Nursing education for the Sunshine Coast region is now available, thanks to a new partnership between Central Queensland University and University of the Sunshine Coast.

Working with nurse managers in the private, public and community health sectors, as well as Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE (CSIT), the two institutions will jointly deliver a Bachelor of Health (Nursing) degree from the start of 2003.

It is expected the delivery of the degree will be two-thirds CQU through its Faculty of Arts, Health and Sciences, and one-third through University of the Sunshine Coast, principally through its Faculty of Science.

Students will attend classes at University of the Sunshine Coast’s campus, and undertake their practicums at many sites around the Sunshine Coast region. According to Professor Paul Clark, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of the Sunshine Coast, students benefit from getting the experience of CQU teaching staff as well being able to perform practical work at medical facilities on the Coast.

“This collaboration will make it easier for potential nurses to gain their qualifications in their local hospitals and stay in the area,” said Errol Payne, Dean of Central Queensland University Faculty of Arts, Health and Sciences.

Twenty-five places will be available to students commencing the degree in semester one, 2003.

The two institutions recently executed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer joint undergraduate and postgraduate awards, of which the nursing degree is the first.