Diploma of Nursing
Our enrolled nurse course, the Diploma of Nursing, gives you the confidence and skills to work as an EN and make a life-changing difference.
5
WHY STUDY THIS ENROLLED NURSE COURSE:
The Diploma of Nursing is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you to work as an enrolled nurse. The course combines classroom learning, simulation-based training and clinical placement to develop your clinical skills and professional knowledge.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
In the Diploma of Nursing, you'll study topics such as clinical assessment, nursing care planning, infection control, mental health, aged care and medication administration within scope of practice. Learning includes classroom sessions and simulation training to help you develop practical nursing skills.
Important Notice – Course Structure Update
This page contains information for students commencing the Diploma of Nursing from T1 2026 onwards.
If you commenced this course prior to T1 2026, please refer to your course timetable in the Student Portal or contact Student Services for information about your course structure.
Course Overview
Nursing is a career where your actions make a real, life-changing difference every day. Acknowledge Education’s Diploma of Nursing in Melbourne prepares you for exactly that, with a 18-month, ANMAC-accredited programme that combines clinical theory with 440 hours of real-world placement experience.
This Diploma of Nursing covers everything from administering medicine and managing wounds to mental health care and aged care, training you to work as an enrolled nurse in hospitals, general practice, community health and aged care settings. You’ll also train in Acknowledge Education’s state-of-the-art simulated nursing laboratory using interactive mannequin technology before stepping onto the ward.
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as an enrolled nurse, with a direct pathway into the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree if you want to go further.
Course Structure
The Diploma of Nursing is delivered over 6 terms, with each term running for 10 weeks.
To achieve this qualification, students must complete 25 units of competency, consisting of 20 core units and 5 elective units. Students are required to attend scheduled classes for 24 hours per week.
A key part of the course is completing 440 hours (approximately 11 weeks) of clinical placement across 5 blocks. These placements give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
Placements are organised by Acknowledge Education in partnership with industry providers. You will usually attend placement in 8-hour shifts over 2-3 week blocks, although this may vary depending on availability.
During your placement, you will:
Apply your classroom learning in real clinical environments
Develop practical skills and confidence
Experience the day-to-day role of an Enrolled Nurse
Completing your placement hours is a requirement for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Units
Core
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information
HLTENN035 Practise nursing within the Australian health care system
HLTENN036 Apply communication skills in nursing practice
HLTENN037 Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care
HLTENN038 Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care plans
HLTENN039 Apply principles of wound management in the clinical environment
HLTENN040 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
HLTENN041 Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
HLTENN042 Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions
HLTENN043 Implement and monitor care for a person with acute health problems
HLTENN044 Implement and monitor care for a person with chronic health problems
HLTENN045 Implement and monitor care of the older person
HLTENN047 Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practice of infection prevention and control
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
HLTENN068 Provide end of life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice
Elective
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
HLTAID011 Provide first aid
BSBMED301 Interpret and Apply medical terminology appropriately.
HLTENN057 Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Our Nursing Clinical Simulation Laboratories (CSL) are located at our Melbourne campus at 168 Exhibition Street.
The CSL provides a safe, supportive environment where you can practise a wide range of clinical skills using industry-standard equipment. You will develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills essential for your role as an Enrolled Nurse.
Our labs feature a combination of low-, medium-, and high-fidelity manikins, supporting realistic, hands-on learning experiences to build your clinical skills and confidence.
Academic Requirement
18 years or older
Completed Year 12 or equivalent
English Language Requirement
You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language skills registration standard as a mandatory requirement for enrolment in this course. Proof of this English language competency can be achieved in two ways:
Pathway 1 – Primary Language Pathway
Your primary language is English and you have undertaken and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education, including at least two years between Years 7 and 12. Your supporting qualification relevant for this pathway was taught and assessed solely in English in one of the following NMBA-recognised countries:
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Anguilla
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Falkland Islands
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guernsey
• Guyana
• Isle of Man
• Jamaica
• Jersey
• Malta
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
• South Africa*
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands
Other recognised countries may be approved by the NMBA from time to time and published on the NMBA website. The NMBA reserves the right at any time to revoke their approval of a recognised country.
If you studied in one of these countries, you must provide a certified copy of a letter from your education provider(s) with the following details:
Confirmation of the month and year you commenced and complete these courses
Confirmation of whether you were enrolled into these courses part time or full time
Confirmation of whether you undertook these courses face-to-face or online
Confirmation that these courses were taught in English
Pathway 2 – English Language Test Pathway
You have validly achieved the required scores in one of the approved English language tests, specified in the NMBA’s English language skills registration standard, within 24 months of the course commencement date:
IELTS (academic module): Minimum overall score of 7 with a minimum score of 7 in listening, reading, speaking and 6.5 in writing
OET: Minimum score of B in listening, reading, speaking and C+ in writing
PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 66 with no band less than 66 in listening, reading, speaking and 56 in writing
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT): Minimum total score of 94 with a minimum score of 24 in listening, reading, writing and 23 in speaking
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE): Minimum overall score of 185 with no less than 185 in listening, reading, speaking and 176 in writing
From 23 April 2026, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia updated minimum English test scores for registration in line with migration requirements. Required scores depend on when you test was taken.
Please check the NMBA webiste for more information.
Pre-Training Review
You will be required to undertake a pre-training review which aims to identify your training needs through questions on previous education or training, relevance of the courses to you as a learner, and relevant experience.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Test
You must complete an Acknowledge Education online Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LLN) and achieve level four (4) in both literacy and numeracy. If you complete the ACSF assessment tool, you must achieve a minimum exit level three (3) for both literacy and numeracy. Please see the VET Assessment of Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills Policy for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to shorten the length of your chosen course by providing evidence of prior qualifications obtained through prior formal studies or training. Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and statements of attainment issued by another registered training organisation will be recognised by Acknowledge Education.
Please see our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy for more information.
Other requirements to be met prior to commencing professional experience placement in the course in Term 3:
COVID-19 Vaccination Record
Immunisation Record endorsed by a healthcare professional (please see below)
National Police Record Check and/or Police clearance from country of residence
Working with Children Check
And Other as requested by the host health agency
Certificates required and Validation periods
Please note that certificates have different currency periods. The following currently apply:
First Aid – valid for 3 years (which you will obtain during this course)
CPR – 1 year (which you will obtain during this course)
Hand Hygiene Australia Certificate – to be obtained each year (which you will obtain during this course)
Police Clearance 3 years (VIC 12 months)
Working with Children Check 5 years (VIC only) Blue Card (volunteer)
NDIS Worker check 5 years
Respiratory mask fit testing – valid for no longer than 18 months
Additional and specific requests may also arise from Host Health Agencies where placement is undertaken. This may include the requirement to undertake online induction materials and/or provide proof of current competency in specific tasks such as manual handling.
Inherent requirements of the completing a nursing course.
To successfully complete the Diploma of Nursing and practice safely as an Enrolled Nurse, students must be able to meet a set of inherent requirements. These are the essential abilities, skills, and behaviours needed to study and work effectively in the nursing profession.
Acknowledge Education recognises the inherent requirements aligned with the expectations of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). These include:
Ethical Behaviour
Behavioural Stability
Legal and Professional Conduct
Communication
Cognition
Sensory Abilities
Strength and Mobility
Sustainable Performance
These requirements ensure that students can participate fully in learning activities, including clinical placements, and provide safe and effective care within their scope of practice.
Immunisation
You will be required to provide an immunisation record before commencing professional experience placement showing you have received the following immunisations:
Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DTPa) – ADT booster every 10 years following childhood immunisation
Hepatitis B – Documented history of 3 injections and evidence of blood levels > after vaccinations
Measles/Mumps/Rubella – documented 2 doses of measles containing vaccine (for those born in or after 1966) or documented positive serology
Varicella Zoster virus (Chicken Pox) – documented course of 2 injections or documented positive serology
Tuberculin status – as required
Hepatitis A
Influenza for the current year
National Police Record Check
You must obtain a National Police Record Check at your own expense prior to commencing work placement. For further information refer to: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/national-police-records-checks. If you have any disclosable outcomes you will be advised to speak to the Course Coordinator. A disclosable outcome may also influence your ability to undertake work placement and therefore you may be unable to complete the course.
Information about your criminal history will not be released without your written consent other than for law enforcement purposes.
You are responsible for notifying the Course Coordinator of any infringement or change in status with regard to disclosable outcomes on your police record. Students are informed of mandatory notification conditions and processes. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - Guidelines for mandatory notifications
Working with Children Check
The Working with Children Check (WWCC) Act 2005 introduced mandatory screening processes for people who volunteer or work with children. You must hold a current WWC, which is valid for 5 years from issue, before attending any professional practice experience. Failure to obtain this will result in cancellation of the work placement.
You are responsible for notifying the Course Coordinator of any infringement or change in status with regard to the WWCC.
The WWCC is free if applied for as a volunteer (i.e., student) but the free WWC is not valid for employment. Please see the Working with Children Check website for more information.
The Diploma of Nursing at Acknowledge Education is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
ANMAC is the independent accrediting authority for nursing and midwifery education under Australia’s National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, helping to ensure the quality of education and the safety of the Australian community. ANMAC is also the skills assessing authority for nurses and midwives applying through the Australian Government’s General Skilled Migration program.
Upon commencement of enrolment, Acknowledge Education is required to register students with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), in line with regulatory requirements.
Graduates of a Diploma of Nursing program approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) are eligible to apply for registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2).
This qualification also provides a strong pathway into further study. Graduates may be eligible for credit towards a Bachelor of Nursing, with the potential to enter directly into the second year of a three-year degree (subject to university requirements).
Many students choose to work as an Enrolled Nurse while continuing their studies, allowing them to gain valuable industry experience while progressing toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
Acknowledge Education proudly pays respects and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands where its campuses are located in Victoria and across Australia. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres strait Islanders have an ongoing and unique cultural and spiritual connection to the lands and the waters, the flora and the fauna of country and the instituion values their inclusion and contribution to both the institution and the wider Australian society.
The Education and Learning Division provides direction for action and holds a moral, ethical and educational responsibility to broaden knowledge around social and cultural understanding of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islanders' history, beliefs and practices.
In doing so Acknowledge Education aims to overcome the many challenges involved with access, participation, retention and success in the context of vocational and tertiary education for Indigenous Australians.
Acknowledge Education is therefore committed to developing and growing educational and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islandesr immersing staff, students and participants in the aspects of enhancing social inclusion, embracing diversity and creating culturally safe learning and practice spaces and experiences.
This strategy has been developed through consultation with a range of stakeholders including Elders and community members, Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees, Indigenous undergraduate and postgraduate students. We thank them for their contributions.
2026 July & 2027 January
View all dates here.
Domestic Student
Full tuition fee: $25,200 (2026)
$27,000 (2027)
Materials fee: $1,500
Enrolment fee: $250
International Student
Full tuition fee: $28,000 (2026)
$30,000 (2027)
Materials fee: $1,500
Enrolment fee: $250
Why Study with AE?
Real outcomes for international students in Australia. We understand your goals and provide pathways to achieve them.
140+ Year Heritage
Multi-Sector Education Excellence
Over 140 years of excellence delivering ELICOS, VCE, VET, and Higher Education across 8 national campuses.
98% Placement Satisfaction
Job-Ready Success
98% student placement satisfaction with programs designed alongside industry partners for maximum graduate outcomes.
Up to 50% course credit
Credit for Prior Learning
Get up to 50% course credit for prior learning in Australia. You may be able to reduce both your tuition and study time.
2 week average to COE*
Seamless Enrolment
Expert onshore support from consultation to CoE issuance, with an average 2-week processing time.
*Processing times may vary depending on document completeness and course availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
An enrolled nurse provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. This includes monitoring patient health, assisting with daily care, administering medications and supporting patients across healthcare settings such as hospitals, aged care and community services.
An enrolled nurse (EN) completes a Diploma of Nursing and works under the supervision of a registered nurse. A registered nurse (RN) completes a bachelor’s degree and has a broader scope of practice, including more complex clinical decision-making and leadership responsibilities.
Yes, nursing is a meaningful and rewarding career. Nursing offers opportunities to work in a range of healthcare settings, supporting patients and communities. It is a structured profession with clear roles and responsibilities, with pathways for further study and progression within the healthcare system.
The course is typically completed over 18 months of full-time study, including both classroom learning and clinical placement.
To enrol, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed Year 12 or equivalent. You must also meet the English language requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, which can be demonstrated through approved tests or recognised study pathways.
Students train in Acknowledge Education’s Nursing Clinical Simulation Laboratories (CSL) located at the Melbourne campus at 168 Exhibition Street.
The CSL provides a safe and supportive environment where you can practise a wide range of clinical skills using industry-standard equipment. You will develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills essential for your role as an Enrolled Nurse.
The labs include a combination of low-, medium- and high-fidelity simulation manikins, supporting realistic, hands-on learning experiences to help you build your clinical skills and confidence before entering placement.
Yes, the course includes 440 hours of Professional Experience Placement (PEP) across multiple blocks, providing hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
No. Placements need to meet a range of important requirements, including appropriate supervision, training standards and insurance coverage, so they’re arranged by us.
This helps ensure your placement is safe, supportive, and recognised as part of your course. It also protects opportunities for future students, as approaching facilities independently can sometimes impact existing partnerships.
Placements organised outside of Acknowledge Education aren’t covered by our insurance, which means you could be personally responsible if something goes wrong. For this reason, it’s important that all placements are arranged through us.
No, you won’t be able to complete your placement in your current workplace and there’s a good reason for that.
Placement is designed to give you the chance to step into a new environment, build your confidence and be assessed fairly on your skills. Your placement supervisor, who may sometimes be part of the facility team, plays an important role in assessing your progress, so it’s important this happens as independently as possible.
For students progressing into a new role (for example, an Assistant in Nursing studying to become an Enrolled Nurse), placement is also an opportunity to step into that role and develop the right mindset. This transition can be more challenging in a familiar workplace, where colleagues, clients and residents already know you in your current position, which is why we have this policy.
No. Your hours will be supernumerary (unpaid) in all programs. We recommend planning your finances ahead of time to help you prepare for this part of your studies.
Graduates may work as Enrolled Nurses in hospitals, aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres and community healthcare settings, supporting patient care under the supervision of registered nurses.
Yes, the course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Graduates may apply for registration as an Enrolled Nurse with NMBA.