Diploma of Nursing

The Diploma of Nursing at EQUALS International is a practical, hands-on qualification for people who want to work as an enrolled nurse in Australia. It runs for 1.5 years and is listed on the CRICOS register under course code 111286B. The course mixes classroom learning with supervised clinical placements in hospitals, aged care facilities and community health settings, so you spend real time on wards and in clinics rather than only in a simulation lab. You learn to assess patients, administer medications, dress wounds, monitor vital signs, work within infection control rules, and communicate with patients, families and the wider healthcare team.

How the course is structured

As a diploma, this sits at the same AQF level as other vocational qualifications and is built around units of study rather than majors. Each unit carries credit points, and you need to pass all core and elective units to graduate. The 1.5-year length usually means three or four study periods, depending on whether the provider runs semesters or trimesters. Assessment combines written tasks, practical demonstrations in a simulated clinical environment, and supervised placement hours. You will be assessed on both what you know and what you can safely do with your hands.

Clinical placement and skills

Work-integrated learning is central to nursing, and this diploma includes clinical placement as a required part of the course. You will be supervised by registered nurses and preceptors while you practise direct patient care. Placements can be in public or private hospitals, residential aged care, general practice clinics, or community nursing services. By the end you should be able to take a patient history, contribute to care plans, perform clinical observations, assist with daily living activities, and recognise when a patient is deteriorating and needs escalation. You also build the professional communication and teamwork skills that enrolled nurses use every shift.

Who it suits

This course suits school leavers, career changers, and people already working in health or aged care who want to formalise their skills and register as an enrolled nurse. It is also a pathway for international students who meet the English requirement — IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for nursing, though you should check the exact score and accepted equivalents on the official page. While studying, a student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available depending on your circumstances. Always confirm the current requirements with EQUALS International and the Department of Home Affairs.

• Enrolled nurse in public and private hospitals
• Enrolled nurse in residential aged care facilities
• Community health nurse in clinics and outreach services
• Practice nurse in general practice
• Mental health support nurse in community settings
• Disability support nurse in group homes and day programmes
• School health support roles
• Defence health assistant (with additional requirements)

Graduates typically work across Australia's health and aged care sectors, including state health departments, private hospital groups, not-for-profit aged care providers, and general practice networks.