The University of the Sunshine Coast has received $2.2 million in federal funding to train 550 specialist aged care nurses for rural and regional areas by 2027, as part of a broader $30.8 million package supporting 6,000 extra skilled aged care workers nationwide.
The funding enables UniSC to fully deliver its Aged Care Transition to Practice Program through online platforms, with part-time pathways taking up to a year to complete.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett said the program targets the growing complexity of aged care requirements in underserved areas.
“Over the coming years, we must ensure older Australians are supported by skilled and high-quality care specialists who understand their complex care needs,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Many older people receiving care have dementia or other comorbidities, or they have extremely complex social situations that require specialist care and, because they may be nearing the end of their life, they may also be needing palliative care.”
UniSC Professor of Healthy Ageing Victoria Traynor said the program evolved from Royal Commission recommendations into a comprehensive career development pathway.
“This program was initially introduced as a response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to ensure the gerontological nursing workforce had professional development opportunities,” Professor Traynor said.
“But, having since achieved transformation across the sector and gaining awards for its success, the program has now evolved to provide a solid career framework to ensure the best nurses are attracted to aged care, which can be a truly fulfilling career.”
The program pairs graduate nurses with mentors who have 10 to 30 years of aged care experience.
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable care access.
“We want dedicated, passionate people to join the sector, to stay and help deliver the care our loved ones deserve regardless of where they live,” Rae said.
“Every older Australian deserves access to high-quality aged care, regardless of where they live or the type of care they need. Our investment in regional and rural aged care workers means that more older Australians will get the support they need, when and where they need it.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
