Kickstart Your Career in Healthcare – Stay Connected to Country & Community

Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person looking for a rewarding career in healthcare while staying close to home? 

The Western Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing Future Program is your opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining the skills and qualifications needed to become an Enrolled Nurse—all while receiving cultural and professional support in your community.

Healthcare services in Western Queensland urgently need more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses to help care for local communities. This program is designed to remove barriers that often make it hard to enter or complete training, such as financial pressures or the need to relocate. 

With this flexible, hands-on training model, you’ll gain real experience and receive a wage while you study. 

We are looking for 8 dedicated participants—5 in the South West Region and 3 in the North West Region—to start between now and April 2025.

If you want to make a difference and help improve healthcare in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information, please refer to the FAQ's section below, or contact wq_admin@wqphn.com.au (Subject: Western Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing Future Program).

WQPHN, our partners and contractors are committed to handling your information in accordance with Australian privacy laws. Our privacy statement sets out how we securely collect, transfer, store and disclose only the essential information required to perform our services. Should you choose not to provide the information requested, we may not be able to accurately review your application. You can request a copy, update your details or change your mind at any time to  opt-out from providing this information.

There is a shortage of people with health qualifications working in Western Queensland. Nursing is the largest single health profession and there is always a need for qualified nurses in our communities. 

We are looking for dedicated and passionate individuals committed to providing culturally safe care and making a lasting impact in their communities. How do your passions, goals and dreams align to this program? 

Once you submit your Expression of Interest, WQPHN will review your application and reach out to discuss the opportunity further. Please keep your phone close and check your emails so you don’t miss any important updates.

The EOI process closes Friday the 14th March 2025, so if you know someone who might be interested, please share this opportunity with your friends and family.

We look forward to connecting with you soon!

1. What is the Western Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing Futures Program?

This program is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in community to complete a Diploma of Nursing through TAFE. It follows a flexible, hands-on training model, allowing participants to earn while they learn—receiving a wage while studying. The program also provides IT equipment, cultural support, and professional mentoring to ensure student success.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

This program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who:

✔ Live in Western Queensland (South West or North West regions)

✔ Are interested in completing a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)  through TAFE

✔ Are committed to working as a nurse upon successful completion of the program

3. How many places are available?

There are 8 positions available, with 5 places in the South West Region and 3 in the North West Region.

4. When does the program start?

Study will commence in April 2025.

5. What do I need to apply?

Once you have submitted your expression of interest and conduct an initial interview, we will support you to:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) assessment before enrolment, achieving at least Exit Level 3 (working at Level 4) in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) for both language and numeracy.

• Provide proof of Australian citizenship (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, or another accepted form of identification).
  

6. Do I need previous healthcare experience?

No previous healthcare experience is required, however, if you do have healthcare experience, you are still eligible to apply. The program is designed to support entry into the nursing profession through structured training, hands-on learning, and professional support.

7. Will I receive financial support during my studies?

Yes! This is an earn-while-you-learn program, meaning participants will receive a wage while they study to help support them throughout their training. Specific renumeration details will be provided throughout the process. 

8. What support will be available during the program?

Generally participants will have access to:

• Fee free TAFE Course

• IT equipment to support their studies, plus assistance with travel, accommodation and expenses in required study blocks

• Cultural support and mentoring to ensure a positive learning experience

• Professional guidance and clinical training to develop skills for a successful nursing career

9. Who would I be employed by? 

Successful applicants will be employed by your local Queensland Health and Hospital Service - either the South West Health and Hospital Service or the North West Health and Hospital Service while they complete the Diploma of Nursing.

10. How can I apply?

Please submit an Expression of Interest using this form. 

For further information or assistance with your application, please contact us at wq_admin@wqphn.com.au.

We encourage all eligible applicants to apply and take the first step towards a rewarding career in nursing!

11. How long will I be studying, and what is the commitment per week?

The Diploma of Nursing program runs for 18 months. Participants should expect a full-time commitment of workload and study, which includes:

• Structured learning and theory-based study

• Practical, hands-on training

• Clinical placements to gain real-world nursing experience

This full-time commitment ensures participants receive the skills and experience needed to transition into a nursing role upon completion.