Southern Cross University
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
This 100% online course is accredited by the ACMHN and provides a pathway to becoming a credentialed Mental Health Nurse.
Course overview
The online Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing will build your understanding of how to effectively respond to people experiencing a range of mental health challenges. Mental health is a growing issue, so this qualification will help to prepare you for a variety of roles within public and private nursing and healthcare settings.
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. This course has accreditation 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.
- 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 Diploma of Mental Health Nursing, you will need to complete all core units.
- Contemporary Mental Health
- Acute Mental Health
- Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
- Building a Professional Portfolio
- Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- Physical Healthcare in Mental Health
- Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
- Mental Health in Community, Non-government and Primary Health Settings
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry into the Graduate Diploma of 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 Diploma of Mental Health.
Recognition of prior learning
To qualify for entry into the Graduate Diploma of 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 Diploma of Mental Health.
Outcomes
- Holistic mental health treatment
Gain the skills to be a well-rounded mental health professional with the ability to work in a variety of mental health roles.
- 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.