Students rank Deakin top of the class

Second year nursing students, Kirsten Templar, Hayley Dowell, Amy Chamings and Lanta Clark in the clinical simulation centre at Deakin University's Waterfront campus. Photo: SUPPLIED

DEAKIN University’s nursing and midwifery students have voted their university experience the best in Victoria for a second year running.

Results from the annual Student Experience Survey revealed students voted Deakin number one in five of six categories including overall experience, teaching quality, learning resources, student support, skills development.

The Student Experience Survey is the largest survey of current higher education students in Australia.

It is one of the Quality Indicators for Learning Teaching (QILT) surveys funded by the Australian Government and involves Australia’s 42 universities and about 90 non-university providers.

Deakin University Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery Professor Nikki Phillips said the results were a reflection of the outstanding work of academics, professionals and clinical staff.

“This data tells us that from a student experience perspective we are exceptional.

“This is terrific acknowledgment of the effort made to ensure a great overall student experience, with high quality teaching and learning resources, from online work to the hands-on learning opportunities in our simulation centres.

“Not only do our students have a great experience while they are studying, but they are also highly regarded by our clinical partners across the state.

“More than 50 health services support our students for their placement opportunities, and we receive fantastic feedback from our partners. They tell us our undergraduate students are highly regarded.”

Professor Phillips said the QILT graduate outcome surveys also ranked Deakin’s graduate nurses and midwives highly.

“Our employability is also ranked number one in the state which is a very positive outcome for our students.

“Our clinical partners value our students, and our graduates are equally highly sought after.”

Those in the Greater Geelong community interested in learning more about Deakin’s nursing and midwifery curriculum are encouraged to attend the Deakin Open Day at the Geelong Waterfront campus on Sunday, August 20.