Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

Upon successful completion, Master of Mental Health Nursing students should be able to:

• LO1: describe advanced mental health nursing clinical knowledge, skill and clinical leadership which is informed by evidence-based practice;
• LO2: synthesise and evaluate complex clinical information, problems and concepts and demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge to reflect critically on theory as it applies to mental health care settings;
• LO3: Implement a range of advanced evidence-based clinical knowledge and skills to respond to challenges and opportunities that arise within the dynamic context of the wider health care setting and promote current best practice in mental health nursing care provision that responds to emerging and unique needs.

Our suite of Mental Health Nursing programs are developed specifically for nurses entering into the specialist area of mental health. The course is targeted to new nursing graduates and those working in mental health but who have no formal postgraduate mental health qualifications. You will gain knowledge and skills across a range of mental health settings, including acute care, community mental health, and psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery services. Develop advanced leadership skills while you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the health care system and use your expertise to become a change agent.

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing addresses current mental health perspectives and practices and gives you a comprehensive understanding of illness as well as wellness. The inclusion of diversity and lifetime perspectives will ensure that you are practice ready. In the Graduate Certificate you will undertake units in recovery-oriented mental health, holistic individual centred mental health practice, health promotion and social inclusion along with a unit to develop an in-depth understanding in practitioners of their practice.

Current mental health postgraduate programs in Australia focus on either acute mental health care settings or generic mental health. ACU’s Master of Mental Health Nursing has been developed specifically for nursing clinicians entering into the specialist area of mental health. The course is targeted to new nursing graduates and to those working in mental health but who have no formal postgraduate mental health qualifications.

In the current period of mental health service provision reform, there has been a shift in focus from acute inpatient treatment to recovery-oriented practice, so the workforce requires professional development opportunities to keep pace with such changes.

Recommended study pattern

Complete exactly 40 credit points from the following:

• NRSG651 - Holistic Individual Centred Mental Health Nursing Practice
• NRSG652 - Recovery Oriented Mental Health Nursing
• NRSG653 - Health Promotion and Social Inclusion in Mental Health Nursing
• NRSG655 - Reflective Practice and Clinical Supervision in Mental Health Nursing

Award requirements

To qualify for the degree of Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing, a student must complete 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit offerings.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $2,312

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

a) have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree;

b) provide written confirmation from their employer that they are employed in a mental health service.

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.