Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing

This programme will prepare you for the contemporary healthcare environment in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.  

This programme delivers an integrated mātauranga Māori health approach that includes learning experiences shaped by Māori cultural knowledge and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  

Our highly qualified, supportive, and friendly lecturers will help you gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills working in our clinical simulation facilities.  

During your study, you will complete at least 1000 hours of clinical learning experiences in a variety of health settings such as mental health, medical surgical, and primary healthcare.  

The hybrid model of academic delivery, with a strong emphasis on kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) learning, sets this programme apart.  

UCOL graduates have an excellent professional reputation and are well equipped for employment in New Zealand Aotearoa and overseas.  

For over 30 years, UCOL’s Nurse Education team has ensured industry relevant education to prepare graduates for a professional career as Registered Nurses.

This programme runs for 43 weeks each year, including 5 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Year 1, 2 and 3

4 to 12 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings.

Work Time

Year 1: 4 days a week for a 5 week block placement, Monday-Thursday, morning and afternoon shifts only.

Year 2: 2 blocks of 6 week placements, 7 days a week on a rotating roster.

Year 3: 1 block of 3 weeks and then 1 block of 9 weeks, depending on your placement setting, could be 24/7 rotating roster shiftwork.

Study Time

11 to 17 hrs

Study in your own time.

We have a team of lecturers to guide you through your nursing journey. They’ll support you through the curriculum, which includes up to 200 hours of clinical placements in your first year. As you continue through the programme, these clinical experiences will include primary health care, medical and surgical wards, and mental health settings across the lower North Island. Across 24/7 rotating rosters, you will gain experience and develop your skills alongside registered nurses on site and UCOL lecturers.

This programme comprises 360 credits.

Year 1

Nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand 1 (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to support ākonga to develop knowledge of factors impacting on hauora across the lifespan, including the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi for informing nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professional Nursing: An Introduction (15 Credits)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with an overview of nursing history, introduce nursing regulations in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to present the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s standards of competence for registered nurses.

Bioscience, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing (25 Credits)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with foundational knowledge of the normal form (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body, and the role nutrition places in human health.

Fundamental Skills for Nursing Practice (25 Credits)

The aim of this course is to support ākonga to develop a range of fundamental clinical practice skills required for safe and effective nursing practice within the Aotearoa New Zealand context.

Whanaungatanga, Communication and Education for Nursing Practice (20 credits)

The aim of this course is to enable ākonga to develop skills and knowledge to be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with health consumers, their whānau and hapori in the nursing context.

Clinical Experience Tuatahi (20 credits, 200 hours of practical experience)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration of theoretical learning into a clinical practice setting, at a novice level.

Year 2

Nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand 2 (20 credits)

The aim of this course is to support ākonga to develop knowledge regarding the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including breaches of the articles, for informing nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and to develop knowledge of the Māori worldview and tikanga Māori in relation to hauora.

Pathophysiology, Pharmacotheraputics and Nursing Assessment (35 credits)

The aim of this course is to support ākonga to further develop knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and rongoā in relation to specific body systems and their application to nursing assessment and patient care.

Manaakitanga in the Mental Health Context (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to enable ākonga to use culturally appropriate, evidence-based approaches to establish Manaakitanga within recovery-orientated person-/whānau-/whakapapa centred care in the mental health context in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Clinical Experience (Medical/Surgical) (25 credits, 160 hours practical experience)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration of theoretical learning into a clinical practice setting, at an advanced beginner level, in a medical/surgical practice setting.

Clinical Experience (Mental Health) (25 credits, 160 hours practical experience)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration of theoretical learning into a clinical practice setting, at an advanced beginner level, in a mental health practice setting.

Year 3

Primary Health Care (15 Credits)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with a deeper understanding of the needs of Māori, Pacific and diverse population groups within the primary healthcare setting, and primary healthcare nursing across the lifespan.

Rangatiratanga, Rangahau and Evidence-Based Practice (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to prepare ākonga for their role as culturally safe new graduate registered nurse, and future leaders in nursing, through the integration of theory and evidence-based practice, and the encouragement of continuous learning.

People living with Acute and/or Complex Health Care Needs: Manaakitanga and Person-Centred Care (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to support ākonga to develop an understanding of the needs of patients/clients who require acute and/or complex care from a partnership approach.

People living with Chronic Conditions: Manaakitanga and People-Centred Care (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to support ākonga to develop an understanding of the needs of people with long term health conditions and their personal experiences of their health journey.

Clinical Experience (Community Health) (24 credits, 200-hour practical experience)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration of theoretical learning into a primary health care setting at a competent level.

Clinical Experience (Transition) (36 credits, 360-hour practical experience)

The aim of this course is to provide ākonga with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration of theoretical learning into clinical practice at a maintenance of competence level.

As a nursing student, you will learn alongside enrolled nursing, medical imaging, social services, and other healthcare ākonga in Te Whaioranga, the purpose-built healthcare education centre for UCOL Manawatū. This state-of-the-art learning environment enables our nursing, medical imaging, social services and healthcare ākonga to learn across disciplines and functions, familiarising them with real-world practices and ensuring they become ‘workforce-ready’ graduates.

If you are based in Wairarapa or Whanganui, you will learn in the fully equipped simulation and skills labs on each campus. These simulation labs have the capability to run high-fidelity simulations using our mannequins and software to provide real-life and real-time responses to interventions. Our classroom spaces are flexible and able to accommodate all types of learning including online and blended delivery. This will prepare our ākonga with real-world practices, ensuring they become ‘workforce-ready’ graduates.

General Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic Board. In addition, all applicants are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions (including international convictions) prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager; and

• Authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. If a conviction and/or a matter of concern is identified, the decision for accepting the applicant's enrolment onto the programme is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager; and

• Complete a Health Declaration Form; and

• Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation.

Note: Before commencement of first clinical learning experience, applicants may need to supply a current Comprehensive First Aid certificate if required by the clinical agency. UCOL will advise if this is required.

The Academic Portfolio Manager may require learners to provide additional information before admission is confirmed.

Applicants under 20 years of age:

Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance

OR

Successful completion of the UCOL Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4).

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

OR

Provisional enrolment, which is defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and includes the following clauses:

Discretionary enrolment may be granted to those applicants under the age of 20 who:

• are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia*,

• have received secondary schooling to at least New Zealand Year 12 level (or its equivalent overseas) and earned at least 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA (or its equivalent), and

• have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance, or their equivalents,

* Australian applicants’ most recent year of schooling must have been in New Zealand.

Applicants 20 years of age or over

A person having reached the age of 20 years before the first day of the programme in the year for which admission is sought, is not required to meet any of the academic qualifications above. Applicants will be required to meet the criteria for enrolment to study nursing and may be required to attend a conversation, as set out in the advice and guidance section, prior to their enrolment being accepted. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss their career goals, reasons for study, choice of study, possible challenges, and the support that is available for them at UCOL.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 in all bands (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

International learners will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet New Zealand University Entrance requirements. In addition, in accordance with NCNZ (2017) and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act [HPCA] (2003) requirements, all learners whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, will be required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

The minimum requirements are:

Successful completion of an internationally recognised English Language proficiency tests to the equivalent of IELTS score of at least 6.5 (Academic) in all bands, achieved in one sitting authorised by the awarding body and which is within the preceding two years at the time the learner’s application is received and stamped by Registry;

OR

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction;

OR

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction;

OR

Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters’ Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States;

OR

Exemption or waiver on the basis of equivalence; UCOL may offer an evaluative test to domestic leaerners (Citizens and NZPR) to determine equivalence.

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA; therefore, applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of UCOL's Bachelor of Nursing may be employed in the following types of settings:

• Hospitals

• Community agencies

• Māori health education

• Iwi-based health centres

• Pharmaceutical companies

• Government departments

• Employment overseas

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Registered Nurses, visit tahatu.govt.nz 

The Nurse Education team have strong links with industry and learners have a wide range of clinical experience in mental health, medical/surgical, aged care and primary health environments across the three years of study.

Entry to Nursing

You may be required to attend a conversation with UCOL staff after applying for the Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing. The purpose of the conversation is to gauge your motivation, support, preparedness for study, and to inform teaching staff of your needs. (Refer to the UCOL admission policy and variations).

Timetable

Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing is a full-time programme of study. In a typical week, when you are studying theory course you will have a combination of face-to-face, online and self-directed learning. This includes laboratory work, practicing clinical skills and tutorial classes. As you progress through your studies each year, the weighting of self-directed learning will increase to prepare you for life-long learning.

Clinical placements

Clinical placements are an essential part of the Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing. In order to successfully complete your degree, the New Zealand Nursing Council requires you to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical placement. To meet this, you can expect to undertake rotating rostered shifts. This means shifts that fall any time of the day, any day of the week including weekends and public holidays. You will be required to travel to and from your placement. Any travel or accommodation costs associated with clinical placement are your responsibility.

Before clinical placement begins, you will be required to provide evidence of immunity to, or vaccination for, a number infectious diseases. There are costs associated with these.

Safety check

After you enrol, UCOL will undertake a safety check to ensure you meet the legislative requirements of the Children's Act, 2014. This is undertaken for all students before clinical placements. UCOL will do this on behalf of Hospitals, Primary Health Organisations, and other providers that host UCOL student placements. The safety check involves confirming your work history, verifying your suitability to work with children with a trusted referee, and completing New Zealand Police vetting.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Please note the costs you will need to budget for with the Bachelor of Nursing:

Clinical placements

Before starting clinical placement, you will need to provide evidence of:

• Immunity to, or recent vaccination for, a number of infectious diseases. There will be a cost for serology blood tests. At times, vaccination will be recommended following blood tests.

While on clinical placement, you may be required to travel to other towns or rural areas. The Manawatū, Wairarapa and Whanganui regions are quite large with remote areas. Be prepared to travel for periods of time during your studies for clinical placement. Plan how you would travel for clinical placements as public transport is not always available at convenient times for shifts on a 24/7 rotating roster.

Required Items

For each year of the three-year degree there are specific items that you will need to provide. Please note that these are approximate costs. High quality and well maintained second hand items are more than acceptable. Please discuss with the teaching staff.

• Serology testing fee approximately $300.00

• Shoes and trousers $200.00

• Stethoscope/scissors/penlight $125.00 (wait until the start of the programme to purchase, as staff will give you the best advice).

• Watch with second hand $40.00

• State Final Examination Fees

State Final Examination Fees

State Final Examinations and Registration Fees are determined by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The approximate cost is $240.00 per learner (subject to change) and payable by the student. This fee is paid at the time each student registers with the NCNZ for the State Finals Examination.