The programme prepares students to meet the NCNZ requirements for registration as a Registered Nurse (2016). Successful completion of the programme results in the award of the UCOL Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree

On completion of the programme the UCOL nursing graduate will be able to:

* Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and pharmacology in the nursing context.
* Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and competence in all nursing related areas including:
- Reflect the professional, ethical, and legislative practices expected of the profession
- Consistently apply and maintain safe practice within their scope of practice, including the direction of, and delegation to, enrolled nurses
- Apply evidence based nursing practice that is person-centred and culturally appropriate
- Actively apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the health context.
- Manage safety of self and health consumer and whānau in a pro-active and holistic manner.
- Contribute to an active and life-long learning environment.
- Assess, record, and provide advice on health consumer needs and progress in a comprehensive, accurate, and effective manner.
- Communicate and collaborate respectfully with health consumers to empower patient autonomy and decision-making.
- Communicate and collaborate respectfully with health professionals to assure quality practice.
- Explore ways to reduce inequities and improve health outcomes as the sector goals.

Graduates can continue with further study in Nursing at higher levels, for example Post-Graduate Certificate, Post-Graduate Diploma or Master of Nursing.

All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic Board. In addition, all applicants are required to
a) declare any previous criminal convictions (including international convictions) prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment, the decision is at the discretion of the Head of School, and
b) authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. If a conviction and/or a matter of concern is identified, the decision for accepting the applicants enrolment onto the programme is at the discretion of the Head of School and
c) complete a health declaration form and
d) provide certified copies of all relevant documentation.
The Head of School (Palmerston North or Regional) may require students to provide additional information before admission is confirmed.

2.2.1 Academic Entry Requirements
The following academic requirements apply
a. Applicants under 20 years of age
Under 20 years of age applicants
University Entrance
OR
Successful completion of. New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Nursing Pathway)
OR
Successful completion of the UCOL Certificate in Science and Health, Level 3 (for 2018, 2019 and 2020 intakes only).
OR
On a case by case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean
OR
Provisional enrolment

b. Applicants 20 years of age or over
A person having reached the age of 20 years before the first day of the programme in the year for which admission is sought, is not required to meet any of the academic qualifications above. Applicants will however be required to meet the criteria for enrolment to study nursing and may be required to attend a conversation, as set out in the advice and guidance section, prior to their enrolment being accepted. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss their career goals, reasons for study, choice of study, possible challenges, and the support that is available for them at UCOL. In some instances, applicants may be advised to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Nursing Pathway) available through UCOL.

International students
International students will be assessed on a case by case basis to ensure they meet New Zealand University Entrance requirements.

In addition to this international applicants under the age of 20 must have NCEA equivalency (refer to Business Development International).

All Applicants
In accordance with NCNZ (2017) and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act [HPCA] (2003) requirements, all students whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, will be required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). The minimum requirements are:
- Successful completion of an internationally recognised English Language proficiency tests to the equivalent of IELTS score of at least 6.5 (Academic) in all bands, achieved in one sitting authorised by the awarding body and which is within the preceding two years at the time the student's application is received and stamped by Registry; OR
- Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; OR
- Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; OR
- Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States OR
- Exemption or waiver on the basis of equivalence.

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA; therefore, applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.