JCU Nursing's record enrolments

JCU nursing student, Lisa Garland. Photo: Richard Davis, JCU Media

Nursing is proving to be an increasingly popular career choice, with James Cook University’s Nursing program receiving a record number of enrolments in 2016.

JCU takes mid-year enrolments for its Bachelor of Nursing Science to cater for the course’s growing popularity.

On current figures, there’s been more than a 19% increase in undergraduate nursing enrolments for second semester 2016 in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, and Mt Isa.

Based on those numbers, undergraduate nursing enrolments across the year have jumped to 1,723 in 2016, more than a 13% increase on the previous year.

And that’s despite JCU raising the entry requirements for Nursing in 2016.

The Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, Professor Melanie Birks said it’s wonderful to see a record number of enrolments.

She said all students now have to meet the new raised entry requirements, providing JCU with high calibre students who are seeking a career in Nursing.  

“The Bachelor of Nursing Science program at JCU is equipped with highly educated lecturers and staff to assist students along their journey. Our students have access to PhD qualified lecturers that have many years of experience in clinical nursing and nursing education.

“We are committed to growing our own nursing workforce in the region. The reputation of our nursing program attracts school leavers and mature age students from the local area and interstate,” Prof. Birks said.

Nursing student, Lisa Garland said JCU has given her unrivalled opportunities and experiences through practical sessions and small class sizes.

“Having a lecturer that knows your name and is happy to help you in any way they can could be the difference between becoming a nurse or not.

“And having the ability to access state-of-the-art practical laboratories whenever I need to is the reason I am going into the workforce as a confident nurse, ready for anything,” Ms Garland said.

Background:

JCU Nursing has been in Townsville for 25 years and has developed a large footprint in the city, forging strong relationships with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.  JCU is the leading provider of the nursing workforce for the region and all graduates have the necessary educational foundations and skills to make a significant contribution to the health care workforce.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2016/august/jcu-nursings-record-enrolments