What is a graduate diploma in mental health nursing?

Are you looking to return to education and want to know what a graduate diploma in mental health nursing entails? A graduate diploma in mental health nursing can be the perfect stepping stone for any nurse, but finding out more about the course can seem impossible. Our brief guide today outlines everything you need to know about the course to help you decide if it’s the right course for you. 

What is a graduate diploma in mental health nursing?

A graduate diploma in mental health nursing is a postgraduate course that helps to build your knowledge of trauma-informed care, gaining a holistic understanding of mental health and how it impacts communities, families, and individuals. The course takes sixteen months to complete and can be completed part-time or online. It is created with nurses in mind, helping them to increase their skills and move into different roles in the nursing sector. 

As part of the course, you will learn about evidence-based research and its application in healthcare settings, how mental health care changes for later in life, and how cultural perspectives are needed to treat a wider variety of patients from diverse backgrounds. 

What will I study for a graduate diploma in mental health nursing?

A graduate diploma in mental health nursing is made up of eight units, providing you with an overview of mental health nursing and how you can provide care for your patients. The units are designed to provide you with a broad understanding, but they can vary depending on the course provider that you choose. Before finding your graduate diploma in mental health nursing, we recommend reading the course handbook so that you can decide if the units align with your career goals. You can expect to see titles like the following in your course handbook:

• Biopsychosocial and cultural perspectives in mental health 
• Care coordination in practice
• Effective trauma-informed care
• Evidence and research for practice 
• Mental health in later life
• Mental health nursing
• Promoting cultural competence and community health
• Recovery-orientated mental health 

What do I need to apply for a graduate diploma in mental health nursing? 

The entry requirements for a graduate diploma in mental health nursing vary depending on the course provider you choose. However, you can expect to need the following: 

• An AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent 
• Registration as a Registered Nurse or midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency 

You can also apply for the purse if you have an equivalent registration with the relevant registration authority for applicants outside of Australia and have evidence that you are employed in a healthcare setting. What constitutes relevant registrations will vary depending on the course provider that you choose. It’s important that you check this before submitting your application to ensure that it is the right course for you. 

Some course providers will also allow you to study a graduate diploma in mental health nursing if you have previously completed a graduate certificate in mental health nursing. You will need to provide proof of the qualification, and check that the course provider recognises it before applying. 

The application process is straightforward. You will reach out to an enrollment advisor who can help match you to the right course and discuss any flexibility options that you might need. You will then submit your application, including a CV, transcripts, and any other information required. You will usually receive confirmation and guidance as to whether you need to provide more information. 

What can I do with a graduate diploma in mental health nursing?

You have several career options after you have completed your graduate diploma in mental health. You can continue in your current nursing position or move into leadership roles in mental health nursing, roles in community mental health services, or mental health coordination roles. 

Some graduates will return to education after completing their graduate diploma to complete a master’s in metal health nursing. Completing this can provide you with access to higher paid and leadership roles. 

Find your mental health nursing course below 

A graduate diploma in mental health nursing is an excellent way to broaden your career options as a nurse and provide superior care for those with mental health illnesses in your care. Will you start your course today?

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