Course

Master of Mental Health Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Approved Abbreviation: MMenHlthNurs(NP)

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4673.1

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course is 2010 or later.

Nurse Practitioners are expected to be clinical leaders who work autonomously from a sound evidence base, instigate diagnostic investigations, prescribe medication within an approved formulary, and refer judiciously. Students of this course undertake units of study that will prepare them for the role of Nurse Practitioner in the specialist area of mental health. This study program incorporates areas of advanced health assessment, clinical leadership, evidence-based nursing, diagnostic skills, therapeutic management, psychopharmacology, evaluation and collaboration in care. Students also have the opportunity to complete specialist electives to suit their particular practice setting.

Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time.

Accreditation
The Master of Mental Health Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) is recognised by the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW (NMB).

Admission

Applicants must have

Registration as a nurse with the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW or equivalent interstate registration

AND

Possession of a graduate certificate in mental health OR at least five years full time (or part time equivalent) professional nursing experience in mental health of which 12 months full time (or equivalent) current clinical practice is in an advanced clinical role in mental health.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

UAC

International applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office.

International Office

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the Universities Admissions Centre website (UAC).

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below. Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma on completion of the relevant units.

Exit Award:

Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Recommended Sequence

Year 1

Autumn session

400220

Contemporary Professional Practice in Mental Health Nursing

400238

Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care Provision

Spring session

400235

Leadership in Clinical Practice