Southern Cross University
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
100% online, this course is the first step in the pathway to a Master of Mental Health Nursing, which is accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).
Course overview
The online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing will begin to build your 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, both of which are 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
March, 2025
May, 2025
July, 2025
August, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
The units that form part of the online mental health post-grad courses have been designed to develop the skills required for nurses to effectively respond to challenges within the field of mental health. You will learn to enhance your own practice with the most up-to-date and clinically relevant knowledge embedded throughout the coursework. To gain your Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing, you will need to complete four units, which can be chosen from the list below.
- 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:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a health, psychology or social science related discipline, and;
- Be a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and have access to mental health nurse practice or mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study, and;
- Be proficient in English
If you are not a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health.
Recognition of prior learning
SCU may recognise and grant credit for past education, qualifications and/or work experience in a process called advanced standing. 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
- Holistic mental health treatment
Be introduced to core knowledge and skills that will help you to be a well-rounded mental health professional.
- Contemporary mental health focus
Learn from clinically active academics and gain a contemporary 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 hospital settings.
Fees & FEE-HELP
Student fees shown are subject to change. You may also be required to pay student amenities fees. Contact the university directly to confirm.
The fees shown are per unit. The number of units are listed below fees. Together they indicate the total fees for the course.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.