Warning! There have been changes to the course - please refer to the transition information
Postgraduate TAS-ADS-GCE-2024
Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies for Health Professionals
Help those with addictions lead a healthier life
Take your health career to the next level with a specialisation in addiction. Understand dependency, maladaptive behaviours and epidemiological indicators. Explore intervention. Gain the sensitivity to help clients, their families and friends.
Available loans
Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Study method
100% online
Price
From
$2,220
Total subjects
4
Assessments
100% online
CSP Available
Yes
Credit available
Yes
Applications Close
- No dates available
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Degree structure
Core subjects
Major subjects
Elective subjects
Degree
Degree details
What you'll learn
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Synthesise advanced theoretical and technical knowledge to inform the provision of care in relation to addiction.
- Critically analyse social ecological factors determining experiences of addiction to help guide evidence-informed solutions.
- Evaluate strategies used to optimise health outcomes in addiction using evidence informed independent judgement.
- Communicate specialist knowledge and information to a range of audiences.
Career opportunities
The costs of addiction are vast, both on the person and our society. The latest report from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare estimates that the social costs of tobacco use alone in Australia to be $136.9 billion. The personal cost is also high, with addiction destroying lives, affecting families, and impacting communities.
When you complete this course, you will be better equipped to provide effective and appropriate care for those experiencing dependencies, directly helping to reduce the costs of addiction for the person and society.
If you are a health professional and work with individuals experiencing dependency, the knowledge, and skills you gain can help you upskill and specialise in your current role. It is also great for those looking to move into the addiction care field, in particular registered nurses, and social workers.
For non-heath professionals such as police officers, this course will help you improve your effectiveness in responding to situations that involve people experiencing addiction, as well as supporting those they interact with and the communities in which they live.
Entry requirements
Higher education
- Students should be working in a health care setting (including but not limited to a hospital, health clinic, aged care setting, department of community services) to be in a strong position to succeed.
- Applicants must have completed an AQF 7 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree qualification in a health-related discipline, or in social work, psychology, social sciences, or police studies.
Credit for previous study or work
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Description
Addiction and addictive behaviours can take many forms and have serious psychological and physical effects. Addiction is most commonly associated with drugs (both illicit and prescription), alcohol and nicotine. People can also become addicted to work, shopping, eating or dieting, computer and gaming, alongside other dependent items.
Given the number of Australians experiencing a mental health disorder and knowing people with mental health conditions or high psychological distress are more likely to smoke and use illicit drugs or alcohol, the community is in need of health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary in this field. Challenges the person experiencing addiction and dependency face takes a severe toll on their quality of life, as well as those around them and the communities in which they live.
In this fully online program, you will work with both health and non-health professionals to improve your understanding of dependency and contribute to providing effective care and guidance to help those experiencing addiction to overcome their struggles. Your studies will cover the principals underlying substance use and withdrawal, identification of co-occurring conditions, and the rationale for undertaking bio-psychosocial clinical assessments for clients. You will also learn about policy and strategies which direct appropriate client management processes, as well as gain an understanding of current legislative requirements. You will learn strategies for working with people with addictive behaviours through the application of contemporary mental health improvement therapies.
Degree structure details
Recommended Study Pattern
For students undertaking part-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
The program is only available for part-time study.
Completion of 4 core subjects from the schedule below:
- TAS-CNA547 Contexts of Addiction
- TAS-CNA548 Assessment and Management of Addictive Disorders
- TAS-CNA549 Approaches to Intervention
- TAS-CNA739 Psychological Therapies in Mental Health Care
Award Requirements
Satisfactory completion of 4 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.
Transition arrangements
For those admitted prior to 2024 and were unable to study CNA550 Self Directed Project in Addiction Studies, should enrol into CNA739 Psychological Therapies in Mental Health Care
Easy apply
You can apply direct through Open Universities Australia.
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