50 years of nursing education at La Trobe

LA Trobe University’s Bendigo and Bundoora campuses have toasted half a century of nursing education, highlighting the institution’s teaching innovations, extensive research, and investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the university had built a proud history of educating passionate and dedicated nurses after establishing the first nursing pre-registration diploma program in Australia in 1974.

“Fifty years later, we continue to prepare the next generation of nurses, both in the city and in the regions,” he said.

“Our alumni, whether new or seasoned in their careers, continue to achieve incredible feats within their/the profession.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health Innovation (Regional) and Dean of La Trobe’s Rural Health School, Bendigo-based Professor Jane Mills, said the growth in research output and an $86 million investment in clinical simulation facilities spoke towards the university’s commitment to nursing education and the communities it serves.

“Our new and planned nursing and midwifery laboratories across Victorian campuses will give our students the very best environment to learn and succeed,” she said.

“No matter where you are in your career journey, we offer a range of short courses to support professional development or facilitate re-entry in the field.”

“It’s an honour to help prepare the next generation of rural and regional nurses, and to know that we are building an incredible body of evidence to guide our education and, ultimately, improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

The Bendigo campus recently marked the occasion by hosting a celebration with nursing staff, alumni, students and community members.