Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

During this program, students will:

1. Interpret and communicate new and emerging information and theories to contribute to scholarly and professional discussions within mental health nursing.
2. Critically analyse social, political, economic and organisational influences on mental health practice to inform appropriate nursing interventions.
3. Critically examine risk and safety using ethical, legal and social protection principles to support balanced, recovery-oriented care.
4. Apply enhanced clinical judgement, decision-making and problem-solving skills in complex mental health nursing situations to support optimal consumer outcomes.
5. Demonstrate advanced autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility in self-directed learning and professional practice.
6. Apply advanced interpersonal and collaborative skills to develop partnerships with mental health consumers, families and groups that promote choice, self-determination and recovery.
7. Reflect on diverse world views and critically challenge assumptions that influence mental health nursing practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is an online postgraduate qualification designed for registered nurses seeking to build specialist knowledge in mental health nursing. The course responds to contemporary mental health research and policy and provides foundational study in mental health theory and practice, with a pathway to further study and Mental Health Nurse credentialing.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing requires 4 units. Students complete four units from the list below:

• Contemporary Mental Health
• Mental Health Across the Lifespan
• Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
• Acute Mental Health
• Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
• Physical Health Care in Mental Health.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $12,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

To qualify for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing, all applicants must: 

• 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; 
• Be proficient in English. 

SCU Online may recognise relevant previous academic study and professional work experience through Recognition of Prior Learning and Advanced Standing. Applicants should provide evidence of relevant qualifications and professional experience when applying. Eligible credit may reduce the number of units required, course duration and overall study cost.

Studying online requires: 

• A PC or Mac with the latest operating system 
• ​A fast, reliable internet connection 
• The latest version of Chrome or Firefox. 

Sometimes, specific software or textbooks are required.