Career lab: nursing

Dreaming of becoming a nurse? Train in state-of-the-art facilities in hands-on, real scenarios with VU nursing courses. Get job-ready – and open multiple pathways to a rewarding career in healthcare.

Industry intel

Tile detailing 147 VU students/grads gained employment with Western Health in 2024

Western Health partnership

Tile detailing average salary of enrolled nurse – $72k and registered nurse – $88k

Nurse salaries rundown

Tile showing the national shortage of nurses in Australia

Aussie jobs in shortage

: ◆ 147 VU students and recent grads gained employment with Western Health in 2024.
◆ The average national salary for an enrolled nurse is $72,000, and $88,000 for a registered nurse.
◆ Across Australia, all states and territories are in shortage for qualified nurses.
Sources: Seek, 2025 / Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025

Nursing workforce growth in Australia

Explore past and projected future growth within the registered nurse workforce below.

Starting your nursing career

Nursing roles in demand

VU courses to get you there

Open doors to your career with VU pathways

1. Diploma of Nursing HLT54121

The diploma can be your practical entry point to nursing, regardless of your ATAR – and it’s Free TAFE eligible. You'll complete one year before pathwaying into the Bachelor of Nursing, keeping your credits.

2. Bachelor of Nursing

Build on your skills and qualify as a registered nurse in this three-year degree (or two if you've pathwayed in). You'll be ready for hospitals, aged care, community health and other diverse roles.

3. Postgraduate specialisation

Take your career further with postgraduate study in areas like mental health, midwifery, or nurse education – and step into senior or specialist roles.

Why study nursing?

Healthcare is one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries – and nurses are at the heart of it. With a VU nursing qualification, you’ll graduate job-ready for a meaningful career.

Didn’t meet the ATAR for a degree? Start with the Free TAFE–eligible Diploma of Nursing, then transition into the Bachelor of Nursing and beyond – with support every step.

With state-of-the-art simulation labs and industry placements, you’ll gain the practical experience and confidence to care for real people in real-world settings.

Hands-on nursing training

Nursing at VU Sunshine Clinical School - transcript

Ready to jump into an in-demand industry?

Apply now

Build your career at VU

Students get support from VU careers advisor

VU Careers Hub

It's not just after you graduate – we're here to support your work journey while you're studying too. Our VU Careers Hub is your go-to everything from resumé help and online career resources, to direct connections with employers via the Jobs Portal. Kick start your future now.

VU Careers Hub