Nurses are critical to the success of the healthcare system, and AUT-trained nurses are recognised as some of the best in New Zealand. Study the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) to start your nursing career.
Our nursing degree focuses on interprofessional practice and care, just like it is in the workplace. You’ll learn that health and healthcare is multifaceted and dynamic, and goes beyond health and illness care to nurture the growth of healthy communities. Throughout your studies you complete 1,200 hours of practical experience in hospitals and in the community.
Graduates who pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Examination gain registration as a Registered Nurse.
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Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.
International student entry requirements
You develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students.
The second semester focuses on nursing knowledge, nursing skills and health service delivery.
In your second year, you focus on nursing individuals with physical and mental illness. Year 2 also includes community placements where you gain clinical experience in both the hospital and community, in acute and chronic illness and mental health. You also become familiar with conceptual knowledge, psychomotor skills and clinical decision-making skills.
In your final year, the focus is on the complexity of caring for individuals, young and old, and their families in hospital and community settings. You develop clinical skills, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills to nurse people with complex health conditions. You also study the impact of developmental and rehabilitation issues.
And one of:
The final semester prepares you for graduate nursing practice. This involves an extended placement (360 hours) in a setting where you can apply your science and nursing knowledge to the nursing of individuals, families and populations with a range of health needs.
Recent placements included:
Throughout your studies you complete 1,200 hours of practical experience in hospitals and community centres.
If you're interested in a career with a Māori development perspective select the following courses as electives or as an alternative course of study
We will help you form relationships with Māori health providers, industry stakeholders and communities, and AUT Māori staff and students.
Graduates who pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Examination gain registration as a Registered Nurse. Nursing registration gives scope for specialisation in health service delivery and work in organisations allied to the health sector.
Examples include:
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.