From One Expo to Many Conversations: IHNA's Nursing Expo Journey in 2026

It started in March 2026 with a simple idea: bring people into our campuses, let them see what studying healthcare looks like, and give them the chance to ask questions before making a decision.

On 25 March 2026, the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) hosted its Health & Nursing Expo across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

The response was encouraging. More than 700 people registered across the four campuses, showing considerable interest in nursing and healthcare education.

For IHNA, the event was an opportunity to meet people considering their next step. Some were exploring nursing for the first time. Others were considering a career change or looking to build on their existing experience in healthcare.

Rather than relying entirely on course brochures and websites, we wanted people to experience the campus environment, meet our team and have conversations about what studying at IHNA could involve.

Bringing Nursing and Healthcare Education Closer to People

Choosing a healthcare course often comes with plenty of questions.

What are the entry requirements? Can I study while working? What does practical training involve? How much will the course cost? What financial assistance might be available?

These are some of the questions that prospective students want answered before deciding to enrol.

Our Nursing Expos were introduced to make those conversations easier.

Visitors could speak with our admissions and campus teams, learn about available courses and explore the facilities used for healthcare training.

The events also allowed us to introduce people to different areas of healthcare education. While the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing remains one of IHNA's key programmes, visitors could also enquire about courses in individual support, health services assistance, pathology collection, sterilisation services and other healthcare fields.

Not everyone who attends an expo is ready to enrol. Some are still exploring their options, and that's an important part of the process too.

Taking the Conversation Beyond Our Campuses

The March expo was the beginning of a broader effort to engage with the community throughout 2026.

In April, IHNA participated in the Australian College of Nursing's Nursing & Health Expo in Melbourne. The event brought us into contact with people already interested in nursing, including those considering further education and professional development.

In May, our team also participated in the Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo, introducing visitors to IHNA's nursing and healthcare study options.

These exhibitions gave us the opportunity to speak with people we might not otherwise meet through our regular campus activities.

They also reminded us that people arrive at healthcare education from very different backgrounds. Some have recently finished school. Some have spent years in another profession. Others are already working in aged care, disability support or healthcare services and are considering their next qualification.

Understanding those different circumstances helps us have more useful conversations about study options, entry requirements and what students can expect.

September Brought Another Nursing Expo to Melbourne

On 4 September 2026, we welcomed prospective students back to our Melbourne campus for another Health & Nursing Expo.

By this stage, the expo had become more than a one-off event in our calendar. It was something we wanted to continue offering as another way for people to learn about IHNA before applying.

The Melbourne event gave visitors an opportunity to ask questions directly, discuss their interests with our team and learn more about the training environment.

For someone considering the Diploma of Nursing, a campus visit can be particularly useful. Nursing education involves theoretical learning, practical skills development and clinical placement. Understanding these requirements early can help prospective students decide whether the course suits their circumstances.

We also recognise that a decision about study is rarely made in a single conversation. People often need time to compare courses, understand their commitments and discuss their plans with family.

Our aim is to provide clear information so they can make that decision with a better understanding of what lies ahead.

Continuing Our Nursing Expo Journey in Melbourne and Sydney

Following the events held earlier in the year, IHNA has scheduled further Nursing Expos in Melbourne and Sydney in October 2026.

The Melbourne Nursing Expo will take place on Friday, 23 October, at our Melbourne CBD campus on Lonsdale Street.

Our Sydney Nursing Expo is scheduled for Friday, 23 October and Saturday, 24 October, at the IHNA Parramatta campus.

Both events are intended for people interested in nursing and healthcare education, whether they are pursuing their first qualification or considering a new career direction.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enquire about courses, discuss admission requirements and learn more about studying at IHNA.

The events also form part of our ongoing efforts to make our campuses more accessible to the surrounding communities.

Why We Want to Keep Hosting These Events

Over the years, IHNA has welcomed students with different experiences, ambitions and reasons for pursuing healthcare education.

One thing remains consistent: choosing a course is a significant decision, and having the right information matters.

Our Nursing Expos give people the chance to have those important conversations face-to-face.

They also allow our educators, admissions staff and campus teams to hear directly from prospective students about what they are looking for, what concerns they have and what information they need.

Since March 2026, the expo initiative has given IHNA more opportunities to connect with people across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

We hope to continue building on those conversations through future campus events and community activities.

For anyone considering a future in nursing or healthcare, attending an expo may be a useful place to begin.

Explore Nursing and Healthcare Courses at IHNA

Whether you are interested in the Diploma of Nursing or another healthcare qualification, our team can help you understand the available courses, admission requirements and study options.

Visit www.ihna.edu.au to explore our courses and upcoming events.