Apr 01, 2011, 04:30 pm
Hi jlh86
This is my first post as I've only just registered a few mins ago! 1st of all....Congrats on deciding to become a nurse. And YES, costs for these courses can be confusing if you depend on online searches as sometimes, the info is not all that clear. The $20,000 quote also confused me when I first saw it a while back...but I think you'll find that this is the price for the international students.
I completed a Dip Nursing through Alex Hills TAFE & it was always one of the cheapest colleges. At the time of the old Diploma it was around $2000 (that was in 2007) & now (I ended up doing both old and new diploma! OUCH!), I think you are right, it's around $9000. Best thing to do is to ring A Block Alex Hills. Also, it's probably "credit transfer" you need to find out about. Both RPL and credit transfer will save you from having to complete some of the modules in the Nursing Diploma but they are slightly different. Credit transfer means that you have already completed a TAFE Module within another TAFE course (ie. I got credit transfer for an OHS module, a Communication Module and a First Aid module completed in another TAFE diploma...meant I didn't have to pay for those modules or attend them). Best to check your Diploma of Beauty modules against the modules required for the nursing diploma & see if any are similar or same (may require a teacher to decide if credit can be allowed).
Whereas, RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) is a bit different as you are still expected to pay for the module (can be a lot if its a "Fee for Service" one!!) but you are assessed on your skills and knowledge base for that module and if successful in gaining RPL, you don't have to attend class.
And don't forget to take all relevant TAFE transcripts and qualifications to Orientation Day (as that used to be the day when you applied for RPL or Credit Transfer).....and then if you're successful...doublecheck and doublecheck that it HAS indeed been processed! One thing I learned within the TAFE system, you ALWAYS have to stay on top of things! Off hand I'd say you probably did an Infection Control module and an OHS...so there's a start but they don't always "cross over"....... I will keep my fingers crossed for you. GOOD LUCK.
Oh, just thought I would add, I attended both Southbank and Alex Hills & found Alex Hills to be superior in both course content and teachers ability to prepare you so much better for the real world. They really are lovely and very hardworking!
