The funding would enable the University to offer a modern, simulated clinical environment for nursing students to learn practical skills and build technical expertise.
It would also ensure La Trobe can accommodate the high number of students seeking to study nursing and midwifery, by expanding current facilities.
La Trobe Vice Chancellor, Professor John Dewar, warmly welcomed the funding commitment.
“Our nursing and midwifery courses are very popular both in Bundoora, and across our regional campuses where we have built a strong reputation, and have deep partnerships with healthcare organisations,” Professor Dewar said.
“With projected nursing workforce shortages, particularly in regional Victoria, La Trobe remains committed to delivering professional, caring and competent graduates.”
“A learning environment which resembles their future workplace is integral to ensuring our nursing students are given the best chance of success.”
La Trobe’s Head of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Lisa McKenna, said the funding comes at a critical time when healthcare is becoming increasingly digitised.
“Our nursing laboratories provide a simulated clinical environment for students to practise the skills and techniques they are learning in the course,” Professor McKenna said.
“This funding will enable us to redesign and modernise our facilities, ensuring students have access to a clinical environment that closely resembles where they will be working upon graduation.”
Senator Louise Pratt, Shadow Assistant Minister for Universities, and Federal Member for Cooper, Ged Kearney, visited La Trobe’s Bundoora campus to make the announcement.
La Trobe attracts a high number of first in family, mature aged and culturally diverse students into its nursing and midwifery courses.
Many students come into the Bachelor of Nursing via pathway programs including the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE, and graduates from other degrees.
