Madi’s journey from school-based training to Diploma of Nursing

After completing her Certificate III in Health Services Assistance in high school, Madi Jones was inspired to continue her healthcare journey with Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing.  

Madi’s nursing journey began when she enrolled in Mater Education’s Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program through her school St Thomas More College, Sunnybank. 

The program allows students to gain nationally recognised healthcare qualifications during high school.  

Students can study the program at one of our dedicated study locations, whether at an external health hub on-campus at their high school, or on-site at one of Mater Education study locations in Brisbane, Springfield, or Townsville.  

“I absolutely loved this opportunity St Thomas More College and Mater Education provided me to take a step into such an amazing program and lifelong career.” 

“The ability to still be in school, while being able to learn these skills and gain these qualifications was a great balance. Having the educator come into our school was very accommodating.” 

Graduating high school as a qualified assistant in nursing wasn’t enough for the 17-year-old, who enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing in January 2024. 

“My VETiS educator, Ravinder, encouraged me to apply. Once I started the Certificate III, I realised it was something I was passionate about and wanted to pursue further and see where it takes me!” 

She was also inspired by her aunt, who has led and exciting career as a nurse. 

“She was an ICU nurse, and she had the chance to travel overseas for 18-months over to England and specialise in reproductive health for men in a clinic in the UK.” 

“I find it interesting that nursing gives you such a wide variety of opportunities and fields of healthcare to work in. I see nursing as a career with so many possibilities!” 

Madi noted the connections she has already made with some of her fellow future nurses. 

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people who I wouldn't have expected to click with. I've made really two good friends and we've been able to start this journey together and hopefully finish and graduate together. That’s been crucial.” 

After completing her hospital-based nursing training, Madi hopes to further develop her nursing career at university and enter the field of paediatrics. 

“I'm hoping to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University paired with the Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing."  

“My current passion is to do paediatrics.”  

“I’ve grown up with a younger sister and just have a different empathy for younger kids and really want to be able to help and support them.” 

Madi’s advice to anyone considering a nursing career is to take the opportunity as it’s given to you. 

“Go into it with your head and your heart believing that you’re going to be successful. If you assume you are intelligent and capable of doing this course, you will be successful.”