Why Study Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) at AUT?

• Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved programme.
• Strong emphasis on practical and clinical learning.
• Extensive clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings.
• Learn in advanced simulation laboratories before entering clinical practice.
• Taught by experienced registered nurses, clinicians and researchers.
• Develop leadership, cultural competence and evidence-based practice skills.
• Excellent employment opportunities due to ongoing demand for registered nurses in New Zealand.
• Clear pathway to postgraduate nursing education and advanced clinical practice.

Programme Structure

The programme is completed over three years (360 points) and combines theoretical learning with clinical education.

Typical areas of study include:

Year 1

• Foundations of Nursing Practice
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Health Assessment
• Communication in Healthcare
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Professional Practice
• Clinical Skills Laboratory
• Initial Clinical Placement

Year 2

• Medical and Surgical Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Primary Health Care
• M?ori and Pacific Health
• Clinical Placements

Year 3

• Complex Nursing Care
• Community and Population Health
• Leadership and Management
• Research for Nursing Practice
• Transition to Professional Practice
• Advanced Clinical Placements

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students develop knowledge and skills in:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Theory
• Clinical Skills
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Health Assessment
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Community Nursing
• Primary Healthcare
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Research Methods
• Leadership in Healthcare
• Professional Ethics
• Patient Safety
• Cultural Safety
• Clinical Decision Making
• Interprofessional Practice

Clinical Practice

Clinical education is an essential component of the programme.

Students undertake supervised placements in settings such as:

• Public hospitals
• Private hospitals
• Community health services
• Primary healthcare clinics
• Mental health services
• Aged care facilities
• Rehabilitation services
• Specialty healthcare units

Disciplines / Areas of Study

The programme prepares graduates across multiple areas of nursing practice, including:

• Adult Health Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Community Nursing
• Primary Healthcare
• Older Adult Care
• Acute Care Nursing
• Population Health
• Professional Nursing Practice

Programme Highlights

• Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved programme.
• 360-point Level 7 bachelor's degree.
• Three-year full-time qualification.
• Extensive clinical placement experience.
• Modern nursing simulation laboratories.
• Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice.
• High graduate employability.
• Preparation for registration as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand.
• Opportunities for postgraduate nursing study after graduation.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as:

• Registered Nurse*
• Medical-Surgical Nurse
• Community Health Nurse
• Primary Care Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse
• Aged Care Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Emergency Department Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Specialty Clinical Nurse

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before commencing study.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The programme is approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and prepares graduates for professional registration.
• Applications for Semester 2 (July 2026) are full and closed. The next advertised start dates are 22 February 2027 and 12 July 2027.
• Students must satisfy all clinical placement compliance requirements, which may include immunisation records, police vetting, health screening, CPR certification and other checks required by healthcare providers before attending placements.
• Clinical placement attendance is compulsory, and students must successfully complete both academic and clinical components to graduate.