Bachelor of Nursing

Entry 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)