Apart from being one of the most noble and fulfilling jobs, the nursing profession is highly in demand in almost every country across the world, what with the global shortage of healthcare professionals. The job of a nurse is multi-dimensional, requiring that you interact directly with patients, administer treatment and tests, perform lab work, provide counselling and guidance, operate equipment, research treatment methods, and set up long-term patient care plans, among many other things. For this reason, all those who wish to become registered nurses today must first pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSN) or associate degree in nursing (ADN). These programs are meant to develop the multitude of skills that nurses need to manage their day-to-day duties and prepare for a real-world career.

The average cost of nursing school can vary widely, but nursing programs at two-year colleges provide inexpensive paths into nursing degree programs and have excellent transfer records. That being said, here is a list of colleges with some of the most affordable nursing programs in the US and Canada.

Valencia College – Associate in Science (Nursing), $12k yearly

Valencia’s Nursing Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program is a two-year program that prepares you to go directly into a specialised career in the nursing field. The nationally accredited programs at Valencia College are among the best for preparing men and women for nursing careers, by connecting students directly to situations nurses face today. These programs offer classroom curriculum together with real-life clinical experiences to help nurses build skills and confidence. 

Butte College – Associate in Science Degree in Registered Nursing, $8k yearly

Butte College’s two-year traditional Registered Nursing Associate Degree program provides theory and clinical content required for registered nursing licensure. Upon completion of the degree, the student will be eligible for the national/state licensure examination for registered nursing.

College of the Canyons – Associate in Science Nursing, $9,960 yearly

Approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, the two-year registered nursing program at College of the Canyons is designed to prepare the student with the knowledge required to assume the responsibilities of an entry level registered nurse. Upon graduation, students receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the national licensure examination to become a registered nurse.

Lane Community College – $11.25k yearly

Lane Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program requires approximately three years of full time study. Graduates of this program are qualified to participate in a fourth year of study via online lecture and theory and local clinical experiences to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health Sciences University (or, if the graduate prefers, any of many other RN to BSN programs available nationally).

Merritt College – Associate in Science in Nursing, $8.7k yearly

Also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Merritt’s ADN program is designed to prepare students for beginning positions in Registered Nursing. The program includes instruction in applied nursing sciences, related natural and social/behavioral sciences, and clinical nursing experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nipissing University: 21k

Nipissing University’s Scholar Practitioner Program is an innovative second degree nursing program for university graduates who would like to pursue nursing at the BScN level. Its learner-centred approach trains students to become responsive to changes in contemporary health care,  premised on the idea that nurses must be clinically competent and theoretically sound thinkers as developing “scholar practitioners.” 

Keyano College: 14k

The two-year Practical Nurse program at Keyano prepares students for a career in high quality nursing care in many different settings: hospitals, home care, and other health care agencies. The Practical Nurse works cooperatively with other health care personnel in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of wellness. The program includes practical experience in job-related settings and prepares graduates for both the National Practical Nurse Examination and employment in the current healthcare environment.

Do you have your finger on the pulse of North American higher education? 

 

The inaugural GSP Cafe kicked off the first of a series of online events with over 40 participants in attendance. The GSP Cafe is an interactive discussion joined in by education industry leaders aimed to share valuable insights from GSP’s study destinations, Canada and the USA. The first event hosted by GSP’s Director for North America, Pat Colabucci and Senior Partnerships Manager, Catherine Wilson, featured Isaac Garcia-Sitton, Executive Director of International Student Enrolment, Education & Inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. Isaac talked about a topic that is often lumped together as being the same but is in fact, fundamentally different: the US and Canadian higher education systems.

 

Isaac Garcia-Sitton, a diplomat who has extensive experience in both North American countries demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of the admission processes, pathways, and entry requirements of both countries a the event.

The discussion offered lively, engaging and meaningful insights that participants are able to gather value in relation to their roles. The hour-long discussion was short considering the vast differences between the two systems which kept the entire event interactive yet intimate enough that everyone can participate and express their thoughts.

 

We have exciting topics coming up!

 

Recognising the need for our recruitment partners to stay ahead of the curve, GSP Cafe will continue to bring you live, interactive sessions every month on the hottest topics in North American higher education. From career opportunities and popular programs, to OPT and PGWP, to student visa rules and the different types of higher education institutions in Canada and the US, we’ve set out on a mission to keep you informed on this dynamic and exciting space.

Check out the lineup of industry experts for the next sessions:

 

February: Jacob Mercer and Shahzad Amad on  Visa & Immigration for Higher Ed SEVIS & IRCC

Jacob Mercer is the Assistant Director of International Student &Scholar Services at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He has worked in the field of International Education for the past 12 years: five years teaching English at universities in South Korea and Indonesia, and seven providing immigration advising to international students at U.S. higher-education institutions.

He is passionate about travel, cross-cultural exchange, and guiding students through their own life-changing international experiences.

 

Shahzad Ahmad is the current Associate Vice President of Centre for International Studies at St Cloud State University located in St Cloud, Minnesota. Shahzad is a former international student from St Cloud State University and has been advocating and supporting international students on the St Cloud State campus first as a student leader then as a professional. Shahzad has been in the Higher Education industry for several years. Since Shahzad assumed the role of Associate Vice president he had made several positive changes by increasing the international population at St Cloud State by building different relationships with partners all over the world.

Shahzad believes that once an international student step foot at St Cloud State they will always be valued and supported.

 

March: CPT and OPT 101 with Paul Hofmann

Dr. Paul Hofmann is the Assistant Vice President for International Affairs at the University of Louisville.  Previously served as the SEVIS Coordinator at San Jose State University, the director of the Centre for International Programs at Bowling Green State University, the Assistant Vice President for International Affairs at Fresno State University, and the Associate Vice President for International Programs and Global Engagement at California State University, Sacramento. Dr Hofmann has more than 25 years of experience in the field of international education and deep knowledge of the regulations governing international students and scholars. 

 

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity. Grab a hot drink, and a comfy chair, and join us to learn more about North America. Stay tuned for more updates about our next GSP Cafe!

See you soon!

Studying nursing in the United States and Canada is known to promise excellent employment opportunities after graduation. Recognised for having one of the best healthcare and medical services in the world, the United States and Canada are great training grounds for aspiring hospital nurses, as they pay very close attention to the quality of their nursing education. And though the training may be long (on average, a nursing course in the US can last up to seven years, including the internship) and the process highly challenging, nursing is a rewarding and fulfilling path, equipping you with the ability to help save lives. 

The average cost of nursing school can vary widely. Here is a list of universities with some of the most affordable nursing programs in the US and Canada: 

American University of Health Sciences ($16K and up)

The American University of Health Sciences  is a Christian-based, minority-serving university that educates students for careers in the healthcare profession. The university emphasizes the values of faith in God, love of humankind, and belief that all people have a right to healthcare and deserve a good quality of life based on the wellness of body, mind, and spirit. On top of its affordable tuition fees, scholarships are also available for those who are in need of financial assistance.

Sacred Heart University ($13k-43k per year)

Sacred Heart University is the first Catholic University in America to be led and staffed by lay people and is home to over 10,000 students hailing from 46 states, the District of Columbia, plus two US territories and over 40 different countries. One of its top programs includes Nursing, which offers CCNE-accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees to undergraduate and practising professionals. Students learn through evidence-based courses, cutting-edge nursing simulations and critical skills labs to hone their skills.

Wright State University ($20K)

Wright State University is a national public university in Ohio with over 10,000 students. Known for offering academic excellence at an exceptional value, Wright State’s nursing program will help you find a rewarding career caring for others while also filling a critical need in today’s healthcare workforce. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (B.S.N.) at Wright State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

University of Regina ($24K)

Students at the University of Regina enjoy an abundance of opportunities to gain experience in both paid and volunteer positions, among other opportunities, resulting in career-ready graduates who find work fast. Its nursing program offerings are the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN), a CASN accredited undergraduate program that prepares you to become a Registered Nurse, and the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP), an online graduate level program offered through a joint partnership between the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Trinity Western University ($26K)

Trinity Western University (TWU)  Nursing is recognised as a leader in faith-integrated education and is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. Students of TWU Nursing get to experience world-class instruction from multi-awarded professors, hands-on experiential learning, and state-of-the-art equipment. Its nursing classes are small, clinical experiences in hospital, community, simulation lab settings are varied, and graduates score highly on the professional certification exam (NCLEX). 

Trent University ($26K)

Consistently recognised as one of Canada’s top universities, Trent University attracts excellent students from around the world. Its school of nursing emphasizes a well-rounded approach to healthcare, providing resume-boosting opportunities such as presenting your work at regional health conferences, getting 1,000 hours of clinical, hands-on experience over four years of study, and hands-on learning in the Trent Simulation Hub — the first internationally accredited university simulation centre in Canada.

February and July are typically the two main intakes for Australian institutions, with a few institutions offering January, May or July intakes too.  

Remembering these intakes can be daunting, especially for education counsellors sending students to several destinations. So here’s a tip that will help you keep track of the key dates: check out the GSP platform, an excellent resource for determining which intakes are coming up. Simply visit the institution or university page and click the full course list to find the intake schedule for each program of interest. 

Here are some of the key dates of our most popular Australian universities to help you identify your priorities: 

 

Australian National University 

Next intake: 20 February 2023 (Semester 1, 2023) 

Application deadline: 15 February 2022 (Semester 2, 2023) 

The semester 1, 2023 round of applications is now closed. Applications for Semester 2 are still ongoing. The deadline for each round is on the 15th of each month. 

 

The University of Newcastle Australia 

Next Intake: 20 February 2023 

Application deadline: 3 February 2023  

Students are recommended to submit their application a minimum of 12 weeks before the intended semester or trimester start date. Late applications may be considered for the next available intake. 

 

University of Adelaide 

Next intake: 27 February 2023

Application deadline: 6 February 2023 (Nursing programs with specialisations) 

For Graduate Research School applicants, admissions are open throughout the year.  

 

Flinders University 

Next intake: 27 January 2023  

Application deadline: Rolling admissions  

Admissions take place throughout the year as long as courses are still available but some programs have specific deadlines.  

 

TAFE NSW 

Next intake: 6 February 2023 

Application deadline: Rolling admissions 

International students should allow at least 8 weeks before the program start date for courses with additional entry requirements, and 6 weeks for other courses, in order to allow adequate time for visa processing and travel arrangements to Sydney. 

 

CQ University 

Next intake: 6 February 2023 

Application deadline: Rolling admissions 

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year so students can apply at any time. Applications close in the lead up to each term, so the application must be submitted prior to the closing date for the term the student wishes to commence in. 

 

Swinburne University of Technology  

Next Intake: 27 February 2023 

Application deadline: Rolling admissions 

Offshore international students should take into account visa processing times before applying for their preferred intake. It is strongly advised that they consider applying at least three months in advance of their preferred start date. 

 

Torrens University Australia

Next intake: 20 February 2023 

Application deadline: Rolling admissions 

Torrens University Australia offers four primary intake periods per year for both full-time and part-time higher education degree and diploma students. Students can submit an application at any time throughout the year for the next intake date or for a future start date. 

 

University of Tasmania 

Next intake: 21 February 2023 

Application deadline: Rolling admissions 

Applications for most courses are accepted year-round. It is recommended that international students submit their applications at least three months before the semester start date to ensure ample time for processing.   

 

The University of Technology Sydney 

Next Intake: February/March 2023 (Autumn Session) 

Application deadline: 30 April 2023 (Spring Session) 

Applications are now closed for Autumn Session but applications are currently being accepted for Spring Session (July Intake). 

Don’t let your students miss out on the chance to attend some of the world’s leading institutions, where they’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities, top-notch faculty, and an enriching cultural experience. 

 

There’s no disputing the popularity of Australia as a destination for international students. After re-opening its borders for international education back in 2021, students from all across the world have been flying over to the Land Down Under to get their degrees. Home to an abundance of prestigious universities, the country has a very well-established education industry, and some commentators are now suggesting that it might soon overtake the United Kingdom as the world’s second most sought after study destination. 

 

Equally undeniable is the key role that post-study work rights (PSWR) visas play in these students’ decisions to choose Australia as their study destination. By recently introducing a more comprehensive PSWR visa program for graduating international students, Australia successfully enhanced its own attractiveness as a study destination, creating the expectation among international students that meaningful and relevant employment awaits. 

 

Evidence clearly shows that PSWR is among the most critical factors that impact the decisions of international students deciding to study in Australia; to be exact, more than three-quarters of respondents in the International Student Survey 2018 stated that the opportunities to work in the country after study were an important influencing factor in their decision-making. 

 

Grant rates for post-study work visas are very high in Australia. But of course, international students shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that every single one of them who graduates from an Australian university will eventually be able to exercise their post-study work entitlement. On the same note, while it’s true that a degree from an Australian university can open up many great work opportunities for students in the future, they must still be able to demonstrate a range of resources to their employers in order to land a good job after graduation. 

 

Among others, these resources include active self-reflection, adaptability, career goals, cultural competency, cultural confidence, English proficiency, interpersonal skills, interview skills, passions, proactive actions, professional skills, qualification, resilience, social networks, visa status, and work experiences. In her article on the employability of international students in Australia, researcher and PhD candidate Melody Tang from Monash University states that these can be organised into six categories of resources that are essential for international graduates to navigate the labour market in their host country: 

• human (professional knowledge, professional skills)
• cultural (cultural competence)
• social (effective networks)
• identity (professional identity, career aspiration)
• psychological (resilience, flexibility, adaptability); and
• agentic (the capacity to interlink and strategise various resources).

 

Tang pointed out that, on their own, these capitals would not necessarily lead to immediate employment outcomes for international graduates. For example, strong social capital by way of having a broad social network can bring graduates closer to job opportunities, but the job referrals they get from their social networks do not automatically lead to job offers; these graduates are still required to demonstrate and prove their capacities in the official interviews. 

 

However, what these capitals can do is “improve the key wellbeing, sustainability, and professional growth aspects.” Tang found that having strengths in these capitals has been able to help international graduates navigate a range of challenges in the labour markets; graduates with strong social and cultural capitals in their destination country, for example, would find it easier to find job opportunities and adapt to new environments. That being said, the return on investment in education in Australia should not only be measured by immediate job offers or salaries but by a range of qualities that contribute to graduates’ holistic development.

 

If you’re pursuing your higher education in Australia (or if you’re considering doing so), you would do well to work on building on these six capitals to strengthen your prospects of landing a great job in the country after graduation. For more inquiries about studying in Australia and more advice on how to successfully capitalise on its PSWR opportunities to secure sought after jobs, feel free to reach out to our recruitment experts here at GSP.

Every year, thousands of students worldwide fly to Australia to pursue their higher education. The international student community in Australia has always been huge and diverse, but in 2022, the greatest sources of the nation’s international students by far were China and India; from February to October 2022, a total of 173,307 students enrolled from the former, while a total of 121,860 students enrolled from the latter. 

Given the country’s reputation for academic excellence in a wide variety of fields, it’s not hard to see why Australia is such a popular choice. That being said, here are the five most popular courses for international students in Australia in 2023: 

• Business and MBA

  Australia is home to countless higher education institutions that allow students to study different business areas, from accounting and human resources to advertising and sales. A business degree from a renowned Australian university can open up many doors for graduates, largely thanks to how Australian institutions connect their students to an impressive network of leading firms worldwide.

• Society & Culture (Arts and Social Work) programs

  Designed to deepen students’ understanding of the world and the people in it, the Society and Culture programs in Australia are always of great interest to students with a passion for learning about different societies, environments, and cultures. Ultimately, these programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to build a stronger and fairer world.
  
  Two of GSP’s best partner universities in Australia for Society and Culture programs are James Cook University (JCU) and the University of Newcastle. JCU offers two study areas in its Society and Culture cluster: Social Work, and Arts and Social Sciences. The former focuses on deepening students’ understanding of social justice and sustainability, while the latter includes 12 different majors that students can choose from, each offering a unique perspective on humanities and the arts. On the other hand, the University of Newcastle offers courses in 1) Sociology and Anthropology, 2) Social Analysis and Research, and 3) Society and Culture Specialties.

• Commercial Cookery

  With hospitality being one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia, studying commercial cookery is a popular choice amongst international students. This tracks well with Australia’s thriving restaurant scene and expert culinary schools. Students who take up commercial cookery will learn the art, science and craft of cooking for others in a professional setting, abiding by high standards and strict regulations.

• Cybersecurity and IT

  Demand for cybersecurity and IT talent has been accelerating for years as the world becomes increasingly reliant on the internet and tech. Australia’s cyber security industry has a reputation for creating world-class products, thanks to its ideal environment for developing advanced cybersecurity solutions (robust legislation, advanced law enforcement capability, rigorous policy development, etc.). That being said, several of the world’s leading security companies have set up technical operations here, including NEC, Akamai Technologies, and Context Information Security.

• Nursing and Health

  Out of the world’s top 50 institutions that teach nursing as named by the 2022 QS World University Rankings, 11 are from Australia. Nurses and health workers are always in demand in Australia (and across the globe). The fact that people are now living longer than ever before and are thus demanding more healthcare as they age only intensifies the already steep demand for these kinds of professionals.

One more thing you should take note of if you’re considering studying in Australia is that some of these popular programs will enable you to meet the country’s skills shortage. The Australian government released the 2022 Skills Priority List last October 2022,  identifying occupations that are in high demand in Australia. Meeting these skills can allow students the opportunity to stay in Australia after completing their studies. 

Are any of these programs piquing your interest? Contact our recruitment experts at GSP to learn more about these programs and our partner universities in Australia that specialise in your field of interest.