Why study mental health nursing with SCU Online?
Advance your career
Pathway to becoming a credentialed Mental Health Nurse
Accredited by the ACMHN
Certified by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
Excellence in research
Outstanding rating of ‘at world standard’ or above in 23 research fields *
* Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Enhance your nursing practice
The online Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing will build your understanding of how to effectively respond to people experiencing a range of mental health challenges. Mental health is a growing issue, so this qualification will help to prepare you for a variety of roles within public and private nursing and healthcare settings.
You will learn from leading and clinically active mental health nurse academics; and access current and clinically relevant, evidence-based coursework through a responsive and interactive learning environment. Our course has accreditation under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) and upon completion, you can use your new qualification as part of the requirements to become a credentialed mental health nurse.
Quick facts
- Units
8 - Duration
16 months part-time - Fees
$2,712 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
The SCU Online benefits
Learn from clinically experienced academics
Developed in collaboration with passionate, expert mental health providers, this course will prepare you to apply contemporary, evidence-based approaches in practice.
Top educational experience
Rated #1 in Australia for nursing overall education experience * , offering exceptional learning and support throughout your nursing journey.
Flexible learning for your schedule
Manage study, work, and life commitments with ease. Our online program seamlessly fits into shift work, ensuring uninterrupted progress in your education.
* Good Universities Guide 2023
How does a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing work with SCU?
- With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
- Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
- Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
- Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
- To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.
A typical study period at SCU Online
Pathway to masters
The units completed from the Graduate Diploma offer as a pathway into the Master of Mental Health Nursing.
Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+ 4 Units, or continue studying
Masters Degree
+ 4 Units
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing, all applicants must:
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Be a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and have access to mental health nurse practice or mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study, and;
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Be proficient in English.
If you are not a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health. Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Units of study
This unit will expose you to critical exploration and practical application of the core contexts of mental health within the Australian healthcare system.
This unit explores the experiences of people with complex mental health presentations, co-morbidity and risk behaviours.
This unit introduces you to an evidence-based approach to health practice.
In this unit, you will reflect on your own professional practice and learning, planning strategies to collect, select and reflect on evidence to include in a professional portfolio.
This unit emphasises the life stage and bio-psycho-social contexts specifically related to providing effective engagement and interventions with children, adolescents and older persons.
Enhance understanding and capability of mental health to ensure patient physical health needs are being addressed within holistic mental health assessment, diagnosis and interventions.
Develop a deeper knowledge of psychological approaches and models of understanding that influence a consumer taking constructive change that supports recovery.
This unit explores the varied roles of a mental health professional in the 21st century, within the context of mental health outside of, but articulating with, tertiary services.
Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.
Learning outcomes
Gain the skills to be well-rounded mental health professional with the ability to work in a variety of mental health roles.
Learn from clinically active academics and gain a contemporary understanding of emerging trends in mental health care.
Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or hospital setting.
What our students do
Despite needing to be a registered nurse for entry into this course, our students work in a wide variety of healthcare settings where they can focus on delivering better mental health care to their patients. To give you an idea of some of the roles our mental health nursing students currently work in, see below for a snapshot.
- Registered Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Case Worker
- Liaison Clinician
- Acute Mental Health Nurse
- Nurse Coordinator
- Midwife
- Health Services Manager
- School Nurse
Our Accreditations and Endorsements
Our online programs meet all of the AQF guidelines, ensuring quality education.
5-STAR Rating for Full-Time Employment, Overall Experience, Student Support, Learning Resources, Teaching Quality and Skills Development.
Southern Cross University is one of the world's Top 100 Young Universities.
Accreditation by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (Diploma and Master's level).
Meet our course coordinator
Dr Richard Lakeman is the course coordinator for the Master of Mental Health and Mental Health Nursing programs, and an Associate Professor at Southern Cross University’s internationally recognised School of Health and Human Sciences. Richard can provide valuable support and guidance through:
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Hands-on learning
Gain real-world insights into the challenges and nuances of mental health care in a variety of settings with Richard’s 30 years of experience working in the field. -
Expertise in complex mental health needs
Understand and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with complex mental health needs, especially if you aspire to work in specialised areas of mental health. -
Mentoring
Receive one-on-one guidance and support in your academic and career journey. As your course coordinator, Richard can offer career advice, share insights and help you develop the necessary skills to excel in mental health leadership roles in a variety of community settings.
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Bringing a holistic approach
Learn about the importance of considering psychological and emotional aspects alongside medical interventions in mental health care.
I believe I now have more skills needed in the contemporary health age, for example I have greater critical thinking skills in mental health, and I feel much more confident to work online within the community.
