UCOL�s iconic Nursing programme, available in Wanganui, Palmerston North, Masterton and Gisborne, is already well subscribed for next year.

The School of Nursing is also seeking approval for changes to the programme�s curriculum, to further enhance the Nursing study experience at UCOL.

Director of Nurse Education Brian Gilchrist says applications for places on the Bachelor of Nursing programme for 2009 are strong at all three UCOL campuses and at Tairawhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne where the UCOL degree is also delivered.

�This year we are seeing an increase in the number students enrolling early for the Bachelor of Nursing degree. This reflects the high regard in which the UCOL degree is held, as well as the success of our students in state final examinations and in finding employment after graduation. It also reflects the current shortage of nurses in New Zealand, driven by an aging workforce and many graduates choosing to work overseas� he says.

On successful completion of the UCOL Nursing programme, students sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Final examination to gain nursing registration. Last year Nursing students from both UCOL Wairarapa and Whanganui UCOL achieved 100 per cent pass rates in the examinations. Whanganui UCOL graduates have consistently achieved a 100 per cent pass rate since the first Whanganui Nursing students graduated in 2005.

2007 Nursing graduates from all three UCOL campuses and at Tairawhiti have also readily found employment placement in health sector jobs, many as a result of work placement during their study. Brian Gilchrist says UCOL is proud of its track record with the Bachelor of Nursing programme, in producing committed graduates with the knowledge and skills to make a real contribution in nursing careers. �However we are always looking to enhance that track record.�

�As part of our continuous improvement, a new curriculum for nursing is going through our approval process. Members of the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics Qualifications panel will visit our three campuses and Tairawhiti this week to discuss and assess the proposed changes,� he says.

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