Nurse training at Mater Education will be free next year for Springfield school-leavers and career-changers thanks to a major funding boost from the State Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Di Farmer MP announced today that Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing courses in Springfield, as well as South Brisbane and Townsville, are included in the State Government’s 2024 Fee-Free TAFE initiative.
The news means students enrolling for Mater Education’s January 2024 intake in Springfield will qualify as Enrolled Nurses in just 18 months – and with zero student debt.
The Mater Education Diploma of Nursing program launched at the new Mater Health Hub last month to help meet the region’s demand for nurses, which is set to soar with the Stage 2 expansion of Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
Big incentive
Mater Group Chief Operating Officer Angi Bissell said it was fantastic news for students, hospitals, and ultimately patients.
“Queensland urgently needs to expand its nursing workforce and fee-free training is a huge incentive to those thinking about a career in healthcare,” Ms Bissell said.
“This is a great opportunity for people who are leaving school, want to switch careers or get back into the workforce after having children.
“We also encourage people to apply who have been part of the unpaid care workforce with home-based care responsibilities, who want to use that experience to jump start a new career.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, get in touch now – there has never been a better time to start a career in health.”
Mater history
Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider and manages 11 private and public hospitals across the state. It has been training nurses and other health professionals since 1906.
Mater Education Diploma of Nursing Lead Educator Tara Walton said Mater provided its students with a unique training experience.
“Mater Education is the largest non-government nurse training organisation in Queensland and our connection to Mater Private Hospital Springfield is highly valuable for our students,” Ms Walton said.
“We connect the hospital and classroom environments to ensure our students learn through immersive, real-world experience.
“Our accelerated 18-month Diploma of Nursing qualification allows students to learn and earn quickly.”
Mater’s expanded Springfield hospital will employ more than 1,100 people, creating an exciting range of new opportunities for students and those looking for a career change.
The first intake of Mater Education Diploma of Nursing students are being taught at the purpose-built education centre at Mater Health Hub, Springfield on Southern Cross Circuit.
Applicants for the Fee-Free TAFE initiative must live in Queensland and be Australian citizens or permanent residents to be eligible for a fee-free Diploma of Nursing.
To find out more, contact Mater Education student services at 1300 070 350 or go to matereducation.qld.edu.au.
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