(Image of the Bendigo TAFE nursing student)

Regional communities are set to benefit from a major boost in local healthcare training as Bendigo TAFE launches new nursing courses in partnership with local healthcare providers, expanding opportunities for people to study closer to home.

The Diploma of Nursing is now available at Castlemaine, delivered at the Learning Hub in partnership with Dhelkaya Health and in Echuca in collaboration with Echuca Regional Health.

This program allows students to complete their training and clinical placements locally, making it easier for people to begin their nursing career without needing to relocate/

The Diploma of Nursing has also been introduced at Bendigo TAFE's Echuca campus, providing another local option for students who want to train in their own community. The program is supported by Echuca Regional Health, including access to the hospital's simulation space for practical learning, helping build a stronger training network across central and northern Victoria.

(Image of the Bendigo TAFE Echuca campus)

Together, these two new courses and partnerships are creating more pathways for local students while helping regional health services grow the workforce they urgently need.

The expansion of local nurse training is a practical step toward strengthening healthcare services and ensuring regional Victorians have access to skiled, locally trained professionals. As a Free TAFE* course, the Diploma of Nursing also supports students to train for in-demand health and care roles without the cost of tuition fees.

The introduction of the Diploma of Nursing at Echuca and Castlemaine expands Bendigo TAFE's existing program offered at the Bendigo City campus and Maryborough District Health Service, bringing the total to four regional locations.

Enrolments for the April intake are now open for the Diploma of Nursing at the Echuca and Castlemaine campuses: https://www.bendigotafe.edu.au/courses/department/health-and-community/diploma-of-nursing-20794 

*Some or all of this training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Free TAFE on selected courses only. Eligibility criteria apply. Tuition is free. Other fees and charges, including materials and consumables may apply. Visit freetafe.gov.au

Quote attributable to Bendigo TAFE CEO Laura Macpherson:

"Bendigo TAFE is making it easier for people to build a nursing career locally, with enrolments now open at the new Learning Hub in Castlemaine, in partnership with Dhelkaya Health and also in Echuca."

"Training close to home is a gamechanger for regional communities, giving more locals the opportunity to get qualified and build a career where they live."