Study in Place Program
The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health is proud to announce the launch of the Study in Place Program! This program is designed for:
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (EENs) in the Tamworth region and surrounds looking to advance their qualifications and transition to Registered Nurse (RN) without the need to relocate.
- Second year nursing students interested in completing the remainder of their studies from Tamworth - perfect for students originally from the region and looking to return, or students who are curious about the rural experience.
Why choose the Study in Place Program?
- Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning with the advantage of continuous mentoring from local academics, access to study centres, and professional guidance throughout the program.
- All simulation learning completed within our state-of-the-art labs at the Tamworth Education Centre.
- Attend interdisciplinary education sessions.
- Connect with fellow nursing students, and other health students completing year-long placements in Tamworth through social mixers and activities planned throughout the year.
- Opportunity for employment at the local hospital or aged care facilities right where you’ll be training.
Making the transition from EN to RN
A local program for local nurses: study locally and gain the qualifications you need to transition into registered nursing.
Our Study in Place addresses a gap in nursing education by providing a flexible and accessible pathway not currently offered within the region. The program will enable ENs in the Tamworth region and surrounds to advance their qualifications and make the transition to RN without the need to relocate.
Gain access to a flexible and adaptable study pathway that accommodates nurses balancing work, family, and financial commitments.
Applying for Study in Place as a current enrolled nurse
To begin the application process, please complete our expression of interest form below.
We'll then be in touch to confirm your eligibility for the program and provide next steps.
Please visit the UAC website and submit your application.
Bachelor of Nursing (Diploma Enrolled Nurse Pathway) - Code 483605
Please note, you will need to submit the below documents:
- Provide evidence of current registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- A completed Diploma of Nursing qualification (HLT54115 or HLT54121). Must have completed the award within five years prior to enrolment (from 2021 onwards) in the Bachelor of Nursing.
- A completed Provide First Aid Certificate – HLTAID003 or HLTAID011 (within last three years).
- Provide First Aid will have been completed within the Diploma of Nursing, or independently and separate from the Diploma qualification.
Once you’ve been accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Newcastle, please complete the form below to share the key details we need to enrol you in the Study in Place program.
After we receive your form, our local academic will contact you to confirm your enrolment and help you get started.
Congratulations! 🎉
Once your place in the program is confirmed, our local course coordinators will contact you with details for commencement and everything you need to get started.
Transferring from other education institutions
Please visit the Direct Entry webpage.
You will need to submit evidence of the courses you have already completed.
See the webpage for further information.
Program Specifics
- University of Newcastle second year nursing students interested in rural nursing.
- Current Enrolled Nurses (EEN) who want to pursue higher studies and transition to Registered Nurses (RN).
Commencing
Semester 1: Tuesday, 27th January 2026.
Pre-requisites
- Applicable EENs must have completed their Diploma of Nursing within 5 years of Study in Place course commencement.
- Ability to attend regular face-to-face simulation led learning at our Tamworth Campus (approximately 6 x 4-hour sessions per semester block).
Mode of Delivery
Blended online and face-to-face model.
Location of SLE (Simulation)
Participants
Maximum 12 (per year level)
Placement
The Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital (TRRH) has committed to supporting current staff to upskill by providing all placements at TRRH. This means if you’re currently working as an EEN at Tamworth Hospital, or plan to begin employment prior to commencement of the program, you will be eligible for the Pathways2Employment program. If you are not a current employee at TRRH or planning to commence employment at TRRH prior to program commencement the usual placement allocation process will apply.
Accommodation
- Usual subsidies and bursaries for accommodation only available for students when undertaking their placement outside of their residing region, but still within the UONDRH footprint.
- No accommodation available for SLE (face-to-face simulation training).
Placement and Academic Support
Support from local nursing academics as well as access to additional education, dedicated student support staff, pastoral care and interprofessional education.
Don’t believe us! Find out why our students chose rural for their placements.
Keen to learn more?
We are holding a series of online and face-to-face sessions so you’ll have a chance to speak directly with course coordinators and have all of your questions answered.
For more information, contact:
Jessica Billett, Associate Lecturer - Nursing
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.