Graduate Certificate
In 2021, around 20% of Australians experienced a mental health disorder* and people with mental health conditions or high psychological distress are more likely to smoke and use illicit drugs or alcohol. The challenges they face take a severe toll on their quality of life, as well as those around them and the communities in which they live.
In this fully online course you will work with both health and non-health professionals to improve your understanding of dependency and contribute to providing effective care and guidance to help those experiencing overcome their struggle.
Your studies will cover the principals underlying substance use and withdrawal, identification of co-occurring conditions, and the rationale for undertaking bio-psychosocial clinical assessments for clients.
You will also learn about policy and strategies which direct appropriate client management processes, as well as gain an understanding of current legislative requirements.
In a self-directed capstone unit, you will tailor your studies towards a dependency related topic of your choice, gathering evidence and content to produce a professional portfolio to show your demonstrated knowledge relevant to the region, area, occupation, or sector where you'll be utilising your skills.
*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Students should be working in a health care setting (including but not limited to a hospital, health clinic, aged care setting, department of community services) to be in a strong position to succeed.
Applicants must have completed an AQF 7 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree qualification in a health-related discipline, or in social work, psychology, social sciences, or police studies.
This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.
The costs of addiction are vast, both on the person and our society. The latest report from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare estimates that the social costs of tobacco use alone in Australia to be $136.9 billion. The personal cost is also high, with addiction destroying lives, affecting families, and impacting communities.
When you complete this course, you will be better equipped to provide effective and appropriate care for those experiencing dependencies, directly helping to reduce the costs of addiction for the person and society.
If you are a health professional and work with individuals experiencing dependency, the knowledge, and skills you gain can help you upskill and specialise in your current role. It is also great for those looking to move into the addiction care field, in particular registered nurses, and social workers.
For non-heath professionals such as police officers, this course will help you improve your effectiveness in responding to situations that involve people experiencing addiction, as well as supporting those they interact with and the communities in which they live.
Students are required to complete four (4) core addiction studies units for a total of 50 credit points, as listed.
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.