What is your role in the Australian Defence Force?

“I am a Lance Corporal in the Australian Army Reserves within the Royal Australian Corps of Transport. I am a driver specialist.”

Why did you choose nursing study?

“I have always been interested in healthcare and wanted to make a difference. Helping people when they need it.”

Getting prepped for veteran employment

When you study with Charles Sturt, you’ll be supported at every step. This includes our range of preparatory short courses, such as Study Link. These short courses are designed to give you the skills and confidence to start uni study on the right foot.

“I thought I would struggle with having been out of school for some time. But I was able to do a few short online courses through the university before properly starting my degree, which helped me wrap my head around jumping into study.

“I completed the Transition to Uni Study and Introduction to Anatomy and Bioscience courses. This provided me with foundational skills to assist when I began my Bachelor of Nursing. Additionally, I also got help from the academic skills team with referencing. And this was also a bit of a game-changer for me and relieved some of my worries.”

Teaming university study with ADF service

Wondering how Amy juggles her Army reservist role with her uni studies? Well, typically, reservists meet once a week at the local depot. Then, they can take part in monthly weekend training throughout the year, with the occasional longer training exercises as they come up. So Amy has plenty of flexibility to fit nursing study around her Army Reserves work commitments.

“Almost every session, I have had one online class. And all lectures are pre-recorded, so you have to watch them in your own time. Only some tutorials and practical simulation lab sessions are offered face-to-face. So my degree has been a lot of blended learning with its fair share of online learning required.

“I personally get more value from face-to-face classes. However, I found there was support available with the online components of the study if needed. This included discussion boards where questions could be answered or the subject email if you had more specific questions, or just having the support through live Zoom tutorials. The academic staff have been nothing but supportive.”

Veteran student support services

If you’re looking to step towards veteran employment, you’ve come to the right place! Charles Sturt is a veteran-friendly university. And we’re continuously improving services to support the needs of our growing veteran student community. Our Veteran Pathway and Support Program offers tailored support services and pathways to help veterans and those still serving in the Australian Defence Force transition smoothly to the civilian workforce.

“Charles Sturt offers student counselling for veterans. They have a page under their support services on the student portal with regular services and resources available for all veterans. One thing that has provided peace of mind for me is being able to apply for special considerations if I had to render reserve service, which affected my ability to complete any of my subject’s assessment tasks.”

Making memories at Charles Sturt

When you come to Charles Sturt as a veteran or current serving ADF member, you’re part of a vibrant community. Whether you study on campus or online, you’ll make connections with other students and have opportunities to embrace your social side. Just like Amy – who recalls the best parts about uni life – you can even explore our range of student clubs.

“Meeting and interacting with new people. Learning new and interesting things. As well as getting involved with student clubs – particularly the Student Nurse Society and getting that up and running again.”

How a uni scholarship can help

Like many of our students who enjoy the benefits of the $11 million in scholarships and grants up for grabs each year, Amy’s transition to uni study was supported by the help of a scholarship.

“The scholarship actually helped out a lot. During my first year when I received a scholarship, I didn’t work besides doing Army Reserves. This meant I could find my feet and work out how to navigate no longer being in the Army full-time and how to study at university. It definitely took away some of the financial pressures whilst studying at university so I could fully concentrate on my learning and studies, which I think made a big difference, especially in my first year.”

Plans after graduating from nursing study

“I have a passion for rural health. So after I graduate, I would like to complete a new graduate nursing program within a rural or regional hospital, learning the skills required to work as a registered nurse.

“In the long term, I would love to get into flight nursing. But that would definitely be a while down the track. I am looking to complete further study with a graduate certificate to become a midwife. I would also like to move into nursing within a more remote rural setting, possibly travelling to small communities around Australia.”

Amy’s best advice

“I have had a really good experience studying at Charles Sturt and love the regional/rural focus. If you are thinking about studying with Charles Sturt, I would say go for it! There is loads of support available to help you whilst you are studying if you want it. And get involved with uni life – join a club and go to events as you get to meet lots of people that way, and they’re always a good time.”

Study with Charles Sturt to prepare for veteran employment

Want to join Amy in making a real difference? Check out our Bachelor of Nursing or explore our wide range of medicine and health courses. And learn more about how we support veterans and currently serving personnel through our Veteran Pathway and Support Program.

1. Bachelor of Nursing CRICOS 010599C ↩︎