Prior to the transfer of nursing education to the university sector, nurses were trained on the job in a three-year course of theory and practice instruction in hospital nursing schools and on the wards commencing with a 6-week preliminary training school (PTS) with the earliest accepted entry age being 17 years. First, second and third year student nurses were often distinguished by the number of stripes on their uniform caps and or belts. Hospital-based examinations were held each year and a successful pass meant progression to the next year and a fail meant a student nurse was cut, no second chances. Three years of student nursing culminated in final year exams. Student Nurses were paid employees of the parent hospital and there was no sick leave. If a student nurse missed time off through sick leave over the three years of training this time was added on to be worked at the end of the three years and if not worked a nurse was not allowed to graduate. Hospitals awarded distinctive badges and veils (think the flying nun) upon graduation. In addition, state registering authorities awarded a badge of registration. These were generally worn with pride on the uniform collars.