The strategic purpose of the Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa) is to provide the healthcare industry with a sustainable and skilled Registered Nurse workforce that will improve health outcomes for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Graduates of this qualification will have the knowledge, skills, and attributes to meet NCNZ requirements for registration in the Registered Nurse scope of practice.

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa) will be able to:
- Use leadership skills to advocate for equity, social justice, and sustainability to improve health outcomes for consumers, their whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori.
- Make care decisions that are evidence-based, sustainable and holistic; underpinned by science, clinical assessment, reasoning, and judgement.
- Undertake comprehensive, holistic health assessments, in collaboration within the interprofessional team, and in partnership with health consumers, their whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori, to develop, implement and evaluate integrated care plans.
- Promote optimal health outcomes for Māori and all health consumers across the lifespan, underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and informed by kawa whakaruruhau and cultural safety.
- Utilise therapeutic communication and relational practice skills with health consumers including their whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori in person or via information technologies.
- Demonstrate professionalism, self-awareness, and a commitment to life-long learning in various settings.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa) qualification, graduates may apply for registration in the Registered Nurse scope of practice with the NCNZ, a process that will require them to pass the State Final Examination.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa) will be eligible for study at post graduate level.

Academic admission
To be admitted to this programme, applicants must have:
University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
including:
Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of:
- a minimum of 14 credits in English OR English-rich subject (such as Classical studies, English, Geography, History, History of Art, Media Studies)
- a minimum of 14 credits in Biology, or Physical Education or Chemistry
- a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in one other approved subject or domain on the National Qualifications Framework.
For examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), applications will be assessed for academic entry equivalency.
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathway (Level 4) Ara Pre-Health Pathway; or a recognised equivalent.
Alternative requirements Applicants, who are over 20 years, must have evidence of academic equivalence of the above (academic admission); or demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree level.
Applicants who are under 20 years must meet the academic admission criteria as listed above, as required by Nursing Council.
Additional Requirements
In addition, applicants must also meet the following programme specific requirements:
Prior to enrolment (at time of application):
- A self-declaration, providing information regarding:
- criminal convictions.
Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal conviction may result in the NCNZ refusing to register a person as a registered nurse.
- mental and physical conditions.
- Applicants are required to indicate if they have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate that they are fit for practice as a registered nurse. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of physical or mental conditions may result in the NCNZ being unable to register a person as a registered nurse. A medical report may also be requested, where evidence of good health is required, as per NCNZ requirements

- any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in the programme; this will be used to activate support services

- Personal statement, should outline why the applicant has chosen nursing as a career, demonstrate communication skills, describe personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects from their life experiences, their learning and practice which will enhance the application.

- At least two written references.
The references are required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and personal attributes and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse, as required by the Children's Act 2014.
One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.