Master of Mental Health Nursing overview
Master degrees provide broad knowledge of mental health nursing practice, legislation, policies and more. The University of Queensland provides these two-year programs to students with the desire to expand their skill set through research in addition to coursework. Others from the University of Melbourne offer a suite of coursework designed to improve mental health nursing capabilities in a clinical setting.
Dedicated research master degrees in this field are rare; some institutions may offer research components, but they do not make up a significant enough portion of units to warrant this label.
Employment options
These programs pave the way to a successful career in mental health nursing, as they provide essential knowledge and skills suited to the field. The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses are always seeking qualified professionals, who in turn provide them with employment and networking opportunities. Hospitals, clinics and special organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service all need mental health nurses.
Scholarships and funding
There are a variety of scholarships available to mental health nursing students.
- The Rotary Club of Whyalla Mental Health Grant is dedicated specifically to mental health nursing.
- Those who don’t mind writing can submit a 750 - 1000 word essay for a chance to earn the ACLS Scholarship for Healthcare Providers, which provides partial funding for postgraduate nursing.
- Students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent can apply for a unique opportunity: the Thelma Myers Memorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship. This provides up to $5000 for postgraduate nursing study.
Prerequisites and selection process
These programs require a bachelor degree in nursing prior to entry. Some also demand applicants have attained a credit GPA (65%). Those that don’t have this requirement still factor GPA into their selection process. Most institutions also require a minimum standard of English literacy to be decided via test.
Applicants must also be a registered nurse in some cases; the University of Melbourne’s advanced program is an example of this.