SCU Reveals Plans For Coffs Harbour Nurse Education

Southern Cross University has announced a package of initiatives that would make Coffs Harbour a centre for nursing education, research and aged care specialisation on the Mid North Coast. The plans include establishment of a Coffs Harbour branch of SCU’s prestigious School of Nursing and Health Care Practices.

Executive Dean of Health, Professor Jenny Graham, said today that if negotiations concluded successfully, both undergraduate and postgraduate students will be able to study and do clinical placement in Coffs Harbour. This will mean Bachelor of Nursing students will no longer have to travel to Lismore.

“As part of a comprehensive approach to regional nursing issues, the head of the school of nursing, Ms Chris Game, is also negotiating with North Coast Institute of TAFE to establish a bridging program to allow Enrolled Nurses (EN) from the Mid North Coast to enter the Bachelor of Nursing and complete the award in less than two years,” Professor Graham said.

“Assistants in Nursing (AIN) would also be able to undertake a foundation studies program to guarantee a place in the Bachelor of Nursing program,” she said.

“We have also recently formed the Aged Services Learning and Research Collaboration (ASLRC) with the School of Rural Health at the University of New South Wales. This is a major research, education and development project looking at aged services on the Mid North Coast,” Professor Graham said.

“This collaboration will allow us to establish a research centre specialising in aged care and we intend to locate it in Coffs Harbour


“Southern Cross University is one of Australia’s leading schools of nursing. We have been working with hospitals and health care agencies from Coffs Harbour to Taree since 1985, and we have established successful, on-going relationships with several other research and teaching institutions,” she said.

“We work with the University of Sydney to support the Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health (NRUDRH) which is involved in research, as well as multiprofessional education and practice throughout the North Coast. Staff of the Department of Rural Health will work with SCU colleagues to extend the range of programs offered from the Coffs Harbour campus,” she said.

SCU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Enterprise and International, Professor Angela Delves, said that the nursing and health care initiatives announced today reinforced the university’s commitment to the region and to development of higher education opportunities in the region.

Further Information: Chris Stewart 0418 431484