Curtin University partners with Great Southern Universities Centre in boost for region’s nursing students

Curtin University nursing students now have a space to complete their studies in the region under a new partnership with the Great Southern Universities Centre.

Representatives of Curtin University travelled to Albany last month to sign an agreement to give online students 24-hour study facilities at the Albany centre.

The facilities will be available for Curtin’s online students, including those enrolled in the registered nursing course, which recently returned to Albany.

Registered nursing students will be able to complete their theory units online and undertake their clinical practice at local health services.

The GSUC opened in April last year, giving regional online tertiary students a campus-style facility, featuring computers, video conferencing and a full-time learning support co-ordinator.

Curtin University interim academic deputy vice-chancellor Professor Jon Yorke said the new agreement would boost support for Curtin students in the Great Southern.

“With a main hub in the Albany CBD and new study hubs planned for Denmark and other parts of the Great Southern, Curtin nursing and online students will be able to access the support they need to complete their studies,” he said.

“We are delighted to be working closely with the GSUC to expand the tertiary education opportunities afforded to students living in Albany and surrounding areas.”

Regional Development Australia Great Southern WA chairman Andrus Budrikis said the organisation was delighted to bring registered nursing back to the Great Southern.

“This was a core component of the GSUC business plan submitted by RDA Great Southern as part of the Federal grant funding submission,” he said.

“The university centre model is proving to be a success with respect to providing support for regional university students and RDA Great Southern looks forward to building a strong working relationship with Curtin University through support of the Curtin regional nursing program.”