Published: 4th October 2024. Last modified: 9th October 2024.
Written by Craig Shepherd, Jesica Martinez Perez
One of the most popular qualifications in Australia is nursing, and there are plenty of opportunities in Australia's healthcare industry. There are two different qualifications that have varying career pathways, so it’s important to understand these before commencing study.
We spoke with Jesica Martinez Perez, Recruitment Manager for Health & Social Care Australia at Prospero Health and Social Care to understand more about the differences between a Diploma of Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing and the pathways available for successful graduates.
What are the two different nursing qualifications?
Firstly, it's important to understand that the Diploma of Nursing and the Bachelor of Nursing are separate qualifications. Importantly, they lead to different roles within the healthcare industry. Let’s explore each in more detail.
Diploma of Nursing
The Diploma of Nursing is typically a two-year program that qualifies graduates to become Enrolled Nurses (ENs) or Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (EENs). The Enrolled Nurse role will vary depending on the type of healthcare setting but usually involves providing basic nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Duties could include monitoring patients, providing personal care, and administering medications (for EENs with additional qualifications).
Bachelor of Nursing
On the other hand, the Bachelor of Nursing is a three-year university degree that prepares graduates to become Registered Nurses (RNs). RNs have more responsibilities, including assessing patients, developing nursing care plans, administering treatments, and taking on leadership roles within healthcare teams. As such, the training is longer than the Diploma.
Also, ENs can complete a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse. Most educational institutions offer recognition of prior learning for ENs looking to further their qualifications, however the amount of recognition depends on how previous studies align with the Bachelor of Nursing degree. In some cases, qualified ENs may be able to complete a Bachelor’s degree in two years, rather than three, because of their previous DIploma of Nursing studies.
Career opportunities for Bachelor of Nursing graduates
Graduates with a Bachelor of Nursing have a wide array of career opportunities available to them. As Registered Nurses, they can work in practically any healthcare setting. Just like ENs, they can also specialise in particular areas of interest, such as acute care settings, community health, mental health, pediatrics, and many more.
RNs often take on leadership roles within healthcare teams, coordinating care plans, and overseeing the work of ENs and other support staff. They are also qualified to administer medications, perform complex procedures, and provide education to patients and their families.
In addition, RNs can choose to pursue administrative and managerial roles, such as Care Managers or Facility Managers. Some may even move into educational roles, becoming Clinical Facilitators or university lecturers.
How do career opportunities differ between ENs and RNs?
The major difference between ENs and RNs is in their scope of practice and their level of responsibility. RNs have more autonomy in their roles, often supervising ENs. As we touched on above, RNs also have more career advancement opportunities.
However, ENs can always complete further study to become an RN and enjoy all of the same opportunities.
How can nursing graduates stand out in the job market?
Jesica emphasised the importance of practical experience when looking for work in the nursing field. While all graduates have a degree of practical experience through clinical placements, it’s often the students who seek further hands-on knowledge who stand out.
One of the best ways to gain experience is to work in healthcare settings while studying. You can’t work as a nurse, but you may be qualified to work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) or Personal Care Worker (PCW).
Jesica explained that graduates who have worked as AINs or PCWs have a better understanding of the healthcare environment and are often more confident and prepared when they start their nursing careers, making them extremely attractive to potential employers and healthcare recruitment agencies.
Can nurses specialise in certain healthcare areas?
Both ENs and RNs can specialise in specific areas of healthcare. During their studies, students often choose clinical placements that match their interests or future career goals, whether that's in mental health, aged care, acute care, or community health.
Nurses can choose to specialise in areas that suit their working and learning styles, too. For example, hospitals and acute care environments are often fast-paced, while aged care settings can offer nurses a generally slower-paced working environment.
Of course, qualified nurses must be able to handle all situations, but this highlights that specialisation choices can be for a number of personal reasons.
Alternative nursing pathways
It’s important to note that qualifications are always essential, regardless of the nursing role you want. However, if you’ve already finished university or are considering a career move later in life, there are other ways to build a successful nursing career.
Jesica told us that Prospero effectively offers a career life cycle for many workers. For example, a person may be working as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and decide they’d like to become a nurse. So, they can complete studies while working part-time, and then move into nursing roles. After gaining the necessary industry experience, they can choose to specialise further or advance into administrative roles.
This demonstrates that nurses are always in demand, and there are many ways to get your career started.
Gaining AHPRA registration for overseas nurses
If you’re considering moving to Australia and you’re concerned about your existing nursing qualifications being recognised, the below guide should help. Australia always welcomes overseas nurses, but the essential step is becoming registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
The process involves:
- Self-assessment of eligibility: Nurses must compare their qualifications and experience against Australian standards.
- English language proficiency: Providing evidence of English proficiency through recognised tests like IELTS or OET.
- Qualification verification: Submitting academic transcripts and professional references for assessment.
- Application submission: Completing the AHPRA application with all required documentation.
- Bridging programs (if required): Some nurses may need to complete additional training to meet Australian standards.
- Registration decision: Awaiting AHPRA's assessment and approval.
Jesica emphasised that while the process can be daunting, there are resources available to help. Her best advice is to start the process early – before you move to Australia.
Nursing as a future career
There is no doubt that nursing qualifications are extremely valuable in terms of employability. Healthcare will always be needed, and that means nurses will always be in demand. It’s also a great qualification to have if you want to travel and work overseas.
Hospitals and acute care environments in metropolitan areas always have high demand, and there are also significant opportunities in rural and remote areas, where nurses can undertake full-time contracts ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. These positions often come with benefits such as accommodation and travel expenses.
Summing up
Whether you've completed a Diploma of Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing, there are several career pathways available in Australia's healthcare system. There are countless opportunities to complete further studies and specialise in specific fields, whether you’re an Enrolled Nurse or a Registered Nurse.
With practical experience, a willingness to learn skills in different healthcare settings and a passion for helping others, nursing is an extremely rewarding career, both professionally and personally.