The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing course will expand the mental health nurse’s knowledge base and enable informed and competent practice in settings that have mentally disordered offenders. The course equips students with the necessary assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation skills required for nursing mentally disordered offenders in the forensic and community setting.  The course also enables students to explore their attitudes to mentally disordered offenders to encourage a positive approach to this group of clients.

Standard Postgraduate entry requirements apply.

a) Prospective students must provide proof of registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (RN). The Course Coordinator maintains the right to approve all evidence for admission. Although a relevant Bachelor’s Degree is generally required, Registered Nurses with a hospital-based diploma will be eligible for enrolment at the discretion of the Course Coordinator, after assessment of relevant prior education and/or experience; and

b) A certified copy of the prospective student’s proof of identity containing a photograph is required (for example a passport or driver’s licence).

Students are required to provide:

a) evidence of a minimum of 18 hours current employment per week in a forensic mental health or custodial setting that meets the approval of the course coordinator and provide evidence of such employment as a part of the application process; and

d) a copy of the prospective student’s current Curriculum Vitae demonstrating a minimum of two years full-time clinical professional experience within the area of mental health nursing.

This course consists of 60 credit points (three units) and has a clinical practice component.