Level 7

Study for a degree in nursing and help improve Pasifika health

Become a registered nurse with unique skills to support and enhance Pacific health. This programme has a strong emphasis on cultural-identity and connections to Pacific and nursing world-views.

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  • Qualification

    Bachelor of Nursing Pacific (Level 7)
    Programme code: MN4512

  • Credits

    360

  • Locations

    MIT Manukau

  • Domestic fees

    $7,300 (approx.)* per year

  • International fees

    NZD$28,000 per year (approx.)*

  • Free* study

    Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:

    First year free

Overview

Programme highlights

Become a registered nurse with unique skills to support and enhance Pacific health.

This programme has a strong emphasis on cultural-identity and connections to Pacific and nursing world-views. Pacific ways of knowing and learning are woven throughout this programme giving you the practical healthcare skills and hands-on clinical experience to work within your community.

Smaller class sizes encourage a sense of family, aiga (Samoan), kopu tangata (Cook Islands), kāinga (Tongan), magafaoa (Niuean), matavuvale (Fijian) and kāiga (Tokelau, Tuvalu) and contributes to life-long connections.

Pacific leaders, communities and organisations work collaboratively with MIT to enable you to form relationships with those in the health sector.

When you graduate, you'll be ready to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Examination and apply for registration as a registered nurse in New Zealand.

Māori and Pasifika pathways

If you are of Māori or Pasifika descent then you also have access to Te Ara Oranga while studying this programme.

Te Ara Oranga will support you to succeed in a way that suits your needs and you will get connected with industry, opening doors to your health career pathway.

Learn more

Please note: Although the Government vaccine mandate for health and disability workers ended on 11:59pm 26 September 2022, some employers can still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Placement is a compulsory component of MIT’s healthcare programmes. To go on placement in this sector, students will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to MIT. Students that hold a medical exemption that prevents them from being vaccinated are permitted to work in the healthcare sector, but will have limited placement opportunities in that sector. Students that are not vaccinated, or that do not wish to share their vaccination status with MIT, may not be able to go on placement in the healthcare sector. If you hold a medical exemption, or if you are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination to MIT, your placement opportunities will accordingly be limited and MIT cannot guarantee availability with placement providers.  If this applies to you, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to complete the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific?

The programme is three years of full-time study and must be completed within 5 years

When can I start?

There is one intake per year in February at the MIT Manukau, contact us on 09 968 8736.

What are the course hours?

When you are in theory, lectures and tutorials are generally scheduled between 8am and 5pm, these notional hours will include self-directed learning activities to complete in your own time. When you are on clinical placement, the hours vary considerably.

Will I have to do shift work when on clinical placement?

You are required to be able to manage your personal responsibilities so you can undertake the different start and finish times for clinical placements. Shift and start times will vary according to the organisation however morning shifts start around 7am until 3.30pm and afternoon shifts are approximately 1pm – 9.30pm (this may vary). When you are completing your clinical experience as a transition student, prior to finishing the degree, you will have the opportunity to work the same shift as your preceptor which may include night shifts and weekends.

Where will I go for my clinical experience and do I have to provide my own transport?

Students have clinical placements in the greater Auckland area extending from Pukekohe/Waiuku to Central and West Auckland. Areas outside of this would be negotiated with you. Students must be able to travel independently to all of their clinical placements.

Do I need to have a full driver’s licence?

It is recommended that you have at least a restricted licence as you need to travel independently to all of the clinical placements. Some placements may require a full licence as you may be required to drive a vehicle with passengers.

I am an enrolled nurse. What credit will I get for this?

Credit will be individualised depending on when you completed the Enrolled Nurse Diploma so a process of recognition of prior learning process will need to be undertaken.  You can discuss this on application.

I have not studied for many years, can I still apply?

We welcome your application and we can work with you through the range of options in order to plan your pathway to registration as a nurse. There are a range of options available for you if you don’t initially meet the entry criteria. Currently, entry criteria is university entrance or through foundation education for students over 20 years of age.

What support is available for students?

We have a wide range of support services for students. These include learning assistance, childcare centre, library facilities, disability services, language support, Kaiāwhina, Māori and Pacific support and counselling and health services.

How much does the course cost?

Course fees are set each year, please follow the link for current fee information. In addition to this students are required to purchase textbooks, uniforms, badge, clinical equipment and other items such as stationery or electronic devices as well as your registration for the final State Exam.

Are there any scholarships available?

MIT produces a booklet outlining scholarships and grants available and staff pass information on to students as it becomes available.

Who can I talk to gain more information?

Feel free to contact us on 09 968 8736 to speak to one of the admin team initially and an appointment can be made for you to meet with the relevant programme staff.

Do you have the course available part-time, and what are the hours and how flexible are these?

Part-time study may be an option, special conditions apply. Please contact the School of Nursing on 09 968 8736 to speak to one of the admin team initially and an appointment can be made for you to meet with the relevant programme staff.

If my IELTS score is not 6.5 in all bands, can I still enter the programme?

The results of the English language test need to be 6.5 in all bands. Applicants can re-sit the test and focus on the bands they did not achieve. An English language assessment is required of anyone whose schooling was not in New Zealand even if the medium of teaching was in English. The exception is for applicants who schooled in Australia or applicants who have completed at least 3 years of secondary education in New Zealand and who have achieved the literacy credits for UE.

I have been a caregiver for quite some time, does this qualify me for entry?

Having caregiving experience won’t qualify an applicant for entry to a nursing degree programme, however we can assist you to work out a pathway to entry.

What are the holiday periods? Do they coincide with national school holidays?

The programme often has holidays that coincide with school holidays in the first year however after that students frequently do not have school holidays.

Are uniforms and books included in the fees?

Uniforms, badge, clinical equipment and books are not included and there are other items that need to be purchased including an electronic device. The Programme Administrators can give you a more detailed list of items and costs.  Other costs will include transport and parking for example when on clinical placement.

Specific information for students applying from the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation:

Why do I need English language testing if I have passed courses in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation?

They are testing two different things. The programme covers a range of content and skills to ensure you are fully prepared to study at degree level and the English language assessments, (IELTS) test English language proficiency. The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) requires all registered nurses who have not done their schooling in either New Zealand or Australia to provide evidence of English language proficiency at 7.0 minimum in all bands.  We assume that as you will be studying in English, your scores will increase over the three-year degree so we will accept a minimum of 6.5 in all bands.

Why do I need an English language assessment if all my schooling was in English?

As above, if your schooling was in either New Zealand or Australia and you meet literacy for University Entrance you will have evidence of your ability to study a degree in an English language medium.

How do I prepare for IELTS?

Once you have booked with MIT you receive access to 30 hours free online training.

What if my IELTS result is not ready in time?

You should inform us of the test date and the expected date of your results and we may be able to offer you an opportunity to attend orientation while we await your results. There is no offer of a place at this stage and this would only be available to applicants who had actioned the request for an English test within an appropriate timeframe. You are encouraged to action any request for additional information as soon as possible.

What if I haven’t got 6.5 in all bands?

As 6.5 in all bands is the minimum for entry you will not be considered to have met entry requirements.

Am I guaranteed entry to the BNP if I have B grades from New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation?

You may be offered a place subject to a B grade or higher, suitable references and available places. We would accept applicants from a list that is in order of application date. Therefore, the sooner you apply the better your chances of getting into the next intake. We do try to accommodate all successful students, however, sometimes the demand for places on the BN exceeds available places and you may be offered a place on the next available intake. If a place does become available you may be contacted to see if you would like the earlier place.

What if I don’t get a B grade in all courses and why do I need a minimum B grade for entry?

As a B grade or higher in all 4 compulsory Level 4 subjects is the minimum for entry, you will not be considered to have met entry requirements.  A degree begins at level 5 and finishes at level 7.   It is important that you are well prepared as it is an intensive programme of study that requires a sound knowledge base to be adequately prepared and to enhance your chances of being successful.

If I applied to the BNP and was referred to the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation programme, do I have to reapply (and do I need more referee reports)?

We can hold your application for one semester.  If you are required to study for more than one semester we will require a new application unless overall you are still within one year of first applying for the programme.

If I am studying the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation do I have to apply to the BN– and when should I do that – and who can be a referee?

Apply early in your programme. You will require one reference from a lecturer and no reference can be over one year old when you start in the BNP so you may need new references. Your other referee should meet the requirements stated on the application form.

Which programme should I apply for - the BN or the BNP - and should I try for the Diploma in Enrolled nursing course as well?

Check the programme descriptions and get a sense of which one will allow you to meet your own personal aspirations. You can make an appointment to talk to a staff member if you are unsure about programme selection. Each course above has been accredited and approved and therefore the most appropriate programme is a matter of personal choice for the applicant along with the appropriate entry criteria.

See why more people choose nursing pacific at MIT.
“There’s always going to be a need for nurses."
"I draw my motivation from my own family."
"I graduated feeling well prepared to enter the workforce.”
Meet Karen, one of our lecturers.
"My passion is to have a Pacific health model that will help my people."
"This morning I was saving someone’s life."

“I’ve found that giving forward is the best way to go. There’s always going to be a need for nurses and what’s a better way to help our Pacific people. A lot of our Pacific people don’t have a good understanding of health literacy. Being a nursing student and working part-time as a health care assistant I am able to help change this."

Sapphire Satele
MIT student

"I enjoy talking to people and connecting with people and when you get into nursing you have opportunities to do these things. I draw my motivation from my own family and wanting to give them the best care possible. One of the main things about being able to care for our people is allowing them to live in that space and be themselves in that space. Studies have proven that a person gets better quicker when you are able to look after them holistically. So you’re looking at the person as a whole and not just the condition."

Pauline Niu
MIT student

“MIT is a great place to study. From the first moment I arrived, I felt welcome and like part of a big family. The small classes, great resources and support from our amazing lecturers kept me on track. They were always available when we needed help. The practical skills I learnt at MIT gave me confidence during my placements and I graduated feeling well prepared to enter the workforce.”

Fono McFarland
MIT graduate

“It was such a privilege to be in the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific. For me and who I am as a person, I was able to come in and meet people I could relate to with the same background, same values and same believes. They helped push me through my degree when I felt like I needed that push."

Susana Gaiana
MIT student

“Having a profession where you can show your family that this is what I do, I think that’s really important for us. This morning I was saving someone’s life and at 3 o'clock, now I’m at home playing with my girls outside kicking a ball. That’s the sort of stuff money can’t buy and that’s the sort of stuff you get being a health professional."

Sonny Te Wao
MIT student

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

University entrance

NCEA Level 3

  • Three subjects - at Level 3 or above, made up of:
    • 14 credits each, in three approved subjects.
  • Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
    • 5 credits in reading;
    • 5 credits in writing.
  • Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • Achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects; or
    • Unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required; and
  • A minimum of 12 credits at NQF Level 2 or higher from the subjects listed below:
    • Biology;
    • Chemistry;
    • Physics;
    • Science;

OR

NCEA Level 2

  • Applicants must hold at least 80 credits at NCEA Level 2, of which 40 credits must be at merit or excellence.
  • Of the 80 NCEA Level 2 credits, students must have gained;
  • A minimum of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing in English or Te Reo Māori; and
  • A minimum of 12 credits from the subjects listed below:
    • Biology;
    • Chemistry;
    • Physics;
    • Science; and
  • A minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics;

OR

  • Applicants who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Career and Study Preparation (Nursing Studies) who achieve a B grade or higher in all subjects will be offered a place on the BNP programme subject to referee reports and available places. Students who did not achieve B grades  or higher will be considered on an individual basis by the HOS;

OR

  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate a mature approach to study; ability to pass a science diagnostic test; the ability to manage their time; ability to seek support; a strong motivation to work in the Health Sector; the ability to read and write at the level required for degree-level study. The above attributes will be assessed through information session; and
  • Have English language competence to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.5) or equivalent.

Equivalence will be considered by a case by case basis demonstrated by evidence of having completed 3 years of secondary education, or tertiary study in New Zealand at a diploma or degree level.

General requirements
  • Each applicant is required to submit the names of at least two referees who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation and is likely to be a ‘fit and proper’ person to register as a Registered Nurse. Relatives may not be used as referees. Referees must have known the applicant for at least two years.
  • The applicant’s level of health shall be such that it is possible to achieve the competencies required for the registration as a nurse. A health declaration is required and further reports may be requested with the consent of the applicant. Immune status must be provided for the specified diseases/conditions as determined by the School from time to time.
  • Applicants are required to declare all criminal or pending criminal convictions with enrolment. Police screening is required for all applicants. In cases where a previous criminal conviction has been reported, applicants will be interviewed by the Director of Nursing of School and their prospects of gaining registration upon successful completion of the programme will be outlined.
English language entry requirements

International students are required to meet the minimum English language requirements for this level programme as detailed on the following NZQA webpages:http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

AND

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/programme-approval-and-accreditation/8/18/

Any applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no score of below 6.5) or equivalence.

Exceptions

Applicants who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements may be eligible to be enrolled in exceptional circumstances. Such decisions will be made by the appropriate Director of Nursing and will be determined on a case by case basis.

Provisional entry

Students who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme or training scheme may be eligible to be enrolled. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School. Students who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements may also be eligible to be enrolled in exceptional circumstances where they can demonstrate capability for study at the required level. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School.

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Programme structure

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below 13 courses (360 credits):

Level 5

722.532 Health and wellness (15 credits)

You will explore, develop and understand Pacific worldviews in relation to individual, family and community health and wellbeing, and nursing practice.

722.533 Sciences for nurses 1 (15 credits)

This course will lay the foundations of scientific knowledge required for future nursing practice.

722.536 Introduction to pharmacology (15 credits)

Introduces you to pharmacological concepts of nursing practice as underpinned by Pacific worldviews.

722.537 Science for nurses 2 (15 credits)

This course continues the development of the scientific knowledge required for future nursing practice.

722.545 Self-identity and Pacific worldviews (30 credits)

Enables you to be grounded in your own cultural identity and to explore your unique relationship between Pacific people and Tangata Whenua within the context of traditional and contemporary Nursing practice.

722.546 Introduction to nursing practice (30 credits)

This course will introduce the philosophy and principles of nursing practice as underpinned by Pacific worldviews.

Level 6

722.657 Nursing with an in-patient focus (45 credits)

This course will integrate cultural, clinical and theoretical components into nursing practice. It is designed to extend their practice within an inpatient setting, incorporating Pacific worldviews.

722.658 Nursing with a mental health focus (45 credits)

This course integrates cultural, clinical and theoretical components into nursing practice.  It is designed to extend your practice with a mental health focus, incorporating Pacific worldviews.

722.659 Professional practice (15 credits)

This course will develop your role as a professional practice nurse incorporating Pacific worldviews, evidence-based research skills, legal and ethical nursing practice frameworks.

722.660 Nursing with a community focus (45 credits)

This course will integrate cultural, clinical and theoretical components into nursing practice. It is designed to extend your practice within a community setting, incorporating Pacific worldviews.

Level 7

722.798 Hauora Māori (15 credits)

This course is designed to promote the nature of inclusiveness through the correlation of both Māori and Pacific worldviews, acknowledging Māori as Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand framed within the context of Nursing Practice.

722.799 Pacific health priorities (15 credits)

This course will promote the nature of inclusiveness through the correlation of both Pacific and Māori worldviews, framed within the context of Nursing Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

726.701 Focussed experience and transition to practice (60 credits)

This course will integrate previous learning and extend your experience in a focused area of clinical practice and prepare you to make an effective transition from student to the role of the registered nurse.

Careers and pathways

Career opportunities

A broad range of career options as a registered nurse with specialised skills in Pacific health care. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Your work experience or previous tertiary study may count towards achieving your qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at MIT is designed for those who already have on-the-job skills and knowledge, but want to take their career to the next level with a qualification.

With RPL we can measure and match your existing skills against credits in our courses – creating a tailored path of study that will not only save you money but also help you to complete your qualification faster. Learn more.

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Recognition of prior learning

Free* study

Scholarships

*Fee includes some resource costs.

Free study for the first year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the government’s fees-free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.

Information is correct as at 1 March 2023. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2023 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2023 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2023 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2023 are based on the 2022 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2023. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pukenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.

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