Has anyone tried IHNA's bridging program?

belle_v2g, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2012

go to the thread about Meeting AHPRA Requirements, and the other one is Bridging Program in Australia. They have answers to your questions. :)

dacuycoy · Nov 5, 2012

Hi! I am new to this site. May I ask what happened to your IHNA application?

I see that you are now for the June intake in La Trobe. Have you paid the tuition fee already?

Thank you.

eyaineski8788 · Oct 14, 2013

Hi sabineoelle, did you push thrpugh with your BP in IHNA? I am thinking abiut enroling tgere for my bridging course. Any feedback regarding their program?

nixiedoodledoo · Oct 20, 2013

Hi everyone-

My name is Nix. I'm a nursing graduate here in the Philippines and only had 9 months of experience (6 months volunteer + 3 months contractual).

I need help. I'm confused whether to take IRON Bridging Program for 3 months or study in University of Queensland for 1 year.

I have a sister in Brisbane. So if I take the IRON program that means I need to spend 12,000 AUD for tuition + accommodation + food etc. Whereas if I go to University of QLD, I just need to spend money on tuition (much expensive than IRON though) 26,000 aud :|

I have a lot of questions in my mind...

1. Which path should I take for good career opportunity? IRON or School? Please take note that I am willing to pay for any amount for as long as I can get a job in AU.

2. If you answer IRON on question number 1, how long would it take to get eligibility from APHRA? I've already taken my IELTS and I got at least 7.0 on all tests and average of 7.5.

Thank you guys, I would appreciate if someone responds to me asap. I will be processing my school application for University of QLD on Tuesday.

ceridwyn · Oct 20, 2013

You do not qualify for a substantial visa with less than a year experience and will need a sponsor employer to work.

These however are becoming rare. This is your biggest issue to deal with, so to become a Registered nurse in Australia ASAP before it is nigh impossible would be my advice.

Graduating from QU with an Australian BN is not going to allow you to apply for a graduate visa as it is not 2 years duration, it is also not going to get you a job any easier even if you have an Australian qualification, because you still need sponsorship and you do not qualify for a graduate program, though places such as Bupa may consider you, as they take on overseas graduates that need sponsorship but government organisations must take local graduates even if you have the Australian degree.

You do not qualify as you have at least 6 months experience as an RN though albeit overseas. So your 26,000 IMHO is not going to get you an employer to sponsor anymore than doing a short bridging course that AHPRA still allow.

Though responsible bridging course providers, see the limitations of their short course only taking on applicants with at least 2 years experience, so it depends of course, if you got into a bridging course which is less money and quicker to get Registration and are available to apply for the decreasing sponsorship availablility in say 6-8 months or do a university course very expensive do not need AHPRA approval and in 16 months be available to look for even less availablity of sponsorship visas, though another of IMHO you will be better prepared/qualified and have more confidence to be a Registered Nurse in Australia.

nixiedoodledoo · Oct 20, 2013

You do not qualify for a substantial visa with less than a year experience and will need a sponsor employer to work.
These however are becoming rare. This is your biggest issue to deal with, so to become a Registered nurse in Australia ASAP before it is nigh impossible would be my advice.
Graduating from QU with an Australian BN is not going to allow you to apply for a graduate visa as it is not 2 years duration, it is also not going to get you a job any easier even if you have an Australian qualification, because you still need sponsorship and you do not qualify for a graduate program, though places such as Bupa may consider you, as they take on overseas graduates that need sponsorship but government organisations must take local graduates even if you have the Australian degree.
You do not qualify as you have at least 6 months experience as an RN though albeit overseas. So your 26,000 IMHO is not going to get you an employer to sponsor anymore than doing a short bridging course that AHPRA still allow.
Though responsible bridging course providers, see the limitations of their short course only taking on applicants with at least 2 years experience, so it depends of course, if you got into a bridging course which is less money and quicker to get Registration and are available to apply for the decreasing sponsorship availablility in say 6-8 months or do a university course very expensive do not need AHPRA approval and in 16 months be available to look for even less availablity of sponsorship visas, though another of IMHO you will be better prepared/qualified and have more confidence to be a Registered Nurse in Australia.

Hi, thanks for responding :)

I'm not sure if I got it correctly..

To clarify, it would be better to do Bridging Program than 1 year study? Though it would take me along time before I can get a job cause I need sponsorship from an employer? :|

If I still take the 1 year study, though I understand I wont be able to get graduate visa, and tried to apply but to no success, can I study again? :)

Cause I was thinking, if I can get BN in UQ in just a year, what other course could I take if im not successful in getting a job after a year of study?

Elemo · Jan 13, 2014

I would like to avail the course, but unfortunately we are still in crisis due to the recent typhoon haiyan hit our province in philippines,

do i need to pay it in full when i apply? any info about the payment?

belle_v2g, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2015

Yes, the school requires full payment prior to the commencement of the course. Not unless you wanted to sign up with some agencies in the Philippines like PhilMan. They pay everything for you then you pay them back when you get a job.

anand5050 · May 4, 2017

IHNA lost accreditation for IRON as they where caught doing illegal activities. Careful if you hear their name

jhucent · Nov 3, 2017

I would like to know if IHNA is accepting PTE academic for bridging program?

Sarahscholl2 · Feb 28, 2018

IHNA is a terrible place to study. I studied Nursing in Perth. I was bullied repeatedly to the point I was physically intimidated by two students. The manager ***** did nothing to stop it and interrupted me to tell me that it was all my fault so he could not do anything about it.

He is a horrible Narcissistic man and the place is run very poorly. The teacher called ***** and her teacher assistant (whose job assignment was to assist students who needed assistance with English) judge a lot based on appearance. I found English as a second language assistant, ***** to interfere with the class where it was inappropriate and where she did not have correct perception, as she only worked one day a week. She had the nerve to ask me if I smoked cigarettes. She would target me, as I have a placid personality. I needed to leave early one time and she told me to stay as if I was a child. Other students left the class without asking or signing out, but I was singled out for being honest, and because I didn't have a child. Most women there have children and use them as excuses. If you don't have a child you won't fit in and you will be targeted for not having the same problems, and also judged by the some of the teachers.

The students who were bullying me would sign the role for each other, routinely try to get hard working students in trouble, and cheat by sharing their assignments.

It was a very depressing experience to feel unsafe at my place of study. I ended up leaving as the bullying began to give me panic attacks. Females can be really nasty and hate someone for no reason other than that their friend hates them. I was 25 at the time and the people who bullied me as a group were 18. It felt worse than High School. At least at High school it is fair, and bullies would be repremanded. There was no investigation to what happened. Worst education experience of my life. Im thankful I left when I did and gained a job in the finance industry.