Entry requirements in nursing: Results from a national survey of nurse academics on entry requirements in Australian bachelor of nursing programs

Abstract Background Entrance requirements for undergraduate nursing programs have been under government scrutiny in recent times. To date, no Australia studies have reported nurse academics' perspectives of entry requirements for Bachelor of Nursing programs. Study aim The aim of this study is to examine nursing academics' perceptions of entry requirements for Australian Bachelor of Nursing Programs. Methods A total of 223 nurse academics responded to questions in an online national survey on pre-requisite subject areas, minimum tertiary entrance scores, English proficiency, and inherent requirements for clinical practice. Findings English, Maths and Science were seen as important pre-requisite subject areas for students commencing a Bachelor of Nursing Program. Nurse academics believed that increasing the tertiary entrance score and English proficiency, was necessary to increase entrance standards and that a minimum score be consistently applied across universities. There were mixed views as to the disclosure of inherent requirements by students. Conclusion Nationally, dialogue needs to occur about how universities can apply a consistent approach to ensure that the necessary foundation skills, knowledge and abilities are in place prior to admission into programs.