307494 v.2 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation (Family and Community Health)

Introduction

This course is designed to prepare Registered Nurses for the diverse role of the Community Health Nurse. The program is built on a generic base with the option of five pathways in Community Health Nursing. The pathways offered include - Child Health, School Health, Community Generalist, Community Mental Health and Domiciliary. Key elements of the curriculum are professional accountability, evidenced-based practice, partnership models 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. Similarly, Registered Mental Health Nurses without an undergraduate degree will be eligible to enrol and pursue the Community Mental Health pathway. 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is two semesters 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.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.