“Graduate entry is a really common model overseas for professional healthcare programmes that are starting to become established in Aotearoa,” says Lane.
However, we’ve been just blown away by the demand for our graduate-entry nursing programme, which is already the largest in the country. I’m so proud of what our nursing team has been able to achieve so far.
“We have nearly 70 students starting this year who are wanting to change careers to become nurses. That is just so encouraging, particularly given the rich life experiences that they will bring to the profession. I can’t wait to see them graduate and enter the workforce at the end of next year.”
Lane says graduate-entry programmes are not only a faster way to address health workforce pressures but are also a more cost-effective pathway that does not compromise the quality of training.
”Graduates still meet the same Nursing Council standards and in fact complete 300 more clinical placement hours than required to ensure they are work-ready. However, the cost for students and the Government is around 25 per cent less than a three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree.
“Given the success of graduate-entry health programmes in other countries, including Australia, I would love to see the Government explore this model further in areas where there are other critical workforce shortages, including medicine and midwifery.”
