Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 00004G
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing aims to expand nursing clinicians' knowledge and skills in mental health practice with evidence-based knowledge and practice enabling immediate application/translation in the workplace. Current mental health postgraduate programs in Australia focus on either acute mental health care settings or generic mental health. Our Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing has been developed as a course specifically for nursing clinicians entering into the specialist area of mental health. The course is targeted to new nursing graduates and to those working in mental health but who have no formal postgraduate mental health qualifications. In the current period of mental health service provision reform, there has been a shift in focus from acute inpatient treatment to recovery-oriented practice, so the workforce requires professional development opportunities to keep pace with such changes.
Structure
80 credit points. Students are required to be employed in a mental health service.
Subjects
- Mental health
- Mental health nursing
Standard entry requirements
- To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree (or higher)OR have completed the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing or equivalent
- AND provide written confirmation from their employer that they are employed in a mental health service.*Disclaimer: The Course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
Recognition
This course is accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) National Framework for Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing Education. It meets the requirements of a postgraduate qualification for employment beyond entry level in mental health settings and for credentialing as a mental health nurse.
Study pathways
Graduates may progress to a Master of Mental Health Nursing or other postgraduate programs within ACU.
Further information
Graduates will be able to apply their theoretical and practical learning in a range of mental health settings. Examples of potential employment settings include: Acute, community, rehabilitation and long-term care focused settings; Child and adolescent, adult and older person mental health services; Local, State and Commonwealth Government Policy consumer and carer groups; Public and private health care organisations; and mental health based research. Examples of potential roles include: Clinician Case manager/worker; Team leader; Service manager; Triage manager; Nurse practitioner and Psychiatric consultation and liaison nurse.
