Obtaining a BSN through Australia

msdobson · May 9, 2007

Australian University BSN programs are some of the best in the world.

However, living in Australia whilst going to school there (I went to the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba) is expensive. I didn't budget as well as I thought I had planned and ran out of cash at the beginning of the third quarter and had to come home.

Also, living in another country, while exciting, can be very lonely. I missed my family something fierce, and often went through deep depressive episodes.

Good luck with your decision.

Michael

lalaxton · May 14, 2007

My understanding is that Charles Sturt does not offer a BSN as it is defined here in Canada. Be careful if you want to go this route and then apply for a Masters program in Canada, I know of a student who had to repeat several courses before being able to start her Masters program.

msdobson · May 15, 2007

My understanding is that Charles Sturt does not offer a BSN as it is defined here in Canada. Be careful if you want to go this route and then apply for a Masters program in Canada, I know of a student who had to repeat several courses before being able to start her Masters program.

True, true. You want to be absolutely sure all of your ducks are in a row!

I'm not familiar with Sturt, But USQ, my alma mater, does offer a 3-year BSN.

Problem is, they are located on top of a hill in the middle of nowhere! :lol2:

Mike

lalaxton · May 15, 2007

Location means nothing in cyberspace! LOL!

msdobson · May 15, 2007

Location means nothing in cyberspace! LOL!

You're right there. :lol2: However, how do they work the clinical aspect?

I am completely ignorant of "online" education.

lalaxton · May 18, 2007

Usually for clinicals you have to arrange for your own placement locally. This can be a real pain but not impossible! The school should have some tips on how to go about this. Some schools require you to do a short on campus stint that counts towards your clinical. It all depends on what program you are doing.

suzanne4, RN · May 20, 2007

And a word of warning: The three year degree that is offered in Australia is the Bachelor's of Nursing, it is not the BSN, and is not considered the same when it comes to applying for the MSN program. You will be short hours in most cases.

If you notice, the nurses that have the Bachelor's of Nursing from Australia, are not granted equivalent to the BSN, but equivlent to a Diploma in Nursing in the US. There is a thread on this very topic on the International Forum with specifics talked about.

There are many programs available out of the US to gain the BSN after you have the RN and they are accepted in Canada. I would focus on those that are definitely accepted as the BSN for both Canada and the US.