Southern Cross University
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
This is the first step in the pathway to a Master of Mental Health Nursing, which is accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).
Course overview
The online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing will help you develop an understanding of how to effectively respond to people experiencing a range of mental health challenges.
You will learn from leading and clinically active mental health nurse academics, and access current and clinically relevant, evidence-based coursework through a responsive and interactive learning environment.
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is your first step towards a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and a Master of Mental Health Nursing, accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN). Upon completion, you can use your new qualification as part of the requirements to become a credentialed mental health nurse.
- Receive a high level of student support
- Gain immediately implementable skills
- Online study seamlessly fits into shiftwork
- Dedicated one-on-one support
Key facts
August, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
Students must complete four core units to gain the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing.
Core units
Complete the four units from the following:
- Contemporary Mental Health
- Acute Mental Health
- Mental Health in Community, Non-government and Primary Health Settings
- Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- Physical Healthcare in Mental Health
- Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing, all applicants must:
- Be a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and have access to mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study.
- Be proficient in English.
You could also be eligible for the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health if you are not a registered nurse.
Recognition of prior learning
Through advanced standing, SCU may recognise and grant credit for past education, qualifications, and/or work experience. If you're eligible for advanced standing, this can impact the number of units you need to study, reducing the time and cost of your overall degree.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Holistic mental health treatment: You will be introduced to core knowledge and skills that will help you become a well-rounded mental health professional.
- Contemporary mental health focus: Learn from clinically active academics and gain a modern understanding of emerging trends in mental health care.
- Develop an evidence-based practice: Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or a hospital setting.
Career outcomes
Below is a snapshot to give you an idea of some of the roles SCU's mental health nursing students currently play.
- Registered nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Case worker
- Liaison clinician
- Acute mental health nurse
- Nurse coordinator
- Midwife
- Health services manager
- School nurse
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $10,848 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated total fee is calculated based on a study load of four units.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
