A healthy career option for Mackay
First published 15 November 2011
Residents in the Mackay region keen on a career in nursing and wanting to study at James Cook University will no longer need to travel far from their doorstep to embark on their dream.
James Cook University, in partnership with the Mater Hospital in Mackay, are launching a Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre-Registration) in the city.
Associate Professor Lee Stewart, Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, said JCU was aiming to fill the gap in healthcare services in regional, rural and remote locations.
“JCU’s nursing program is oriented towards educating health professionals for a fast-paced, rapidly changing health care system,” she said.
“This world-class degree will develop a local workforce in the fast-growing Mackay region to serve local healthcare needs.”
Associate Professor Stewart said JCU graduates had a history of staying where they were educated and giving back to their communities.
“Nurses truly are the lifeblood of any community, providing physical, mental and emotional care to people throughout their lives.
“Nurses are at the heart of social health and wellbeing of communities, particularly in regional areas of Australia.”
“Our graduates have a specialist understanding of nursing in regional, rural and remote areas, and are highly sought after in many areas of regional Queensland and beyond.”
JCU’s Professor Ian Wronski, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Medicine Health and Molecular Sciences, said the establishment of the Nursing program in Mackay, in association with Mater Hospital, was very exciting.
“This provides a fabulous opportunity for students from the Mackay region and further afield to become part of the solution to the world-wide health workforce shortage,” he said.
“Nursing is the backbone of the world’s health and hospital system.
“We are very proud of the quality of the graduates coming out of the JCU Nursing programs and their ability to play a dynamic role in Australia’s ever evolving health system.”
Applications are open until January 2012 through QTAC, however, there are only a limited number of places available.
An official JCU Nursing Launch event will be held at the function room at Mackay Grand Suites on Monday 21 November, at 5.30pm.
There will also be a display near the new Myer in Canelands Shopping Centre from Saturday, November 19.
For more information, go to:
http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/about/campuses/mackay/jcu_093740
JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175.