Nursing careers streamlined

Nursing students have become the first in the Pilbara to gain a streamlined pathway from TAFE to university study after the region’s two main tertiary education providers signed an inaugural course articulation agreement.

North Regional TAFE director of training Jan Edwards and CQUniversity Karratha study hub co-ordinator Sharyn Hearson signed the contract earlier this month to allow Pilbara students who have completed a Diploma of Nursing to more easily transition into a CQUniversity Bachelor of Nursing and complete it in two-thirds of the usual time.

Ms Hearson said the agreement marked another milestone in the education providers’ partnership.

“This agreement will allow a seamless application of credit and transition of students undertaking the Diploma of Nursing with North Regional TAFE into the Bachelor of Nursing with CQUniversity,” she said.

“There are also agreements in the fields of community service and early childhood education in the process of formalisation, with opportunities in business and engineering possible in the future.”

Ms Edwards said the agreement would allow nursing students to start a degree course while remaining in familiar surroundings, making their transition smoother.

“The added bonus will be the ability to complete a three-year nursing degree in only two years, with a shortened pathway due to the articulation,” she said.

CQUniversity has been in the Pilbara for more than two years and has an ongoing partnership with North Regional TAFE aimed at increasing educational opportunities across the region.