TAFE to degree pathway set in agreement

Nursing students in the Pilbara will soon look forward to career boosts thanks to a new partnership forming in North West education options.

A new agreement between CQUniversity and North Regional TAFE will mean students at Pundulmaurra TAFE Campus in Port Hedland will be able to seamlessly transition from diploma to degree studies.

North Regional TAFE training director Jan Edwards welcomed the agreement and said the benefits would help nursing students excel in their chosen fields.

“Nursing students will be able to remain at the Pundulmaurra TAFE campus where they are in familiar surroundings while still progressing through CQUniversity degree, so it will be a smooth transition,” she said.

“The added bonus will be the ability to complete a three-year nursing degree in only two years, with a shortened pathway due to the articulation.”

The agreement mimics those already in place in the fields of community service and early childhood education.

The new agreement is the latest milestone as CQUniversity and North Regional TAFE continue to formalise their partnership to boost education opportunities in the Greater Pilbara region.

Nursing students from the Pundulmaurra TAFE Campus have also had the opportunity to put their theory into action at the Port Hedland Health Check Up Clinic.

Residents volunteered their time to have observations taken such as blood pressure, pulse/heart rates, oxygen saturations and neurological observations.

A TAFE spokeswoman said the clinic allowed enrolled nursing students an opportunity to build their confidence.

“The Health Check-Up Clinic gives the enrolled nursing students the opportunity to practice some of their nursing skills on real people before they undertake care of patients in a healthcare setting,” she said.

“Local volunteers assisted the students with their confidence and accuracy.”

Nursing students also gathered a health history and pain assessment as their observations were recorded and given to volunteers to share with their GP or medical professional.