More than 1000 nurses and aged care workers will gain new career pathways under a new federal program.
The Australian Government has announced a $21.5 million investment in scholarships to strengthen the skills and career pathways of the aged care workforce.
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program, delivered by the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) until June 2027, will provide more than 1000 scholarships for workers across the sector, with guaranteed places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and aged care workers.
Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to complete qualifications ranging from Certificate III through to masters level, as well as pursue specialised training in clinical leadership, palliative care, dementia care and infection prevention and control.
The program is designed to ensure aged care workers and nurses are equipped to meet the complex and evolving needs of older Australians, while building rewarding and sustainable careers in the sector.
Leanne Boase, managing director of the ACNP’s Grants and Scholarship Programs, welcomed the announcement.
“We look forward to raising awareness of the roles of aged care workers and nurses, while supporting them to aspire to more advanced clinical roles and career paths to provide more advanced and complex care for older Australians,” she said.
Related
“Programs like these not only provide scholarships for study; they can promote awareness and advancement, ultimately leading to better care.”
Federal aged care and seniors minister Sam Rae said the government’s reforms had meant there was now a registered nurse onsite in aged care facilities more than 99% of the time.
“Workers are at the frontline of our government’s aged care reforms – and giving them the development opportunities they need to build meaningful careers will help us deliver better care to every older Australian,” said Mr Rae.
“These scholarships will attract more nurses and aged care workers to the sector and help those already working to build on their skills and deliver the world-class care older people deserve.”
Aged care workers and nurses can apply for a scholarship here.