Programme overview
Our Bachelor of Nursing is underpinned by a belief that in today’s constantly changing healthcare environment, people, their whānau, and their community’s complex and diverse health needs require nurses who are well-educated, research-informed, and adept in critical thinking.
We believe the best way to develop and train nurses is through a balance of thinking and doing, so you’ll get to apply your learning in a range of health-related areas and on placements at a variety of hospitals and health centres across the Auckland region. This is to ensure you graduate confident and work-ready.
Our Bachelor of Nursing is the only programme in West Auckland which prepares you for registration as a nurse and is approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Bachelor of Nursing highlights
- Learn from an experienced and multi-cultural team, many of whom still work in clinical nursing practice, and whose value of partnership and care is reflected in quality teaching, support, and innovative curriculum delivery.
- We’re proud to attract a diverse student population which reflects our local population.
- Practice what you’ve learnt in a range of health-related areas, at a variety of hospitals and health centres across the Auckland region. Placement experiences range in disciplines (from acute care, surgery and medicine to rehabilitation/disability, preventative care, mental health and primary care). Locations include but are not limited to WDHB, the Mason Clinic, and primary health care organisations.
- Access to the Waitākere Hospital Awhina Simulation Centre.
- Over the three years of your degree, you’ll complete a minimum of 1100 hours of practice placements and approximately 100 hours in the Awhina Simulation lab at Waitākere Hospital. In your final year, you’ll work rostered nursing duties as you transition into professional nursing practice.
Programme content includes:
- Human biology and nursing skills
- Pharmacology
- Effective assessment, management and communication of patient care
- Specialist areas of nursing including care (medical and surgical), primary care, mental health, and family and community nursing. All contexts of nursing are evidence-based, ensuring the most current practice standards.
- Evaluation of ethical dilemmas in clinical nursing practice
- Exploration of the role and application of technology in the healthcare environment
Scholarship
We have wide rage of scholarships available to find out more information click below!
What next?
Once you've successfully completed this programme, and successfully passed the Nursing Council of New Zealand state exam, you'll be eligible to become a registered nurse.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement or have completed one of the following:
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 with minimum band scores of 6.5 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening – we have an IELTS Preparation short course available, as well as an IELTS test center on-campus;
- Completion of the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5); or
- Completion of tertiary study, Bachelor's degree or higher, with English as the language of instruction from providers in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the United States; or
- University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in Reading, 5in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and English Language programmes available can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
Non-academic requirements
- Two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes if applicable (these should confirm that you are, or will be, 16 years old at the start of the programme);
- A personal statement describing why you’re passionate about nursing and any life experiences that might enhance your application;
- A self-declaration of medical conditions;
- Consent to a safety check as set out in the Children’s Regulations 2015, which includes:
- Completion of an NZ police vetting form;
- The names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact (if applicable);
- A CV showing a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities you have been or are a member of (if applicable).
When you receive an offer of place:
- Attend a face-to-face interview;
- Complete or provide a current First Aid certificate from an OSH-approved source (a requirement for clinical placements). Find out more about Unitec's First Aid course here;
- Meet various Health Authority requirements, including providing evidence of immune status;
- If you have studied an undergraduate nursing programme at another New Zealand tertiary provider, you must submit a confidential report from the institution from which you are transferring;
Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public, and one from a teacher (or similar) who can discuss your character.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 540 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
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| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Human Biology for Nursing Practice 1(HCBN5101) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain human biology knowledge required for nursing practice. |
| Interpersonal Relationships(HCBN5102) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to communicate professionally with health consumers and members of the health care team and others. |
| Management of Nursing Care 1(HCBN5103) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to manage nursing care with health consumers |
| Professional Responsibility(HCBN5104) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of nursing. |
| Health and Wellness(HCBN5105) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand the influence of socio ecological perspectives on health. |
| Nursing the Person with Long Term Health Needs(HCBN5106) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply knowledge, skills and attitudes of nursing practice in a gerontological clinical setting. |
| Management of Nursing Care 2(HCBN5107) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to manage nursing care with health consumers. |
| Human Biology for Nursing Practice 2(HCBN5108) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to extend human biology knowledge required for nursing practice. |
