Question 1

What does the first-year course structure look like?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a welcome letter and a first-year timetable in late November from the Department of Nursing, which will contain more detailed information. You can also view the handbook for the Master of Nursing Science.

When enrollment starts, you will need to enrol in all year 1 courses via the Study Plan. Please refer to Unimelb key dates for enrolment times.

Also, please be mindful of timetable preference entry dates to secure your preferred class times.

You should also bookmark my.unimelb.edu.au which is the central hub for all unimelb resources/links.

If you have any questions regarding the subjects, please refer to Canvas for subject coordinator contacts. For general questions, please contact nursing-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.

Question 2

Is orientation compulsory?

Accepted Answer

Orientation is highly recommended for incoming students, and your attendance is expected. During orientation, you will get an overview of the course, an opportunity to complete free basic life support training (fulfils first aid course requirement), and uniform fitting.

The orientation dates for the 2026 intake are 27th and 28th January.

Question 3

How can I prepare for the course?

Accepted Answer

Human Anatomy and Physiology is usually the subject people are concerned about. To prepare, you can choose to study the “Biochemical Basis for Human Life” course offered by the university which costs $275 AUD. Otherwise, you can find free resources online.

Below is a list of free resources:

Crash Course: https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse
Nursing2nurture: https://www.youtube.com/@nursing2nurture
Bozeman Science: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCC2DB523BA8BCB53 
Osmosis: https://www.youtube.com/@osmosis 
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
AnatomyZone: https://anatomyzone.com/
Innerbody: https://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html 
GetBodySmart: https://www.getbodysmart.com/
Life in the fast lane: https://litfl.com/

You can also familiarise yourself with medical terms. Here are some resources: 
75 Must-Know Medical Terms, Abbreviations, and Acronyms | SGU
Basics | Des Moines University
Medical Dictionary of Health Terms: A-C - Harvard Health
Dictionary of Medical Terms - familydoctor.org

Question 4

Are there any requirements to attend lectures, tutorials, and simulation labs?

Accepted Answer

Foundations of Nursing (FON) Labs - Compulsory 
Foundations of Nursing Practice (FONP) Labs - Compulsory 
Indigenous Health and Nursing Lectures - Attendance of 80% of lectures is a hurdle requirement to pass the subject

If you are unable to attend simulation labs, you will need to provide a medical certificate to the subject coordinator. You will need to attend make-up labs separately.

Question 5

What do I need to purchase for the course?

Accepted Answer

Scrubs: It’s mandatory to wear Unimelb scrub tops when on placements or in labs. You can choose to purchase scrub pants from other brands, but it has to be a matching colour (navy). Sample sizes for scrubs will be available during orientation week for try-ons.

Black Closed-toe Shoes: Also mandatory for labs and placements. It’s recommended to purchase waterproof shoes for safety and ease of cleaning.

Name Badge: mandatory for placements and labs, MUNSS will send out an email for you to order.

Optional purchases: 
Stethoscopes: you can purchase it from any brand, our school and placement providers also have spare ones for use. 
Compression socks: for your own comfort 
Pens, small notepads, fob watch (if you join MUNSS, our gift bag includes those)

Question 6

What are OSCEs?

Accepted Answer

Objective Structured Clinical Examination, also known as OSCEs, is a compulsory in-person assessment that tests you on the material and skills learned in the semester and prepares you for your next clinical placement. At the end of every semester, prior to the start of clinical placements, all nursing students will be required to sit and pass the OSCEs in order to go to placement.

Question 7

Can I work while completing the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. The decision is up to you. After the first placement, you are eligible to apply for nursing-related positions such as Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON). Job positions will be published on hospital websites, and our community will also advertise when these open. You can also look into other websites (e.g. Jora, Seek, & Indeed)

*If you are an international student, you can apply and work as a RUSON or AIN as well. You can work anywhere, but please know your working restrictions.

Frequently asked questions