Delivering ‘flexible’ aged care education

The University of Queensland School of Nursing and Midwifery has signed a major two year education partnership with leading healthcare organisation Bupa Care Services to deliver a national flexible online aged care education program.

School of Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate research coordinator, Dr Anthony Tuckett, who led the team that secured the tender, said the agreement blended the best from a world-class university and school with the creative spirit of a private provider of aged care education.

Dr Tuckett said there was a clear need for specialised education and leadership development in aged care services.

“Aged care is one of the fastest growing and rapidly developing industries in Australia,” Dr Tuckett said.

“As a leader in education, The University of Queensland School of Nursing and Midwifery recognises the importance of investing in the future of the aged care industry.”

Dr Tuckett added developing first class clinicians and leaders who specialise in caring for older people in a residential environment was becoming crucial in this “rapidly expanding industry.”

Bupa human resources manager, Emillie McKenna, said the Graduate Nurse Program was crucial in developing specialist nurses as the need for aged care grew into the future.

“Bupa recognises the importance of investing in the future of the industry and developing firstclass clinicians and leaders who specialise in caring for people living with dementia,” Ms McKenna said

Dr Tuckett added the partnership with Bupa and Frontline Care Solutions addressed the call from industry and government for skills development and expansion of courses in aged care management.

“The significance of this opportunity cannot be underestimated,” he said. “Bupa has nearly 7,000 employees and more than 60 residential care homes in Australia.”

By 2050 one in every five Australians will reportedly work in aged care, catering to the ageing population and the emerging dementia epidemic.

“This means there will be an increasing demand for quality aged care education, so this is likely to be an ongoing mutually beneficial partnership,” Dr Tuckett said.

Bupa staff will complete a Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management offered by the University of Queensland School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Bupa registered nurses acting as clinical placement supervisors will also have the opportunity to complete a Graduate Certificate in either Aged Care Management or Palliative Care.

Applications are now open for the 2013 intake. Go to www.bupa.com.au/aged-care for more information.