Bachelor of Nursing

Become qualified to the highest industry standards with our Bachelor of Nursing degree. You will study nursing practice, human behaviour, pharmacology and human body systems and gain vital hands-on experience in our nursing simulation suite and practice placements. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit the State Final Exam for registration as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand.

About the programme

Have a rewarding career in healthcare and make a difference in people's lives. Become a Registered Nurse – it can be your passport to the world!

Registered Nurses care for and work with individuals, whānau and communities in collaboration with other health professionals. Registered nurses may specialise in a variety of practice areas, including medical and surgical, mental health, child health/paediatrics, aged care, rural health care and primary health care. There is a worldwide demand for registered nurses and there are a wide range of career options.

Become educated to the highest possible standards during this highly-regarded degree.

Otago Polytechnic nursing graduates are in high demand due to their high calibre and work-readiness. Māori and Pasifika nurses are particularly sought-after for careers in health.

Our unique blended learning model will let you develop the practical techniques and hands-on skills you'll need in your career, while the online learning elements can help you have some flexibility in your learning. Gain vital hands-on experience in our simulation suite and enjoy the chance to get a feel for real-world clients and their health needs in your practice placements - 50% of your final year will involve clinical practice! 

You may be required to complete clinical placement outside of the greater Dunedin area. This placement could take place in South Canterbury, Central Otago, East Otago, West Otago, South Otago or Southland. The cost of travel and accommodation for all placements are your responsibility. If you have concerns about this, please feel free to contact us.

When you graduate, you'll be eligible to sit the State Final Examination for registration as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand.

Studying part-time 

We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We offer a limited number of places to study this programme part-time over five years. 

*Please note: Our entry criteria and curriculum will be changing for this programme in 2025. These changes are subject to final NZQA approval - we'll update this webpage as soon as we can with the most up-to-date information.

Courses

To successfully achieve the Bachelor of Nursing, you must complete all the courses within the programme. 50% of your three year nursing qualification will involve clinical practice. This provides a rich learning environment due to your exposure to a diversity of clients and health needs, and will prepare you for work as a registered nurse.

*Please note: Our entry criteria and curriculum will be changing for this programme in 2025. These changes are subject to final NZQA approval - we'll update this webpage as soon as we can with the most up-to-date information.

Courses

Level

Credit

Year one

   

Nursing Practice 1

5

30

Knowledge for Practice 1

5

15

Evidence Based Nursing 1

5

15

Human Body Systems

5

15

People of this Place 1: Population Health

5

15

Human Behaviour

5

15

Pharmacology

5

15

Year One total

 

120

 

Courses

Level

Credit

Year two

   

Nursing Practice: Community Health 2

6

15

Nursing Practice: Acute Care 2

6

15

Nursing Practice: Senior Persons Health 2

6

15

Nursing Practice: Mental Health and Addictions 2

6

15

Knowledge for Practice 2

6

15

Evidence Based Nursing 2

6

15

Pathophysiology of Human Body Systems

6

15

People of this Place 2: Tangata Whenua

6

15

Year Two total

 

120

 

Courses

Level

Credit

Year three

   

Nursing Practice: Community Health 3

7

15

Nursing Practice: Acute Care 3

7

15

Nursing Practice: Mental Health and Addictions 3

7

15

Knowledge for Practice 3

7

20

Evidence Based Nursing 3

7

15

Transition to Registered Nurse Practice

7

40

Year Three total

 

120

Programme total

 

360

Further study options 

Expand your career prospects with further postgraduate study in Nursing both within New Zealand and overseas. There is now an established career pathway to Nurse Practitioner through master's degree study, and further educational opportunities are available for practice specialisation at the Eastern Institute of Technology or the University of Otago.