Flinders University
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Enhance the development of specialised knowledge, skills, and attributes for use in the acute mental health nursing environment.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing offers registered nurses the opportunity to study and develop skills in the specialist mental health nursing field within an acute health care framework. The course addresses care delivery processes, critical reflection on mental health nursing practice and the effects of policy and politics on health care provision and access. The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing can only be undertaken part-time. The course is also available as an exit award from the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and MNGP Master of Nursing - 1.5 years, subject to meeting the requirements in the Program of Study below.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
You must complete 18 units. Each topic is valued at four and a half units.
- Acute Mental Health Nursing Theory
- Acute Mental Health Nursing Practice (WIL)
- Counselling in Mental Health Nursing
- Counselling in Mental Health Nursing Practice (WIL)
Entry requirements
Admission requirements
- Applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.
- Must be currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a Registered Nurse
However, the Dean (Education) may admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature under certain circumstances, subject to specific conditions.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse contemporary concepts and theories to facilitate mental health nursing care
- Implement clinical reasoning to support the delivery of evidence-based therapeutic and pharmacological interventions in providing holistic mental health nursing care.
- Demonstrate the communication skills required of a mental health nurse to work collaboratively with mental health consumers and carers.
- Critically evaluate professional practice to enhance decision-making to support consumer outcomes.
- Integrate ethical and professional standards relevant to mental health nursing practice.
Career outcomes
Potential occupations include
- Case Coordinator
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Health Promotion Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Nurse Research Assistant
- Registered Nurse and Rehabilitation Consultant.
Fees and CSP
Annual indicative fees in 2025: $2,313 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative yearly fee in 2025: $12,852 (Domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual fee is based on a full-time study load of 18 units.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of topics studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of topics.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the topics you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
