Bachelor of Health Science - Nursing

Nurses are critical to the success of the healthcare system, and AUT-trained nurses are recognised as some of the best in New Zealand. This is a strong nursing programme guided by leading nursing academics and clinicians.

The nursing degree focuses on interprofessional practice and care, reflecting the real nursing workplace. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, while also focusing on individual patients’ needs, certain types of illnesses and conditions, and clinical skills and rehabilitation issues.

Key features:

  • Includes 1,200 hours of practical experience in a variety of clinical settings
  • If you pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Examination, you can become a registered nurse
  • Te Ara Hauora Maori papers: You can select Maori health papers if you want to develop the skills to work more effectively with Maori.

Quick Facts

Entry Requirements

Minimum entry requirements

  • University Entrance or equivalent
  • Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) requirements and Vulnerable Children’s Act (VCA Act)
  • Police clearance
  • Applicants with two or more years of secondary and/or tertiary education outside New Zealand must meet IELTS requirements and may be interviewed
  • Satisfactory references will be required

Selection criteria

  • Preference will be given to applicants with the highest level of academic achievement and/or evidence of accomplishments in the relevant field
  • Interview may be required
  • One subject from: Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, History of Art, Media Studies, Social Studies or Te Reo Maori or Te Reo Rangatira; and
  • One subject from Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics, Science or Calculus, Mathematics, Statistics.

Majors

Additional Majors and Minors

Additional majors and minors

Structure and Content

Career Opportunities

If you pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Examination, you become a registered nurse. This means you can practise in a variety of clinical settings, and work independently or with other health professionals. Roles or areas of work include:

  • Acute care nursing – public or private
  • Advanced nursing practice
  • Health administrator/manager
  • Medical representative
  • Mental health nursing
  • Nurse in defence forces
  • Nurse lecturer/researcher
  • Primary healthcare nursing

Testimonials