Graduate Certificate or Diploma of Mental Health Nursing overview
Graduate certificates in mental health nursing provide an entry-level insight into the field. Griffith University and others offer the chance to learn about mental health care philosophy, legal practice and more throughout the course of six months. Part-time study is also available.
Graduate diplomas from the University of Sydney and others provide the chance to undergo more extensive learning; units on simulation-based learning, interprofessional engagement and more are readily available. These courses take a year of full-time study to complete, or longer if part-time.
Employment options
Graduates holding these qualifications could find themselves better equipped to become mental health nurses, but in the graduate certificate’s case may require further education. Griffith’s program doesn’t actually require students to hold a prior bachelor degree in nursing, for instance. This particular qualification is, therefore, better suited to entry into a diploma or master program, which will shorten completion times for both.
Graduate diplomas are a great way into the industry, as they require prior nursing qualifications in addition to the knowledge gleaned via the diploma itself. Units in simulation-based learning and use of practical skills make them highly employable. This makes graduates well equipped to join institutions like the Royal Flying Doctor Service or work in a hospital or clinic.
These programs can foster employment opportunities through the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses mentioned here.
Scholarships and funding
There is an abundance of scholarship opportunities in nursing. The Thelma Myers Memorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship exemplifies this, offering partial funding to applicants of the appropriate descent. There’s even a dedicated mental health nursing scholarship in the form of the Rotary Club of Whyalla Mental Health Grant. Those that can’t meet the requirements for either of these still have access to the ACLS Scholarship for Healthcare Providers, requiring a 750 - 1000 word essay to be eligible.
Prerequisites and selection process
Graduate certificates normally require a prior bachelor degree in any field in addition to an English language proficiency test. Diplomas are more strict in that they require prior nursing qualifications and work experience in some cases. Other bachelor programs can be accepted as prerequisites given applicants appropriately argue for why their past qualifications are relevant to mental health nursing.