Faculty Introduction

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) prepares highly qualified graduates in the areas of nursing, midwifery, exercise science, paramedicine and physiotherapy. We are the largest provider of graduate nurses in Australia, an accomplishment that comes from our dedication to research and education specific to the disciplines of health sciences.

In response to the growing need and demand for a flexible and responsive health workforce across Australia, the Faculty of Health Sciences has introduced a variety of new courses to ACU. The introduction of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at our Brisbane campus in 2010 was an exceptional achievement and interest in the course at our North Sydney campus, which will commence this year, has been well received by local schools and non-recent school leaver enquiries. The Faculty also plans to introduce Occupational Therapy and Paramedicine to our Melbourne campus in 2012.

ACU is a truly national university with Faculty of Health Sciences staff located across six campuses: a School of Nursing in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory; Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Queensland and Victoria; a National School of Exercise Science; and most recently a National School of Physiotherapy.

The courses on offer within the Faculty of Health Sciences focus on health outcomes and include undergraduate and postgraduate programs of study, along with research degrees. Many postgraduate courses have been developed in conjunction with hospitals and health fitness agencies in order to meet specific needs of the professions and industry.

As part of the curriculum in all of our courses, students undertake field and clinical experience that is supervised by experienced and qualified practitioners. Catholic hospitals and other public, private and specialty organisations, as well as schools and various health, fitness and sports centres, are involved with preparing and offering this valued and essential experience.

As a community of scholars, the Faculty seeks to promote the uniqueness, personal integrity and the potential of each of its members. Our goals are closely linked to and emanate from the mission of the University with key areas of achievement that include learning and teaching, research and community engagement with specific objectives regarding internationalisation, quality and resource management. Service to vulnerable communities such as the elderly, disabled and indigenous, are something that our Faculty values and promotes across all Schools.

If you are enrolling in one of our courses for the first time this year, I extend a warm welcome to you. The Faculty of Health Sciences endeavours to promote an approachable, friendly atmosphere in which students can pursue their studies under the direction of qualified and enthusiastic staff. We aim to enhance the dignity of each individual and I am sure you will find your studies with the Faculty of Health Sciences a rewarding experience.
Professor Pauline Nugent