307494 v.3 Postgraduate Diploma in Family and Community Health

PGradDipFamCommntyHlth(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas

Introduction

This course is designed to prepare registered nurses for the diverse role of the community health nurse. 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. Non-degree students must meet the School of Nursing and Midwifery's criteria for alternate mode of entry. Nurses without a comprehensive nurse or midwifery qualification 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.

Special Requirements

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 the course. 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 two semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval from the Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Certificate in Family and Community Health

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.

Professional Recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for positions in community health (child health, school health or general community health).

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 essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
301950	v.3	Research and Evaluation in International Health 600	8.0	25.0
		OR
4712	v.3	Qualitative Methods in Health Research 582	4.0	25.0
		OR
13152	v.3	Health Research Methods 681	4.0	25.0
306931	v.1	Advanced Nursing Practice - Primary Health Care 561	6.0	25.0
306934	v.1	Advanced Nursing Practice - Promoting Health 561	6.0	25.0
307495	v.1	Developmental Health 561	4.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
307498	v.1	Community Nursing Specialisation 562	8.0	50.0
307499	v.1	Community Nursing Practice 562	36.0	25.0
		SELECT 1 ELECTIVE		25.0
				100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified)			Hrs/Wk	Credit
306933	v.1	Cross-Cultural Perspectives of Health Care Practice 561	6.0	25.0
307449	v.1	Counselling Theory and Practice (1) 512	3.0	25.0
307450	v.3	Ethics and Self-Awareness 511	3.0	25.0
307496	v.1	Immunisation 562	4.0	25.0
5755	v.6	Managerial Effectiveness 571	3.0	25.0

Students may select an optional unit from any postgraduate course within the University, if it compliments the selected study pathway and on approval by the course coordinator