Bachelor of Nursing

Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to practise safely and ethically as nurses. On completion, graduates are eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) examination and apply for Registered Nurse registration.

Registered graduates work across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare settings, including hospitals and community services. They enter the profession as critically reflective practitioners, grounded in cultural safety and committed to person‑ and whānau‑centred care.

Nursing is a diverse and inclusive profession, offering opportunities to work with people across the lifespan in hospitals, homes, schools, workplaces, marae, and health centres. Health promotion is central to nursing practice, supporting hauora for individuals and communities.

Nurses contribute to improved health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand by delivering culturally safe care that respects diversity and partnership with individuals, whānau, and communities

A nursing qualification offers flexible and rewarding career pathways, including clinical practice, education, leadership, management, and research—both in New Zealand and internationally.

The Head of the School of Nursing has a responsibility to ensure that all applicants meet the requirements to enter a nursing programme in accordance with section 16 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.

Admission Criteria

Application by Academic Qualification (Under 20 years of age)

University Entrance - NCEA Level 3   

• NCEA Level 3 
• Three subjects at Level 3 or above made up of the following: 
• 14 credits minimum in science (or related subjects)
• 14 credits minimum in English rich subjects
• 14 Credits minimum in Math's

And 

• Literacy, 10 credits at Level 2 or above made up of:
• 5 credits in reading
• 5 credits in writing
• And
• Numeracy, 10 credits at Level 1 or above made up of: 
• Specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects.
• An overseas qualification which is considered to be the equivalent of the above at the discretion of the Academic Lead of Nursing.

Application by Mature Entry (20 years of age and above) 

Applicants who do not meet the criteria stated above may be invited to enroll in the Bachelor of Nursing degree programme if they are over the age of 20 years and have demonstrated academic ability to undertake the undergraduate nursing degree.  There will need to be evidence of successful completion of a science-based programme of study at NZQA Level 4 or above in the last five years with a B Average. This could include but is not limited to a bridging programme e.g. New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways – however successful completion of these pre-entry qualifications does not guarantee automatic entry into this programme.

Interview
You will be required to attend a group interview during your application process which provides critical information around the programme to ensure you are fully informed.

Covid-19 Vaccinations
While COVID-19 vaccinations are not mandatory, it is highly recommended you have both vaccinations plus one booster. This is a requirement for some clinical placements. If you are not fully vaccinated, there may be a chance you will not be able to complete all your clinical placements. This may be subject to change.

English Language Entry Criteria

Tauira are required to demonstrate they can communicate effectively to meet the theory and clinical learning experience requirements; and to demonstrate they can communicate in and comprehend English sufficiently to protect the health and safety of the public (sections16 a and b, HPCA Act, 2003). 

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Applicants must meet all stated entry requirements and demonstrate English language skills with either an:

• IELTS academic overall band score of 6.5 with no band score less than 6.5

or

• Occupational English Test (OET) with a C+ band/score in each section in one sitting. SIT will only accept IELTS academic or OET as evidence of meeting the English Language requirements

• Tests must be from an outside organisation and results must be from within two years of applying.

English language assessment can be requested for those with English as a second language at the discretion of the Academic Lead of Nursing at any time during the programme to ensure public safety as per the HPCA (2003).

The Nursing Council of New Zealand regularly reviews their requirements; these will be reflected by changes to any SIT documentation aligning with the recommendation/requirements from NCNZ. The Academic Lead of Nursing has designated authority, autonomy and responsibility for decisions on tauira entry into the programme (Nursing Council of New Zealand Edu Stds, 2024).

Note: 

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have met New Zealand University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. 

PTE is not accepted by Nursing Council of New Zealand for English language proficiency. 

The Head of Nursing can request at any point an ILETS or equivalent English language test be undertaken by an ākonga where English is a second language and where ākonga are experiencing communication difficulties in theory and/or clinical learning experience courses during the DEN programme. This additional testing will be at the cost of ākonga. Ākonga must achieve a minimum as set out above. Failure to demonstrate English language proficiency at this level will result in ākonga being withdrawn from the programme. (HPCA ACT 2003)

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Bachelor of Nursing be completed part time?
The Bachelor of Nursing is a 3 year full time course and up to six years part time

Will I be required to work weekends and nights?
Yes. The courses require that you will undertake placements that require you to work shifts, nights and weekends. People are unwell 24/7.

Are all the placements in Invercargill?
No. We use a variety of placements from Queenstown, Gore, and Bluff and surrounding towns. Students will be required to make their own travel arrangements; however, we do make considerations for family/whanau and work commitments to ensure this is manageable should you be required to travel out of town. Please note, Gore is not considered an out-of-town placement

I have a criminal conviction – do I need to declare it?
Yes. All criminal convictions must be declared to the Head of School of Nursing before the course commences as some discussions with Nursing Council may need to occur.

Does a place in the foundation programmes guarantee a place on the Bachelor of Nursing course?
No. The foundation programmes course prepares you for the academic study on the Bachelor of Nursing, but it does not necessarily guarantee you a place on either the New Zealand Diploma of Enrolled Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing course. Consideration is given to attendance, academic performance and ensure success is established

I don’t have sciences or math's – does that matter?
Yes. Nursing is heavily based in the sciences, and it is recommended that you have undertaken some studies in both. Please contact the Head of Nursing if you do not have these subjects so alternative options can be provided to enable you these study options

Is there a list of recommended text books?
Yes. This is sent out with your acceptance letter.

Are the course holidays the same as the school holidays?
Not always. Whilst every effort is made to match school holidays this is not always possible. Timetables are given out on orientation day so this will give you plenty of time to organise childcare. You may need to organise childcare as you could be on a clinical placement or in class.

Are there any part-time / member of the public papers?
No not in nursing. If you are looking for some preparatory study, you may wish to consider Health Science papers; Massage papers; or Computing skills.

Do I need a current first aid certificate?
No you do not.

Do I require any diagnostic testing?
Yes. In order to protect both yourself and other patients. You will be sent a laboratory form with your acceptance letter.

Do I need to have had the covid vaccine and booster?
While Covid 19 vaccinations are not mandatory, it is highly recommended you have both vaccinations plus one booster. This is a requirement for some clinical placements. If you are not fully vaccinated there may be a chance you will not be able to complete all your clinical placements. This may be subject to change.

Information for Bachelor of Nursing applicants wishing to transfer in from another School.

• We do not take people into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Nursing
• Students wishing to transfer must obtain a reference from their current Head of School and give permission for the Head of School to be contacted by SIT
• Students wishing to gain Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) must provide a transcript and copies of all the related outcomes for that course. There is a charge for the RPL process. 
• There is no national curriculum and therefore applicants need to acknowledge that they may have to repeat part of their first or second years, thereby increasing their length of study
• Students need to think very carefully about why they are transferring
• Any students wishing to transfer must meet the entry criteria for the SIT Bachelor of Nursing programme
• There is no July intake - you cannot transfer mid-year.

To satisfactorily complete and be awarded the Bachelor of Nursing a student must achieve the successful completion criteria for each paper of the Bachelor of Nursing and attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled learning activities of each paper. This amounts to a completion of a minimum of 360 credits.

The Bachelor of Nursing programme comprises three years full time study or six years part time study.  Southern Institute of Technology will in this timeframe and where this is within Southern Institute of Technology's control, endeavour to make appropriate provision for enrolled students to obtain required practical experience in order to complete this programme and to meet New Zealand Nursing Council requirements to sit the New Zealand Nursing Council State Finals Examination. Prospective applicants must be aware however, that, while Southern Institute of Technology is committed to ensuring that all students obtain the appropriate clinical requirements before sitting the New Zealand Nursing Council State Finals Examination, that circumstances beyond Southern Institute of Technology's control may prevent the student from completing required clinical practical placements within the curriculum timeframe.  Such circumstances may for example include sudden regional changes in medical placement availability as well as other factors.

Graduates can continue their Nursing education with 

• Master of Nursing Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Art and Science of Healthcare
• Postgraduate Certificate in the Art and Science of Healthcare
• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation) 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation 
• Master of Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation)