Sorry I've only just seen this. I did my Nursing Degree with UniSa Distance Ed.

If you gain your qualification in SA, you can still register in any State or Territory in Australia - but you must register in the State you gained your qualification first. i.e. when you graduate, you register with the Nurses Board of South Australia. Once you have your registration details, you contact the Nurses Board of victoria and register here. Keep in mind that they are going to merge all the Nurses Board - I'm still unclear what this will mean for registering and working in different States but I am hoping it means just one registration is necessary to work in any State or Territory.

Yes you can use HELP FEE for both Nursing and Mid.

You don't need to do your degree through Open Uni Australia - you can apply to University of South Australia directly and study via distance ed.

I found it fine. You do need to be self motivating. And be prepared for a LOT of reading. And computer time. There is a lot of computer time to partake in compulsory chats etc online. You also need to factor in trips to SA to do workshops. This means flights, accomodation, meals, child care if you need to put your children in care whilst you're away. The course changes every 3 years and I'm not sure the current structure of workshops and clinical placements (don't forget to account for clinical placements - this will require you to take leave from work). I have a friend who finished her degree in 2009 with them via distance ed so can ask if she knows the current workshop and clinical schedule.

HTH and feel free to ask any Q's.

MG