Nursing students at the Western Sydney University’s Lithgow campus are quickly approaching the end of their first year of study.
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And it has been a strong year group, with all of the 18 students who began the course staying on to finish their first year. Campus coordinator Christine Haley said it was a fantastic result.
“They have developed a high level of confidence and there has been a high level of academic achievement,” she said.
“It’s the confidence of knowing you can complete a degree.”
Following this first year, the students will go on to study nursing at one of the Western Sydney University’s other campuses.
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While low numbers prohibit the offering of second and third year study options to Lithgow nursing students, the university was looking to offer online options in the future, likely from 2019.
The 2017 students were drawn mostly from Lithgow itself, with some travelling from the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney.
“It’s been a mixture of mature age and younger students and they have integrated well. They support each other, have lunch together, help prepare for exams and share information… They’ve got to know each other really well,” Ms Haley said.
Student Kate Eagle said the support she received from the small group of students was valuable, as was the scheduling.
“Two days a week is very manageable with kids and a life as well,” she said.
“I know the students would love to see second and third year offered in Lithgow,” classmate Shannon Quinliven said.