The exact nature of the program depends on the state and the university, however in general, all Bachelor of Science in nursing programs include a research portion and support the development of clinical skills through the use of systematic and evidence-based teaching. Courses usually require a minimum of three years of study, and admitted students who hold other degrees in the life or biosciences, or overseas nursing or medical qualifications, may be able to enroll in later years to complete a shorter training program. Courses that must be completed include health and human behavior, foundations in health sciences, clinical nursing and health promotion.
Several universities offer transition Master degrees to allow students from other professions to change to a career in nursing. The University of Sydney has a two-year degree program for such students or qualified overseas nurses who cannot yet be registered in Australia. Students who graduate successfully can then apply for registration with the NSW Nurses and Midwives Board. Courses required to earn this qualification include community health nursing, professional practice, and global health and nursing
Doctor of Nursing degrees are research-oriented qualifications in nursing specialties and allow the student to work on programs for policy development, nursing leadership, or other associated fields of nursing practice. These degrees take four years to complete, although students may also undertake part-time study, and are offered by institutions such as the University of Technology, Sydney and the University of Sydney.