This course aims to provide nurses practising in the area of child and adolescent mental health with the knowledge and skills to ensure optimum outcomes for children and adolescents and as well as the key individuals within their support systems. The course takes a holistic view of the child or young person in their psychosocial and physical environment and will cover social trends and contemporary influences. It considers the unique social and legal position of children and adolescents within their families and its impact upon the approaches used by mental health nurses. Students will examine current evidenced-based practice and the nurse’s role in the interdisciplinary approach to care offered to the child or adolescent and their family/carers.

Entrants are required to hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Nursing degree or an acceptable equivalent, be currently registered with the Nurses Board of Western Australia (or Australian State equivalent) and have a minimum of one year post-registration experience or equivalent. The course is aimed at Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing who have been practicing, or wish to practice, as a Community Nurse in schools or other settings with children and young people. Post graduate qualifications are not necessary. Applicants do not need to be a Registered Mental Health Nurse; registration in Division 1, Nurses Board of Western Australia (or equivalent) is required. Registered Nurses (without a degree) may also find the course to be of value and other prospective students may be eligible for entry, at the discretion of the course coordinator, after assessment of prior education and experience.

Students will complete a total of three units (60 credit points) as per the course structure below: