AUSTRALIAN Catholic University's move to axe vocational training offers has put Ballarat nursing hopefuls into a spin late in the year after a lengthy application process.
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One candidate told The Courier they were incredibly disappointed to receive an offer withdrawal for the Diploma of Nursing via email last week after undergoing multiple entrance interviews, a test and application paperwork in a three month period to earn a spot.
Others had reportedly quit their jobs for the course and say the extra time to study an undergraduate degree in nursing was not feasible due to their personal and work circumstances.
To make clear, ACU has withdrawn offers from its Vocational and Education Training programs as the university gradually closes its ACU College arm. This is separate from ACU Ballarat's undergraduate nursing studies in bachelor degrees.
ACU global and education pathways pro vice-chancellor Chris Riley said this was undoubtedly disappointing for new students but the university was working hard to ensure it was not discouraging for students.
I appreciate that this is disappointing for students who had made plans for studying at ACU College.
- Chris Riley, ACU global and education pathways pro vice-chancellor
"ACU is working closely with students to find a suitable option for their individual circumstances. This may involve enrolling in a bachelor degree on a full-time or part-time basis. If there is no other suitable option available, we may refer students to another provider," Mr Riley said.
"I appreciate that this is disappointing for students who had made plans for studying at ACU College, and I would encourage those affected to speak to our dedicated staff to explore available alternatives."
A crowded, competitive VET market and the fact ACU was not a dual-sector institution were key challenges for closing ACU College.
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Full-time students will be able to finish their program and graduate at the end of next year under a 12-month teach-out period. Part-time students who will not finish next year may have options to transfer to other tertiary providers under ACU guidance.
ACU made its decision to discontinue its VET pathways earlier this month in a bid to also better concentrate on growing and diversifying its higher education programs and research.
All affected students should have been directly contacted by ACU.
Further details to explore alternate study options can be found via AskACU online at acu.edu.au/contact-us.
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