School of Nursing & Midwifery

  About the School  > Strategic directions

The School of Nursing & Midwifery was established in 1975. It was one of three schools in Australia to first offer nursing education in the tertiary sector. The School is one of the two-discipline academic units within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Approximately 47 (full-time equivalent) academic staff and 26 (full-time equivalent) administrative and technical staff care for the learning needs of over 1135 (full-time equivalent) students.

The School offers undergraduate programs (at bachelors and honours levels) in nursing and midwifery, and a combined degree in health sciences and nursing; postgraduate programs in nursing and midwifery; and continuing education courses that enable professionals to keep up to date with new developments in terms of knowledge and skills in their area of specialisation.

The School has an excellent reputation for innovation in education, research and practice. The research profile of the School in nursing, nurse education, midwifery, women's health, mental health, diabetes education, alcohol and other drugs studies and new interdisciplinary health care has attracted significant research funds and teaching-based project funds.

Continuing innovations in education and practice include establishing Dedicated Education Units to manage undergraduate and postgraduate clinical education in partnership with health agencies; offering the first undergraduate direct entry Bachelor of Midwifery program; and establishing a twinning Bachelor of Nursing program with Bjorknes Privatskole in Norway.

An essential feature of teaching practice within the School is the placement of students in a variety of clinical practice settings, including remote areas, where they have the opportunity to develop particular clinical skills. The School has a large number of affiliations with hospitals and health agencies in South Australia and other Australian states and territories.

Cross-cultural experience in nursing and midwifery is valued highly. The School welcomes international students from around the world. International study provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills, together with cultural awareness, and prepares them for work in an increasingly global community. International students study both on campus in Adelaide and in their home countries through our flexible learning programs, using the internet and printed materials.

Today the School is one of Australia's leading nurse and midwife education institutions. Students value the Flinders program because of its high quality, accessibility and flexibility. Qualifications from Flinders are internationally recognised and highly regarded.