309855 v.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

PGradDipMenHlthNurs(Curtin)

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

Introduction

This course is designed to prepare registered comprehensive and mental health nurses for the diverse role in nursing in the area of mental health. The program is built on a generic base with the option of two pathways - community mental health nursing and acute inpatient mental health nursing. Key elements of the curriculum are professional accountability, evidence-based practice and competence to practice in the mental health care system. To provide for the development of competency in clinical decision-making and clinical judgement within the student's specialty area the curriculum includes a preceptor clinical practicum.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Applicants must be registered in Division One with the Nurses Board - in a state of Australia as a comprehensive or mental health nurse with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing), or its equivalent. Alternate mode of entry (non-degree) will be offered to mental health nurses and comprehensive nurses registered in Division One with the Nurses Board of Western Australia who do not hold an undergraduate degree. Registered nurses who do not hold a bachelors degree may gain entry to the courses through an alternatemode of entry, which considers the applicant's current clinical and educational experience and professional development.

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 duration or equivalent part-time.

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 Mental Health Nursing

Course Organisation

Students will complete the clinical practice unit of this course in an approved mental health care facility under the preceptorship of a mental health nurse. Students must be registered with the Nurses Board and have a police clearance prior to commencing the course.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be able to seek employment in many areas of the health care system. In addition graduates of this course may be employed within other work environments such as the justice system. The course will provide nurses with increased knowledge andskills that will facilitate career development and promotional opportunities.

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
303027	v.2	Community Contexts and Policy Directions in Mental Health 601	2.0	25.0
306937	v.1	Advanced Practice - Mental Health 562	4.0	25.0
309853	v.1	Mental Health Nursing 562	4.0	50.0
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
307495	v.1	Developmental Health 561	4.0	25.0
309854	v.1	Mental Health Nursing Practice 562	5.0	25.0
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
		OR
301950	v.3	Research and Evaluation in International Health 600	8.0	25.0
		SELECT 1 OPTION		25.0
				100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified)			Hrs/Wk	Credit
13152	v.3	Health Research Methods 681	4.0	25.0
13182	v.3	Mental Health Promotion 690	2.0	25.0
301950	v.3	Research and Evaluation in International Health 600	8.0	25.0
305653	v.2	Rehabilitation Nursing 562	3.0	25.0
306933	v.1	Cross-Cultural Perspectives of Health Care Practice 561	6.0	25.0
307484	v.1	Diagnostics 561	4.0	25.0
307485	v.1	Pharmacology 521	3.0	25.0
4712	v.3	Qualitative Methods in Health Research 582	4.0	25.0
5755	v.6	Managerial Effectiveness 571	3.0	25.0

Availability

Year	Location	Period	All*	Internal	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y

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.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.