The first cohort of students to graduate debt-free from Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing are set to kick off their healthcare careers without the burden of paying off tuition fees. Source: Catholic Health Australia.
Thirty-five new hospital-trained enrolled nurses have graduated from the 18-month course at Mater Hospital Brisbane, armed with the skills they need to hit the ground running in hospital wards.
Graduates Laura Barrett, Katelyn Collins and Emma Henderson, all aged 18, saved nearly $25,000 each to kickstart their dream nursing careers, thanks to the Queensland Government’s Fee-Free TAFE initiative introduced in 2023.
Up to 3,500 fee-free places in the Diploma of Nursing are available through specific training providers.
Ms Henderson, who left high school when she was 16 years to study nursing, said her family was proud of her achievement.
“They’re super proud of how far I’ve come since leaving school,” she said. “I’ve accepted a graduate role on the gynaecology ward at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane for the next 12 months.
“After that, I plan on going to university to qualify as a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing.”
Ms Barrett said fee-free training enabled her to focus on her studies without financial stress.
“Studying fee-free has taken the biggest load off,” she said.
Ms Barrett will continue her studies with a Bachelor of Nursing before pursuing her ‘ultimate goal’ of becoming a midwife.
“Eventually, I’d love to work at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, caring for mothers and babies,” Ms Barrett said.
Like Ms Barrett, Katelyn Collins will also embark on further education.
“I’m going to further my studies and complete a Bachelor of Nursing,” she said.
“My end goal is to work in the Mater Emergency Department as a Registered Nurse.”
Mater Education Director of Education and Training Toni-Maree Henaway said the Diploma of Nursing course created a clear pathway for graduates into university degrees.
The program applies to Queensland residents only, with the additional qualification of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
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