309852 v.1 Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

GradCertMenHlthNurs(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, evidenced-based practice and competence to practice in mental health nursing. To provide for the development of competency in clinical decision-makingand clinical judgement within the student's specialty area the curriculum includes a preceptor clinical practicum.

Additional Introductory Information

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. 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.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Australian students must be registered in Division One with the Nurses Board in the relevant state of Australia as a comprehensive or mental health nurse with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing), or its equivalent. An 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 bachelor degree may gain entry to the courses through an alternate mode of entry, which considers applicants' 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 of one semester full-time duration or equivalent part-time.

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 criminal record screening and clearance prior to commencing the course.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be able to seek employment in the mental health care system. It will also provide nurses with increased knowledge and skills 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
306937	v.1	Advanced Practice - Mental Health 562	4.0	25.0
309853	v.1	Mental Health Nursing 562	4.0	50.0
309854	v.1	Mental Health Nursing Practice 562	5.0	25.0
				100.0