental health. You’ll also learn how to administer intravenous medications and gain the skills in acute care, which involves medical and surgical nursing skills.

Throughout your study, you can expect to study topics including:

  • basic anatomy and physiology
  • wound management
  • analysing health information
  • infection control
  • medications and intravenous administration
  • caring for patients with acute and chronic conditions
  • nursing care for diabetes
  • implementing nursing care plans
  • evaluating the care provided
  • researching and applying evidence-based practice.

You’ll benefit from a technology-enhanced learning experience using simulation laboratories, and a new web-based simulation. This combined with a minimum of 400 hours of work placement ensures that you will graduate work-ready.

Why study nursing at RMIT?

Get ready for work

With supervised clinical placements, you’ll reinforce the theory and skills learned in class while gaining experience in a healthcare environment.

Opportunities for further study

You may be able to continue your studies with the Bachelor of Nursing, which will allow you to work as a registered nurse.

Professionally recognised

Graduating with this nationally accredited diploma to register with the National Health Practitioners Regulation Agency AHPRA and work anywhere in Australia.

Headshot portrait of Alicia White, Diploma of Nursing - Alicia White, Diploma of Nursing
I have always felt the need to help people, and studying nursing has given me a way to do that. I also no longer feel helpless in the face of medical emergencies.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT provides a blended learning environment that includes face-to-face classes, practical lab sessions, and clinical placement, with some online delivery.

You’ll benefit from a technology-enhanced learning experience using simulation laboratories and a new web-based simulation experience. This combined with a minimum of 400 hours of work placement ensures that you will graduate work ready.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout your study in various forms, including online quizzes, case studies, written assignments, class presentations, practical assignments, clinical assessments and more.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

With supervised clinical placements, you'll reinforce the theory and skills learned in class while gaining real-world experience in a healthcare environment.

You will complete a minimum of 400 hours of clinical placement (equivalent of up to 12 weeks) in metropolitan and rural/regional areas in Victoria.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this qualification and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes:

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

While undertaking the Diploma of Nursing, students generally attend classes four days per week.

During your first year, you will complete a total of five weeks clinical placement (three- week and a two-week) full-time blocks of clinical placement. In second year, you will complete a further five weeks (two-week and three-week) clinical placement blocks.

During your placement, you can expect to work either morning shifts that start at 7am, or afternoon shifts which finish at 10pm, from Monday to Friday. Students should also prepare to be allocated to placements in rural / regional Victoria, on more than one occasion. Organising and paying for accommodation is an expense incurred by the student

Year 1

Your first year of studies will cover:

  • basic anatomy and physiology
  • Australian healthcare system
  • training in cultural diversity and coping with challenging behaviour
  • infection control and safe work practices
  • legal and ethical parameters of nursing
  • patient assessment and nursing care plans
  • communication and medical terminology
  • provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
  • caring for a person with mental health conditions.

You will also do five weeks of clinical placement.

Year 2

In your second year you will:

  • develop analytical skills as you learn to care for patients with acute and chronic conditions, including diabetes
  • be introduced to medication and intravenous administration
  • learn how to implement nursing care plans and to evaluate the care provided
  • wound management
  • reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • complete five weeks of clinical placement.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Nursing
Program code: C5417
National curriculum code: HLT54121
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Nursing
City Campus
2 years full-time
C5417
110709C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5417
CRICOS
110709C
View plan
Diploma of Nursing
City Campus
2 years full-time
C5417
110709C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5417
CRICOS
110709C
View plan
Diploma of Nursing
Bundoora Campus
2 years full-time
C5417BU
110709C
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5417BU
CRICOS
110709C
View plan
Diploma of Nursing
Bundoora Campus
2 years full-time
C5417BU
110709C
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5417BU
CRICOS
110709C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates of the Diploma of Nursing can go on to work in:

  • acute (hospital) care
  • medical centres
  • mental health
  • rehabilitation
  • palliative care
  • aged care settings.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Option 1:

Diploma of Nursing (City campus) (plan code C5417):

  • Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Health)

OR

Option 2:

Diploma of Nursing (Bundoora campus) (plan code C5417BU):

  • Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Health)

OR

All applicants:

If you have not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), you may choose to sit a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice in order to be considered for this program. Applicants who wish to supplement their academic record may also choose to sit the STAT Multiple Choice. STAT Multiple Choice applicants must meet the eligibility requirements.

You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.

You must meet the English language requirements. See the ‘Selection tasks’ and ‘English language requirements’ headings for further information.

The requirements listed under Additional Information are required both for the completion of the program and for recommendation for registration to AHPRA post qualification. By applying for this program applicants agree that they have read, understood and will meet the Immunisation and Compliance requirements, Inherent Requirements, and Professional Compliance requirements.

Ranking

Entry into this qualification is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked. 

Applicants are advised to upload evidence of any complete or partially completed qualification(s) along with an official transcript of results. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must complete and submit the Diploma of Nursing selection task.

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 20 December 2024

Selection task requirements

The selection task requires that you must acknowledge that you have read and understood the inherent requirements and additional information for this diploma. You must also provide evidence of meeting the required English proficiency level prior to entry as outlined in the English language requirements.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires all applicants for the Diploma of Nursing to provide evidence of meeting the required English proficiency level prior to entry. See the NMBA website for details.

Applicants can meet the English proficiency level for entry into the program by:

Option 1:

Submitting a declaration that English is your primary language. Primary language can be defined as the language mainly used for reading, writing, listening and speaking and the language best known and most comfortable with.

You must also have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.

Option 2:

Achieving the minimum English language test results as specified in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language skills registration standard.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (academic module): Minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
  • OET: Minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
  • PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
  • TOEFL Internet based test (iBT): Minimum total score of 94 and a minimum score in each section of the test:
    • 24 for listening
    • 24 for reading
    • 27 for writing
    • 23 for speaking

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Additional information

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Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the program must meet a number of Immunisation and Compliance requirements upon commencement of their studies in the program.

Immunisation and vaccination requirements

  • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component)
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity
  • Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml
  • Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
  • Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity.

Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.

Important: Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.

COVID19 Vaccination*:

You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

Influenza Vaccination*:

You will be required to undertake annual influenza vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

Important: Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants will be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Mask Fit Testing*

Mask fit testing is no longer an RMIT requirement for this program. However, some facilities may still require students to be mask fit tested prior to attending placements. Mask fit testing is a validated method to independently determine whether a specific make, model and size of mask achieves a proper fit to an individual’s face.   

You may be required to present evidence of the completion of a mask fit test (fit test certificate or card), verifying the date of the mask fit test and the recommended respirator make/model specific to the individual student, prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program .

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options, subject to meeting the Diploma of Nursing English language proficiency specified by ANMAC and the NMBA. See English language requirements listed above. If you don’t meet the other entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.  

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of the RMIT Diploma of Nursing within the last 10 years and who hold NMBA registration as an Enrolled Nurse are eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Nursing (BP032) with 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study). The remaining duration in the Bachelor of Nursing is 2 years for the February intake and 2.5 years for the July intake.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this program from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Diploma of Nursing you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Nursing with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points).

Applicants for the RMIT Bachelor of Nursing program will be required to meet the English language skills registration standard specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Completion of the RMIT Diploma of Nursing may no longer meet this standard and applicants may have to submit current English proficiency test results to meet the new requirement. 

English proficiency tests must be taken within two years of the bachelor commencement date.

If you have completed the Diploma of Nursing more than 12 months but less than 10 years prior to your Bachelor of Nursing application, you must be registered as an enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and provide of evidence of this in order to qualify for selection and receive full credit.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$10,250* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$18,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

Additionally, there are various items and services that a student will have to purchase themselves to complete this program. Prices may vary depending on supplier used.
They are as follows:

  • Nursing student uniform
  • Closed black nonslip shoes
  • Reading materials and textbooks
  • Stethoscope
  • Nursing kit including fob watch, pen torch, universal scissors, 4 coloured pen, car holder, retractable ID,
  • sphygmomanometer, pouch
  • National Police Check (Approx AUD $25 - $50)
  • Up-to-date immunisations and serology (varies)
  • NDIS workers screening check (Approx. AUD $129)
  • Fit Mask Testing (Approx. AUD $60-$90)
  • Rural clinical placement costs including travel, accommodation & meals (varies).

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information