Today, we had the opportunity to visit the Gordon Institute in Geelong where they train Division 2 nurses (our equivalent to a LPN).
We were given a campus tour and then presented to their nursing students about BYU’s nursing program and nursing overall in the U.S.
It was a very interesting day.
The Gordon Institute is “located at Geelong, Victoria was established in 1887 and operates out of five campuses. It offers 220 courses in 7 teaching schools, as well as 240 specialist courses. There is an annual enrolment of 26,000 students. The institute offers programs at the certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, apprenticeship and traineeship levels. Programs are offered in the fields of Applied Sciences (nursing); Art, Design and ICT; Building and Construction; Business and Management; Community Services and Further Education; Corrections Education; Manufacturing; and Tourism, Hospitality and Cookery”.
What’s unique about the program is that students enroll instead of going directly to the “Uni” for a 3 year bachelor’s degree program in nursing – Division 1 (similar to our RN).
There are several factors for this:
1. If one enrolls in the Division 2 program first the government will pay for it completely!
2. After completion of the Division 2 program, students can practice as a Division 2 nurse and earn money. This is helpful if they want to go on to “Uni” and obtain their Division 1 RN.
3. “Uni” costs approximately $24,000 per year. Normally, if you go to “Uni” directly, the program is 3 years long; however, if you get your Division 2 first, you only have to complete 2 years at the “Uni” – drastically cutting costs (because of the government pay out and the ability to work while at the “Uni”).
4. Many nurses aren’t sure they want to go on to the “Uni” so obtaining the Division 2 first helps them decide.
5. Many of the students enrolled at Gordon and in other Division 2 programs are non-traditional students with families, life circumstances that don’t allow for a traditional “Uni” experience.
On average Division 1 nurses (based on a 40 hour work week) with less than one year of experience make $19.33/hr (Australian currency); with 1 to 4 years experience they make $21.25; and at 5 to 8 years make $24.60.
This is slightly lower than US pay scales, depending on what part of the country you live in.
Overall the Gordan Institute reminded me of our technical colleges in the States.
A great experience to see another side of nursing education.
