Bachelor of Nursing

Start your nursing career with confidence at SIT. For more than 40 years, our School of Nursing has prepared compassionate, work-ready nurses through hands-on learning, advanced clinical simulation and real-world placements across Southland and Otago. The Bachelor of Nursing is your pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, building the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to make a difference in healthcare. With nurses in demand locally, nationally and globally, your qualification can take you across Aotearoa and beyond.

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Invercargill
Campus
Invercargill
Qualification
Degree
Level
7
Credits
360
Duration

3 years full-time, or up to 6 years part-time

Dates
Intake 1: 01 February to 05 November
Intake 1: 01 February to 05 November
Intake 1: 22 February to 26 November
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$2,489.00 (Y1), $2,179.00 (Y2) and $2,179.00 (Y3) (incl. GST)

International Fees

Check if this course is available to international students in our International section.

Course Outline

For more than 40 years, SIT’s School of Nursing has been nurturing generations of successful nurses who make a real difference in the lives of others. With a proud history and a strong future focus, SIT is recognised for producing competent, compassionate, and work‑ready graduates.

Our passionate and enthusiastic academic staff bring a wealth of nursing experience from Aotearoa New Zealand and across the world, ensuring your learning is grounded in real-world practice, current evidence, and diverse health contexts.

Learn in State‑of‑the‑Art Clinical and Simulation Environments

SIT offers exceptional, contemporary learning facilities designed to prepare you for modern healthcare practice. Our purpose-built clinical and simulation suites feature:

  • Advanced computerised mannequins
  • Virtual Reality
  • Mixed Reality
  • Simulated Patients
  • Anatomical models
  • Simulated hospital and community care environments
  • Digital technologies that support clinical decision‑making and patient safety

These technologies allow you to practice skills, build confidence, and learn safely before entering real clinical settings.

Real-World Experience Where It Matters

Clinical placements across Southland and Otago are a cornerstone of the programme. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in a wide range of hospital and community healthcare settings, working alongside experienced clinicians and engaging with diverse populations.

With free parking around SIT and many placement sites, practical learning is accessible and student‑friendly.

A Career Without Borders

Nursing is a career that offers choice, mobility, and long-term security. Nurses are in demand locally, nationally, and globally, giving you the opportunity to shape a career that suits your passions whether that’s community health, acute care, mental health, emergency nursing, or beyond. Nursing can truly take you around the world.

Bachelor of Nursing

The Bachelor of Nursing is a three-year full‑time (or six-year part‑time) degree that prepares you for a wide and growing range of nursing careers.

The programme integrates theoretical knowledge with strong applied learning, covering:

  • Primary health care
  • Acute and chronic illness
  • Mental health and mental illness across the lifespan
  • Medical and surgical nursing
  • Emergency nursing care
  • Health promotion and illness prevention
  • Evidence‑based and sustainable practice

Strong emphasis is placed on the cultural dimensions of nursing, recognising the importance of culturally safe care within Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse communities. he Bachelor of Nursing is firmly grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising it as the foundation for Māori health and nursing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. In line with NCNZ competencies, students learn to apply Te Tiriti principles across all areas of nursing practice.

Preparing You for the Realities of Healthcare

As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, nurses must be highly skilled, reflective, and compassionate practitioners. Throughout the programme, you will develop the ability to:

  • Apply and critique knowledge from nursing and safely integrate clinical judgement across all clinical settings
  • Provide safe, ethical, and legally sound nursing care
  • Use research to inform practice
  • Work confidently across a variety of healthcare settings
  • Meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration as a Registered Nurse
Course Content

The Bachelor of Nursing Degree is made up of 19 courses totaling 360 credits. This programme provides 1166 clinical hours with provision for increased hours to demonstrate competence if required by the tauira.

The courses within the Bachelor of Nursing Programme are grouped into threads. For most threads there is a progression from the first year of the degree (denoted as Level 5 courses) through the second year (Level 6) to third year (Level 7). Below is the sequence of course numbering which reflects the different course threads with the prefix denoting the level of study.

Threads within the Bachelor of Nursing Programme

  • Nursing Practice 
  • Nursing for Practice
  • Evidence Based and Professional Nursing
  • Human Biology, Knowledge and Pharmacology
  • Aotearoa and Global Context
  • Behavioural Science
  • Specialist/elective area


 

Year 1 BN

BN 501 Nursing Practice 1

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to develop and demonstrate nursing practice skills across the lifespan in a range of settings.

BN 502 Knowledge for Practice 1

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to develop fundamental knowledge underpinning nursing practice across the lifespan in a range of health care settings.

BN 503 Evidence Based Nursing

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to develop an understanding of evidence-based professional practice within a range of health care settings

BN 504 Human Body Systems 1

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to explain the anatomy and physiology of human body systems, within the parameters of normal homeostatic functioning.

BN 505 People of this Place 1: Society and Hauora

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to explore knowledge underpinning holistic nursing practice including historical, cultural, structural and critical considerations that shape societies

BN 506 Human Behaviour

The aim of this course is to provide an opportunity for tauira to explore relational communication and human behaviour that underpins nursing practice across the lifespan in a range of healthcare settings

BN 507 Human Body Systems 2 and Pharmacology

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to explain the anatomy and physiology of human body systems, within the parameters of normal homeostatic functioning and develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as they apply to nursing practice within a range of health care settings.

BN 508 Clinical Practice 2

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to develop and demonstrate nursing practice skills across the lifespan in a range of settings

 


Year 2

BN 601 Nursing Practice 3: Community Health

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to demonstrate safe clinical practice informed by the clinical reasoning cycle in a community setting

BN 602 Nursing Practice 4: Acute Care

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to demonstrate safe clinical practice informed by the clinical reasoning cycle in an acute setting

BN 603 Evidence Based Nursing 2

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to explore contemporary nursing knowledge using evidence that underpins professional nursing practice within a range of health care settings across the life span

BN 604 Pathophysiology and Knowledge for Practice 2

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to integrate pathophysiological concepts and holistic nursing assessment to make safe clinical decisions across the lifespan within a range of health care settings

BN 605 Pathophysiology and Knowledge for Practice 3

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to integrate pathophysiology of body systems, genetics and holistic nursing assessment to make safe sustainable clinical decisions across the lifespan within a range of healthcare settings

BN 606 People of this Place 2: Tangata Whenua

The aim of this course is to enable tauira to analyse historical, cultural, structural and critical factors that shape contemporary Māori society

 


Year 3

(Please note in 2027, this will be the final year of delivery for these courses and in 2028 there will be a new Year 3 BN curriculum which has been approved by both NZQA and NCNZ. There is a comprehensive transition plan for any tauira that may require this, so they are not disadvantaged)

BN711 Leadership and Professional Issues in Nursing
The purpose of this paper is to review the role of the nurse within organisations and to study the impact of national and international policies on the delivery of nursing care.

BN721 The Art and Science of Nursing in Acute Settings
The purpose of this paper is to consolidate the art and science of nursing to increasingly complex health consumers, while applying health science knowledge to the comprehensive analysis of specific health themes.  Students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate decision-making skills, utilizing evidence-based practice and being actively involved in multidisciplinary teams.

BN722 The Art and Science of Nursing in Mental Health Settings  
This paper will provide an informed and contemporary theoretical and practical basis of mental health nursing to the student learner.  Students will have the opportunity to apply knowledge, behaviours, skills, and competencies integral to mental health nursing practice within a variety of learning environments.

BN723 The Art and Science of Nursing Practice-Transition to Graduand
The purpose of this paper is to consolidate all the components of the Bachelor of Nursing programme to enable the student nurse to transition from student to registered nurse through practice under the supervision of an experienced preceptor.

Career Opportunities

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.

Application Criteria

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)

 

 

 

Qualification Pathways

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)
Additional Information

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.
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