HLT54121 - Diploma of Nursing
Overview
HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing reflects the role of an enrolled nurse working under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered nurse.
Enrolled nurses provide nursing care for people across the health care continuum and at all stages of life.
To be eligible to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse and to practice in Australia, individuals must complete a Diploma of Nursing program accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved as ‘an approved program of study’ by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) in accordance with the Enrolled Nurse Accreditation Standards. To confirm the education provider holds the necessary accreditation check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) at www.ahpra.gov.au.
The scope of practice for enrolled nurses is determined by legislative requirements and the policies and procedures of the employing organisation.
HLT54121 may contribute to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) registration requirements to practice as an enrolled nurse.
HLT54121 is delivered over 18 months with observation of performance of 400 hours in a work context/ Clinical placement. It is essential for students to demonstrate consistency of performance throughout assessments and demonstrate consistency throughout the required range of workplace situations.
Stage 1 students are required to complete 2 sequences (Teachers to advise students when to enrol in sequence 2)
Stage 2 students are required to complete 2 sequences (Teachers to advise students when to enrol in sequence 2).
Stage 3 students are required to complete 1 sequence.
Please note the unit HLTENN040 is assessed over both stage 2 and stage 3.
This is a nationally recognised accredited course.
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Study Experience
- Mixed-Mode Residential Schools
- Placement Expectations
- Seamless Pathway
- Orientation
Career Opportunities
This course may assist you toward a career as an enrolled nurse working under the supervision of a registered nurse. Refer to detail above regarding registration.
Structure & Availability
Mixed Mode
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 18 months |
Our Diploma of Nursing is a full-time only program completed in 18 months. The course is structured into three stages (Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3), each lasting six months. Each term extends over 20 consecutive weeks. To successfully complete the program, students must complete 25 units of competency across the three stages:
- Stage 1 – 10 units
- Stage 2 – 10 units
- Stage 3 – 5 units
Study Commitments: Students should expect to dedicate at least 25 hours of study per week throughout the 20-week term. This includes a mandatory one-day online tutorial per week for the duration of the qualification (Held Mondays for Term 1 (February) students and Thursdays for Term 2 (July) students). Class attendance days are subject to change and reviewed biannually. Confirmation of class schedules will be provided during your orientation.
Residential School: Students must attend mandatory Residential Schools during each of the three stages as follows.
- Stage 1: 5 x 3-day blocks (15 days total)
- Stage 2: 4 x 3-day blocks (12 days total)
- Stage 3: 4 x 3-day blocks (12 days total) Mandatory Residential Schools are held in person at our Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg campuses from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please see the Residential School tab for detailed attendance information.
Work Integrated Learning/Clinical Placement is a mandatory requirement to progress in the course. All students must complete a placement during each of the three stages of the course. Please review the Work Integrated Learning and Placements tab for detailed information.
Accreditation Standards require all students to be physically located in Australia whilst studying this course.
Stage 1- Sequence 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTAAP002 | Confirm physical health status |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| HLTENN038 | Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care |
| HLTENN036 | Apply communication skills in nursing practice |
| HLTENN037 | Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care |
Stage 1- Sequence 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| HLTENN045 | Implement and monitor care of the older person |
| HLTENN068 | Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
Stage 2- Sequence 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTENN044 | Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions |
| HLTAAP003 | Analyse and respond to client health information |
| HLTENN035 | Practise nursing within the Australian health care system |
| HLTENN039 | Apply principles of wound management |
| HLTENN057 | Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes |
| HLTENN041 | Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice |
| HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy |
Stage 2- Sequence 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTENN047 | Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| HLTENN042 | Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions |
Stage 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBLDR414 | Lead team effectiveness |
| CHCPOL003 | Research and apply evidence to practice |
| HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy |
| HLTENN043 | Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
| HLTOHC007 | Recognise and respond to oral health issues |
RPL
Duration:RPL only
CORE
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTENN004 | Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care plans |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| HLTAAP002 | Confirm physical health status |
| HLTENN036 | Apply communication skills in nursing practice |
| HLTENN038 | Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care |
| HLTENN068 | Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| HLTENN045 | Implement and monitor care of the older person |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| HLTENN040 | Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy |
| HLTENN035 | Practise nursing within the Australian health care system |
| HLTENN037 | Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care |
| HLTENN039 | Apply principles of wound management |
| HLTAAP003 | Analyse and respond to client health information |
| HLTENN041 | Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice |
| HLTENN044 | Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health conditions |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| HLTENN047 | Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting |
| HLTENN042 | Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions |
| HLTENN043 | Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health conditions |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTENN057 | Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes |
| BSBLDR414 | Lead team effectiveness |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
| CHCPOL003 | Research and apply evidence to practice |
| HLTOHC007 | Recognise and respond to oral health issues |
Mixed Mode
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Townsville |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton, Townsville |
Mixed Mode - Rockhampton
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Rockhampton |
Mixed Mode
| HLT54121 Residential Classes | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mixed Mode |
| Room | Per Online Timetable |
| Start Date | To Be Advised |
| End Date | To Be Advised |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 3:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
For each of the 3 Stages in the Diploma of Nursing, all students are required to attend four (4) blocks of three (3) day mandatory residential schools that are held at our Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg campuses from 8:30am to 3pm. Mixed-Mode students are also required to attend their online tutorial classes which will be held on Mondays and Fridays for the February intake and Thursdays and Fridays for the July intake. Students studying on-campus in Rockhampton will be required to attend weekly on-campus tutorials on Monday - Wednesday from 8:30am-3pm as well as the residential schools. Residential school dates for each campus and intake can be found under the ‘More Details’ tab in the CQUni Handbook. | |
On Campus - Rockhampton
| HLT54121 Residential Classes | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Per Online Timetable |
| Start Date | To Be Advised |
| End Date | To Be Advised |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 3:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
For each of the 3 Stages in the Diploma of Nursing, all students are required to attend four (4) blocks of three (3) day mandatory residential schools that are held at our Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg campuses from 8:30am to 3pm. Mixed-Mode students are also required to attend their online tutorial classes which will be held on Mondays and Fridays for the February intake and Thursdays and Fridays for the July intake. Students studying on-campus in Rockhampton will be required to attend weekly on-campus tutorials on Monday - Wednesday from 8:30am-3pm as well as the residential schools. Residential school dates for each campus and intake can be found under the ‘More Details’ tab in the CQUni Handbook. | |
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or clinical placement will be arranged by the WIL team. While we make every effort to offer local WIL placements, students may be required to travel intrastate or interstate and arrange their own accommodation to complete vocational or work placements.
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
| Care of older adult (3 weeks) | Community (2 weeks) | Acute Care (5 weeks) |
The WIL or clinical placement are scheduled on a full-time rotational roster. Students can expect to work across morning, afternoon, and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays. Mandatory Clinical Placement/Work Integrated Learning Requirements: As per CQU Immunisation Policy, immunisation checks are now mandatory for any placement. Refer to the Mandatory Checks Requirements for Clinical Placement/Work Integrated Learning for more details.
Requirements
Acceptance of applications are at the discretion of CQUniversity. Prior offers to this course may negate subsequent admission.
Entry Requirements:
- BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) Testing: Completion of the online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.
- Minimum Age Requirement: Students must be 18 years, prior to completion of the course.
- English Language Proficiency Requirements: The English Language Skills requirements listed below are those specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as required for initial registration. As an applicant for the Diploma of Nursing, you are required to demonstrate your English language competency in one of the following ways:
-
- English is your primary language, and you have satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education, taught and assessed solely in English – including at least two years completed between grades 7 and 12 -in a recognised country. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) defines recognised countries; however, this list is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the NMBA's official website. OR
- You must provide evidence that you have successfully completed at least five (5) years (full-time equivalent) continuous education taught and assessed solely in English, in a recognised country.
- If you do not satisfy the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
- Cambridge - Minimum overall score of 185 in each of the three components: listening, reading, speaking and minimum score of 176 in the one component of writing.
- an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 overall with a minimum score of 7 in each of the three components listening, reading and speaking; and minimum score of 6.5 in the one component: writing.
- OR an Occupational English Test with a minimum score of B in each of the three components listening, reading and speaking; and minimum score of C+ in the one component: writing.
- OR a Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) – Minimum overall score of 66 Minimum score of 66 in each of the three communicative skills: listening, reading and speaking; and minimum score of 56 in one communicative skill writing.
- OR a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT – requires 94 or better overall and 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 24 for writing, and 23 for speaking
- Nursing students' English requirements align with AHPRA standards, and each student is assessed individually. The selection rank has been removed for this course.
-
Inherent requirements: Students applying for the Diploma of Nursing should be aware of and be able to fulfil the inherent requirements for this course.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
This course is included in the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan (VSL) program, assisting eligible students pay tuition fees. Refer to the VET Student Loan webpage for more information, eligibility and census date calendar. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
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This is a highly competitive course with limited places available and is subject to change based on availability.
