If you’re passionate about helping others and want a career that truly makes a difference, studying Nursing at SIT could be your next step.

SIT’s School of Nursing has been training healthcare professionals since 1978 — with over 2,700 graduates contributing to the workforce and supporting communities across New Zealand.

Your Pathway into Nursing and Healthcare

One of the great things about studying Nursing and Health Science at SIT is that there isn’t just one starting point. Whether you’re ready to begin a nursing degree, want to build your academic confidence first, or are looking to upskill within the health sector, there are options to match your goals.

⇨ Start with a Health Pathway Programme

Not quite ready to jump straight into nursing? SIT offers two Health Pathway programmes designed to act as a bridging step into further health and nursing study, helping students build confidence, academic skills, and foundational health-science knowledge before progressing into higher-level qualifications.

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) – Health Pathway

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Nursing, Health and Applied Science Pathway

Available both through SIT Online and on campus in Invercargill. These programmes help students develop the academic skills, confidence, and health-science knowledge needed for further study and careers in the health sector.

⇨ Become an Enrolled Nurse

The New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing provides a direct route into the healthcare workforce. Enrolled Nurses work as part of healthcare teams in hospitals, aged care facilities, community services, and primary healthcare settings, providing essential care and support to patients.

For students who want to enter the profession sooner while gaining valuable clinical experience, this can be an excellent first step toward a long-term healthcare career. Enrolled nurses provide an essential service, undertaking specific tasks under the supervision of others.

⇨ Train to Become a Registered Nurse

The Bachelor of Nursing is a three-year degree that prepares graduates to become Registered Nurses. Students combine classroom learning with extensive clinical placements across Southland and Otago, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of real healthcare environments.

Throughout the programme, students learn about:

• Primary health care

• Acute and chronic care

• Mental health nursing

• Medical and surgical nursing

• Emergency nursing care

• Health promotion and disease prevention

• Evidence-based practice

• Culturally safe healthcare delivery

The programme is designed to develop compassionate, work-ready nurses capable of supporting individuals, whānau, and communities across a wide range of healthcare settings. Registered nurses have the ability to work independently, supervise others and fill a broad range of medical services.

⇨ Continue into Advanced Practice

For those looking to further their expertise, SIT also offers postgraduate study opportunities including:

• Postgraduate Certificate in the Art and Science of Health Care

• Postgraduate Diploma in the Art and Science of Health Care

• Master of Nursing Science

These qualifications allow healthcare professionals to deepen their clinical knowledge, expand leadership capabilities, and continue their professional development. These advancements allow registered nurses to build deep expertise in a selected area of healthcare, leadership, or training and move into advance practice roles.

A Career with Endless Possibilities

Nursing is a profession that can take you almost anywhere. Graduates may work in hospitals, community health services, primary care, aged care, mental health, occupational health, military health services, and many other areas. With nurses in demand throughout New Zealand and around the world, the skills developed at SIT can open doors to a wide range of opportunities.

Train in Realistic, Future-Focused Facilities

From foundation learners and Enrolled Nurses to Bachelor and postgraduate students, SIT’s investment in modern simulation and clinical training facilities supports learners at every stage of their healthcare journey.

In 2026 SIT has invested $500,000 into upgrading the School of Nursing clinical & simulation suites. Giving students access to modern, industry-relevant training environments.

Students now benefit from:

• Expanded clinical ward capacity

• High-tech simulation suites

• Advanced patient mannequins and VR/AR learning tools

• Real-world equipment like cardiac monitors, PCA pumps, and defibrillators

• Interactive training for IV therapy, CPR, wound care, and more

This hands-on environment helps prepare you for real clinical situations with confidence.

Be Part of Something New

SIT’s recent investment in nursing education reflects a commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals with industry-relevant skills and experience.

To celebrate these exciting developments, SIT will be officially opening its upgraded nursing facilities & welcoming the community to experience the new learning environments firsthand in our Invercargill campus.

• 25 Years of Zero Fees celebration: 9 July 2026

• Community Showcase & Official Opening: 16 July 2026

It’s an exciting time to explore Nursing at SIT and see these new facilities in action.

Zero Fees* = Focus on What Matters

With SIT’s Zero Fees Scheme, you can focus on gaining skills, building confidence, and preparing for your future – without the pressure of large student debt.

Explore your study options with SIT or reach out to learn more.

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