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The first group of Master of Nursing Science students, who have switched from a range of careers to become nurses, started the innovative post-graduate degree in July.

Course Coordinator Associate Professor Rosemary Saunders said the cohort of 21 had a mix of undergraduate qualifications, with the majority having a science degree followed by arts, business and other degrees.

The two-year full-time Masters degree allows graduates to swap from other professions to nursing without first having to do another undergraduate degree.

Accredited by the Nurses and Midwives Board of WA, at completion of the course graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse.

The course, which is being conducted by the School of Population Health in conjunction with Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, involves 800 hours of clinical practice and includes clinical placements in the winter and summer university breaks.

The course was initiated in response to the growing dearth of nurses in Australia and overseas.

The next intake will be in February and will be followed by a yearly annual intake.