Open Universities/UniSA plus a few more Q's!

Hi,

After working as a PCA in Aged Care for the past few years, I have come to the realisation that I have more to offer and want to become a Registered Div 1 Nurse and then study to become a midwife.

I have looked at the Open Universities website and I can study Nursing via correspondance with UniSA. Does anyone know if I can gain registration in Victoria if I obtain my certificate in SA?

Has anyone studied this course through Open Universities? How did you find it?

I dont know very much about HEC's fees etc. If I study Nursing can I then study Midwifery and still use HEC's? (Does that make sense)?

Thanks

Bec

:bump:

Can't exactly answer your questions but ... I have studied at CSU (Masters of Ed) while living in Adelaide and it has had no impact on my registration in SA as a teacher. Have had a friend who did their Bach of Ed via CSU distance ed and was able to get teacher's reg in SA.

Most registrations just look at the completion (parchment) to see that you've completed an appropriate qualification.

Got interrupted before...

HECS (or HELP I think it's called now - not sure on name) is only dependant on you getting a HECS (or commonwealth) supported place at uni. So you should be able to use HECS for both courses.

Hope this helps
Liz

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

MG,
Thank you for all your info, you are a STAR! I would appreciate any other info you can get for me from your friend. I didnt realise I could apply directly to the uni itself - great to know.

Thanks again

remember in July all nurses will be nationally registered!