Enrolled Nursing Cadetship
Applications closed for 2025 intake
What does the program involve?
- Up to 18 months paid employment for two days per week as an Assistant in Nursing
- Up to 21 months’ study of Diploma of Nursing HLT54121
Two days paid employment and approximately 25 hours’ study per week equates to a full-time commitment
Combined employment and study provides excellent learning opportunities with practical clinical experience and skills gained from working in a hospital environment.
Click here to hear from one of our previous EN Cadets about the program.
Where will positions be located?
There will be cadetships available in each regional Local Health Network and the location will be negotiated with the successful applicants.
Who can apply?
This program provides opportunities to study and work in rural and regional hospitals in South Australia.
Applications are open to anyone who:
- has applied and been offered a place with a TAFE SA regional campus, to commence the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121); OR
- is currently studying the Diploma of Nursing with a TAFE SA regional campus.
TAFE SA regional campuses:
- Barossa Valley (Nuriootpa)
- Mount Barker
- Mount Gambier
- Port Pirie
- Whyalla
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply through our EN Cadetship targeted recruitment process.
How do I apply?
To be considered for an EN Cadet position, applicants must have applied through SATAC to commence studying the Diploma of Nursing, or currently studying the Diploma of Nursing at a TAFE SA Regional campus.
Only those who have been accepted to commence studying, or currently studying, with TAFE SA in Diploma of Nursing at a regional campus will be eligible for a position under this program.
You will need a resume, cover letter, contact details for two referees and evidence of your TAFE SA enrolment.
Intakes for the regional Enrolled Nurse Cadet program are advertised on the SA Health Careers website
Steps you need to take if you have not already applied to study the Diploma of Nursing:
- Submit your application to study TAFE SA’s Diploma of Nursing at a regional campus (full time student) as soon as possible through SATAC-TAFE SA applications website.
- Meet Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s English language skills registration standards.
- Demonstrate reading, writing and numeracy skills by undertaking the Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA). You must meet the levels required to be eligible for an offer from TAFE SA.
What does the Study involve?
The study mode enables you to complete theory components at home, in your own time.
Two days in a clinical environment provides you with assistance, support, better skills and understanding. This is also your clinical placement component of the course.
Students at Mount Gambier, Port Pirie and Whyalla campuses
You will be required to attend campus for practical learning and clinical skills assessments in block weeks.
Students at Barossa Valley, Mount Barker campuses
You will be required to attend campus 1-2 days per week.
These modes allow you to plan work and home life around study commitments.
Online learning is supported through online classrooms, email, phone contact, tutorials, video-conference sessions, tele-link sessions, discussion forums, chat groups, informal study groups, and the use of 3D interactive NurseSim.
You must maintain a consistent study pace of approximately 25 hours per week, pass required units and take responsibility for keeping up to date with any study plans as well as meeting all the conditions of your employment.
There is a compulsory orientation, 2 days online and 1 day on-campus at TAFE SA Campus. Manual Handling (one day) and Provide First Aid (one day) options may also be made available. Information is listed on the website under ‘Important Information’ Diploma of Nursing - TAFE SA.
What will it cost?
Course costs are the responsibility of the EN cadet.
TAFE SA does not require full upfront payment - students can pay for one semester at a time, or unit by unit. VET Student Loans may be available for those eligible.
TAFE SA provide a list of recommended texts - these will be discussed at orientation
Cadets are responsible their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
What support is available?
SA Health provides workplace learning, support and supervision.
TAFE SA allocates students individual support from a contact lecturer and the opportunity to interact with facilitating lecturers across South Australia for specialised units of competence.
What do you gain?
When you complete this study, you will be a fully qualified Enrolled Nurse with multiple career opportunities.
What is expected of successful applicants?
- Maintain a consistent study pace of approximately 25 hours per week for the duration of the program, pass required units, take responsibility for keeping up to date with any study plans, and seek assistance as required.
- Undertake a range of assessment tasks including: short answer questions, multiple choice, case studies, scenarios, and essays, virtual simulations, clinical and practical experiences. The process, method and timing of assessments are explained at the beginning of your study.
- Meet pre-employment requirements by obtaining a satisfactory Criminal History Clearance.
- Be willing to meet Immunisation Guidelines for Health Care Workers in South Australia.
- Comply with all regional LHN policies and procedures including Mandatory Training and Performance Development and Review requirements
Who can I contact if I need more information?
Sharon Lewis
Workforce Strategist
Rural Support Service
Phone: 0448 872 555
Email: health.rssworkforcestrategist@sa.gov.au
Jacqui Merkel
Lecturer
Enrolled Nursing TAFE SA
Phone: 08 8633 9472