Program summary

Program type: Master of Mental Health Nursing
Award abbreviation: MMentalHlthNurs
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus (blended)
Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: SC720
CRICOS code: 060945J. Limits apply to online courses, refer to program notes.

Become a specialty mental health nurse.

This program prepares registered nurses to function as specialty mental health nurses in a variety of mental health care settings. It aims to produce graduates who are critical thinkers that effectively use available evidence and reflective practices to enhance their clinical effectiveness.

Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of modern mental health nursing practice through an examination of the history of psychiatry and different approaches to the care of people with mental disorders. Examine and critique advanced assessment tools used in mental health care, particularly in the assessment of risk. Develop your knowledge, skills and abilities, and use evidence as a base for early interventions and family work, the management of clients with alcohol and other drugs, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention.

Examine social dimensions of mental health including contemporary cultural and social theories that shape how mental disorders are conceptualised and treated. Explore and critically reflect on political, moral and ethical perspectives relevant to the Australian mental health system. Develop your interpersonal skills through a variety of reflective practices such as peer review, consumer feedback, clinical supervision, mentorship and preceptorship.

Offered in an internal/blended mode, some courses lend themselves to weekly or regular class attendance throughout the semester, while others run in a series of full or part day intensive workshops with greater online support of students. Some courses in the Master of Mental Health Nursing are online only, however, students enrolled in online courses, also have access to course coordinators for consultations and enquiries. This flexibility in attendance responds to the varied work patterns of registered nurses and increases your ability to schedule university study around work commitments. For international students on a Student Visa — limits apply to online courses, refer to program notes.

A diversity of assessment methods are used to develop a wide range of advanced mental health nursing practices, and to allow you to focus on particular aspects of your mental health nursing practice that may be unique to your setting or interest. These include practice-based assignments, seminar presentations, group work, self-assessment, peer assessment, contract learning, and reflective assessment tasks.

The Master of Mental Health Nursing has been fully accredited with the QNC until 2012.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply to be credentialed as a Mental Health Nurse by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Registration

For professional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), graduates are required to demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7 or equivalent. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years prior to applying for registration. Refer to the AHPRA website for registration information.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au