Southern Cross University
8 months
This online graduate certificate equips nursing professionals with specialist mental health nursing knowledge and contemporary practice skills. Designed for registered nurses seeking foundational credentials in mental health nursing, it provides a pathway to advanced postgraduate qualifications and professional credentialing.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent in a health, psychology, or social science related discipline and be a Registered Nurse with access to mental health nursing practice and credentialed mental health nurses during the course. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum IELTS Overall Score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each component: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing). Credit for prior learning may be available.
The course comprises four units (48 credit points) selected from six core options: Contemporary Mental Health covering current theories and evidence-based practice; Mental Health Across the Lifespan examining mental health issues from childhood through older age; Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings focusing on diverse care environments; Acute Mental Health addressing crisis intervention and acute care; Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts exploring therapeutic approaches; and Physical Health Care in Mental Health addressing comorbidities and holistic care. Teaching employs the Southern Cross Model with six-week immersive units featuring interactive learning, online discussion forums, video-linked lectures, podcasts, and virtual classes.
Southern Cross University is rated 5 stars in nursing and psychology by the Good Universities Guide 2026 and ranks in the top 800 universities worldwide for Medical and Health Sciences. The university employs the innovative Southern Cross Model featuring shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The course has received accreditation from the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, ensuring recognition and credibility for professional credentialing pathways.
Graduates may pursue further studies through the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing or Master of Mental Health Nursing, both accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses for postgraduate credentialing as a Mental Health Nurse. Graduates may receive up to four units of credit towards these advanced qualifications. Career opportunities include specialist mental health nursing roles in acute care, community settings, non-government organizations, and primary health services, with potential for advancement to leadership and specialized mental health positions.
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