Bachelor of Nursing Science
at James Cook University, Queensland.
JCU's pre-registration nursing degree takes two and three-quarter years full-time, at Townsville (ranks shown), Cairns (66.50 in 2026), Mackay (66.35), Mount Isa and Emerald. No prerequisites; English, Biology, Chemistry and a maths subject are recommended.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the JCU Bachelor of Nursing Science for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66.00 | qtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 66.35 | qtac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through QTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Students develop skills in communication, client assessment, planning and implementing nursing interventions, and managing and evaluating nursing care, along with scientific, biophysical and behavioural knowledge. Some subjects can be taken online or on campus. Supervised clinical practice in a variety of settings is an integral part of the course.
Placement and industry experience
Students complete prescribed professional and clinical placements at their own expense. Before placement they must provide immunisation evidence (hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, pertussis), current first aid and CPR certificates, and a Blue Card.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as registered nurses in hospital, community and aged-care settings after registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
- Common destinations include public hospital graduate transition programmes, mental-health services and rural and remote nursing positions.
- Many alumni progress into specialty practice (intensive care, paediatrics, midwifery), nurse-practitioner study or clinical education roles.
Professional accreditation
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
Typical first jobs
- Graduate registered nurse in a Queensland Health transition programme
- Rural and remote nurse across north and far-north Queensland
- Aged-care registered nurse
- Mental-health nurse graduate roles
- Community-health and primary-health-care nursing positions
- Indigenous community-controlled health service nurse
- Paediatric, emergency or critical-care entry positions
Graduate starting salary
$65,000 - $72,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and many start in regional and rural health services.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who like working with people in moments of vulnerability
- Calm communicators who think on their feet
- People interested in rural, remote and Indigenous health
- People comfortable with shift work and physically demanding placement
- Team players who handle hierarchical clinical environments well
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike personal-care tasks or are needle-averse
- Those uncomfortable with shift work, weekends or night placement
- People wanting a primarily research-based or office-bound role
- Students unable to meet AHPRA's English-language or fitness requirements
Related courses at JCU
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the James Cook University website and on QTAC before applying.