Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)

The Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at South Metropolitan TAFE is a nationally accredited qualification that prepares students for a career as an Enrolled Nurse. Delivered at the Murdoch campus, the program combines classroom learning, simulated hospital ward training, and compulsory clinical placements to ensure graduates are job-ready for diverse healthcare environments.

Students will study a wide range of subjects including anatomy and physiology, infection control, pharmacology, medication administration, medical terminology, cultural competence, mental health, wellbeing, and legal and ethical practice. The course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with training conducted in state-of-the-art facilities that replicate real hospital environments.

The program requires attendance 3–4 days per week over three semesters, alongside approximately 12 hours of independent study weekly. In addition, students must complete mandatory work placements across healthcare facilities, which may involve morning, afternoon, or night shifts, including weekends and public holidays. Placements are staged progressively: Stage 1 (3 weeks), Stage 2 (4 weeks), and Stage 3 (5 weeks). These placements provide invaluable hands-on experience and are supervised by registered nurses.

Entry into the Diploma is highly competitive. Applicants must meet academic requirements (minimum C grades in WACE General or ATAR subjects or equivalent), pass a literacy and numeracy assessment, and comply with health and legal clearances. This includes flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, police clearance, Working with Children Check, and NDIS screening. International students must meet English language proficiency standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Graduates of the program are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as Enrolled Nurses, provided they meet the Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice and English language requirements. Career opportunities include employment in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health services, and clinics.

The Diploma also provides a pathway to further study, including the Bachelor of Nursing at Murdoch University, with credit points available towards the degree. This makes the program ideal for students seeking both immediate employment and long-term career progression in nursing.

By enrolling in this course, students gain not only the technical skills required for nursing but also the compassion, communication, and cultural awareness necessary to provide holistic patient care. It is a rigorous but rewarding program that equips graduates to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare sector.