Course Overview

Experienced nurses are in demand and the workforce is growing. Nursing qualifications allow you to make a real difference in the lives of others.

As a nurse, there are so many career options on offer. You can work in aged care, community health, critical care and emergency, mental health, nurse practitioner, perioperative, Plunket nurse, or practice nurse.

Our team of qualified and experienced tutors support you to get the practical skills and knowledge you need.

Check out the facilities on our virtual tour!

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • Bachelor of Nursing Te Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi (Level 7)

You will also become eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) national examination which, if passed, will lead to registration as a New Zealand registered nurse.

Locations Rotorua, Tauranga
Next intake Feb 2025 View more details
Study options

3 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Total credits 360
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

This course is specifically aimed to prepare graduates for registration as a registered nurse at a beginning level. Employment and career opportunities exist within a range of health care settings and may include:

  • Hauora Māori Nursing
  • Plunket Nursing
  • Practice Nursing
  • Public Health Nursing
  • Rural Health Nursing
  • School Health Nurse
  • Medical/Surgical Nursing
  • Criminal Justice Nursing
  • Addictions Nursing
  • Operating Theatre Nursing
  • Nurse Researcher
  • Nurse Manager
  • Aged Care Nursing
  • Paediatric Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Rehabilitation Nursing
  • Nurse Education
  • Palliative Care Nursing

Topics you'll cover

Year 1

  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi for Professional Practice 
  • Tiaki Ritenga Tūturu: Fundamentals of Nursing Care
  • Tīmatanga Mahi Mātanga: Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
  • Whānake ā Tangata ā Hinengaro: Human Development and Psychology for Nursing Practice
  • Tiaki Hāere Tonu: Nursing Practice: Continuing Care
  • Oranga a Hāpori: Community Wellness
  • Pūtaiao: Science for Nursing

Year 2

  • Hapu Māmā, Pepi, Tamariki me Taitamariki Hauora: Primary Health Care 1 – Maternal, Baby, Child and Adolescent
  • Hauora ā Hinengaro: Nursing Practice – Mental Health and Addiction
  • Tiaki Pōnānā: Nursing Practice: Inpatient and Ambulatory Care
  • Mātai Pūroi Akoranga Taphuhi: Pharmacology for Professional Nursing Practice
  • Mātai Tahumaero Tinana, Akoranga Tapuhi: Pathophysiology for Professional Nursing Practice

Year 3

  • Te Hauora o ngā Pakeke, Koeke me ngā Kaumātua: Primary Health Care 2 – Adult, Older Adult
  • Ngā Hiahia Uaua: Nursing Practice: Complex Needs
  • Kōkiri Mahi Mātanga: Advancing Professional Practice
  • Mahi Whakawhiti: Transition to Practice

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * To be confirmed for domestic students
Course related costs

Approximate Costs:

  • Health Screening (includes evidence of completion of a comprehensive first aid course, proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertusus, Hepatitis and TB, an MRSA screen, COVID and a flu booster) - $300-500
  • Uniform (includes 2 scrub tops and 1 pair of pants) - $122
  • Indemnity insurance - $30 to $50
  • Clinical key - $50 each year for 3 years (inclusive of textbooks)
  • Med + Safe (online clinical calculations programme) - approx $90-100 for 3 years

Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.


Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

You must be:

  • 17 years of age or over.

For domestic applicants under 20 years old:

  • University Entrance as per New Zealand Qualification Authority specifications (highly recommended that one approved subject be science or a related discipline) OR
  • Evidence of recent (within 5 years) study at Level 4 or higher on the NZQF. Applicants who have completed an approved foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory course/programme in Health at Level 4, with 60% or higher in all modules will be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Nursing.

For applicants 20 years old and over:

  • Demonstrated academic ability (at NZQA Level 4 or equivalent, within the last 5 years) to undertake the undergraduate nursing degree and have the ability to succeed through personal attributes, work and life experience.
  • Applicants who have completed an approved foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory programme in Health at Level 4, with 60% or higher in all modules will be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Nursing programme.

Information Session

You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

Other Considerations

Applicants who have had a criminal conviction at any time in the past must declare the circumstances in confidence to the Academic Lead for Nursing. All students accepted will be required to complete a police vetting check on entry and prior to completing the Degree to demonstrate they are “fit for registration” as a nurse.

Two character references are required (these should be from persons in positions of trust such as; an employer, Teacher, Pastor, Kaumatua or Kuia. References from family, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted.

Confirmation of acceptance on to the Bachelor of Nursing is subject to submission of the following documents prior to the start date:

  • Current comprehensive First Aid Certificate
  • Evidence of immunity as identified by Te Puna Whai Ora, Department of Nursing and the department’s clinical partners
  • Declaration regarding physical and mental health status from a GP or Practice Nurse

All organisations have an obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to take all reasonable practicable steps to keep themselves and others safe; this means an obligation to eliminate or otherwise control the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. If you choose not to be vaccinated, this will have an impact on your ability to be accepted on placement in a healthcare organisation; and this will in turn have an impact on your ability to successfully complete your Nursing Degree. Accordingly, all students applying to enrol on the Bachelor of Nursing must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

English language requirements

  • IELTS test - Academic score of 6.5 that includes a score of at least 6.5 in each of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, OR
  • OET – Minimum of 300 in all sub-tests

Note: IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS test report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test. 

If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and English is your second language, you'll complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Toi Ohomai will contact you regarding a possible internal assessment. 


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Course Locations and Intake Information

Location Campus Start Date
Rotorua Mokoia Campus 3 Feb 2025 Apply now
Tauranga Windermere Campus 3 Feb 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 3 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai