308407 v.1 Graduate Certificate in Clinical Specialisation (Family and Community Health)

GradCertClinSpec(Curtin)

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Introduction
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Specialisation (Family and Community Health) is designed to prepare Registered Nurses for the diverse role of Community Health Nurse. The program is built on a generic base with the option of three pathways in Community Health Nursing. The pathways offered are - Child Health, School Health, Ageing Studies and Domiciliary Studies. Key elements of the curriculum are professional accountability, evidenced-based practice and competence to practice. To provide for the development of competency in clinical decision-making and clinical judgment within the student's specialty of choice the curriculum includes a preceptored clinical practicum.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
Applicants must be registered in Division I with the Nurses' Board of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing), or its equivalent. Alternate mode of entry (non-degree) will be offered to nurses registered in Division I with the Nurses' Board of Western Australia but without an undergraduate degree. Non-degree students must meet the School of Nursing and Midwifery's criteria for alternate mode of entry. Nurses without a midwifery qualification wishing to pursue the Child Health pathway will be required to complete a Maternity Nursing Program prior to entry. International applicants must be registered in Division I with the Nurses' Board of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing), or its equivalent and meet English language competency as per university entry requirements.

Note
Students are advised that a Criminal Record Screening and Clearance may be required for students in specific courses offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Please refer to the General section at the front of this Handbook.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability
This fee-paying course is of one semester full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation
Students will complete the clinical practice unit of this course in an approved community agency under the preceptorship of a Community Health Nurse.

Career Opportunities
Graduates will be able to seek employment in community health practice in metropolitan, rural and remote area settings.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note
Prospective students are advised to contact the relevant Course Coordinator to determine whether the University's Policy on communicable diseases applies to specific courses offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery before making application for thecourse. Please refer to the General section at the front of this Handbook.

Course Structure				Hrs/Wk	Credit
Majors, Streams or Other Core Components
306931	v.1		Advanced Nursing Practice - Primary Health Care 561	6.0	25.0
307498	v.1		Community Nursing Specialisation 562	8.0	50.0
307499	v.1		Community Nursing Practice 562	36.0	25.0
					100.0

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal	External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations that students are eligible to be offe red and admitted to this course for the first time only.