Showa Medical University, School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing
Report on the Visit to Flinders University, Australia
Purpose of the visit: To gain a deeper understanding of the medical and nursing education systems and clinical training programs at Flinders University in Australia, and to explore opportunities for future collaboration with the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Showa University of Medical Science.
Dates: February 11, 2026 – February 15, 2026 (4-day visit)
Itinerary: Day 1: Campus tour and briefing on the university environment and student life
Day 2: Observation of lectures
Meeting with Professor Sebastian Doeltgen, Dean of the Faculty of Education; we discussed the feasibility of establishing an exchange program with our school and received an overview of the Healthcare Center for the 2029 academic year.
Meeting with Professor Karleen Thornton, Associate Dean for Nursing Leadership and Engagement; received a presentation on Flinders University’s educational curriculum.
Day 3: Meeting with Professor Tracy Humphrey, Vice President and Dean of the School of Arts; we discussed the feasibility of various initiatives aimed at fostering exchange with our institution.
Tour of Adelaide: Visit to the art museum
Day 4: Tour of Adelaide City: Library, Botanical Gardens, etc.
- Characteristics of the Adelaide Region
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, located in southern Australia, and is a beautiful city surrounded by the ocean and rolling hills. With a population of approximately 1.48 million, it offers a harmonious blend of urban convenience and a rich natural environment. The city center spreads across a plain and, having been developed as a planned city, is characterized by its well-organized streetscape.
Flinders University’s main campus is located in Bedford Park, a suburb south of downtown Adelaide, about a 25-minute train ride from the city center. With a history spanning 50 years, Flinders University offers courses tailored to each student’s individual background.
・Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
Flinders University’s Bachelor of Nursing program is a three-year program (Bachelor of Nursing Pre-registration) accredited by the Australian Nursing Accreditation Council (ANAC). The program has approximately 1,570 students and also offers a two-year course (Graduate Entry) for those with degrees in other fields, as well as online courses.The curriculum follows a “structured nursing education program,” combining theoretical learning with progressive clinical placements in accordance with accreditation standards. To ensure students acquire the necessary skills, they must complete a four-day intensive skills course before beginning their clinical placements. Clinical placements are primarily concentrated in the third year and total 960 hours.
・Establishment of a Healthcare Center
Construction is currently underway on a new healthcare center that will provide cutting-edge medical services to the South Adelaide region. Led by Professor Tracy Humphrey, the project aims to open in 2029. This center will serve as a workplace for 1,300 annual graduates—including nurses and other professionals—trained at Flinders University, making it a major initiative designed to strengthen interprofessional collaboration.
・Student Life and Academic Programs
Flinders University welcomes many international students and has created an environment where students can easily seek advice during their studies. The university also has a family doctor on staff, and through the Medicare system, faculty, staff, and students have access to free medical care, mental health services, and counseling.
Classes are composed of approximately 28 students each. I attended one of the lectures and observed that the sessions focused primarily on lectures and group work. I got the impression that many international students are engaging in a learning experience that broadens their international perspective by discussing with students from various other countries while acquiring an understanding of Australian nursing practices.
- Future Exchange Initiatives
Through this study tour, we had the opportunity to interact with faculty and students from a variety of backgrounds. Australia has implemented policies such as person-centered care, a no-lift policy, strengthening healthcare in rural and remote areas, and expanding advanced practice nursing. Taking into account these initiatives, as well as educational programs and international engagement with international students, we aim to deepen our relationship with this institution with a view to future exchange, thereby helping to foster our students’ international perspectives and expand the possibilities of nursing.
