Please note this program information is provided for the guidance of continuing students.  The program will not be available for admission from 2024. 

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 program undertake subjects 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.

Early Exit

Students may exit this program on completion of 80 credit points with a 4746 Graduate Diploma in Nursing Leadership (Mental Health) (exit only)

Study Mode

Three years part-time.

Program Advice

School of Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Academic Program Advisor

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

Location

Campus	Attendance	Mode	Advice
Online	Part Time	Online	See above

Accreditation

On completion of the Master of Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health) graduates will be eligible to apply for authorisation as a Nurse Practitioner with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Program accreditation can be checked on their website. https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/accreditation.aspx

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this program that you must meet in order to complete your program and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this program online.

Inherent Requirements

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.

Admission

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for entry:

• Registered Nurse (currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery),
• An undergraduate degree in Nursing or Health Science (Nursing) OR minimum of five years full-time equivalent work experience in mental health nursing,
• Graduate certificate, or higher, in mental health nursing, and
• Two years full-time equivalent (FTE) work experience as a registered nurse in mental health, PLUS two years of full-time equivalent (FTE) work experience in an advanced clinical role in mental health.

Successful applicants will need to arrange the following

• Submission to the University of evidence of current clinical practice in an advanced clinical role in mental health, confirmed via two referee reports, and
• Submission to the University of evidence of support from employing organisation to complete the program, and
• Access to complete clinical experience in a mental health setting (as approved by the School of Nursing and Midwifery), and
• Contract with a University approved primary supervisor/mentor/assessor (PSMA) to meet the requirements of the program.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).  Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University.  Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

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.

Recommended Sequence

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points which include the subjects listed in the recommended sequence below.

Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Nursing Leadership (Mental Health) on completion of the relevant subjects.

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Autumn session		Credit Points
NURS 7018	Contemporary Professional Practice in Mental Health Nursing	10
NURS 7028	Leadership in Clinical Practice	10
	Credit Points	20
Spring session
NURS 7006	Biological Considerations in Mental Health and Mental Illness for Advanced Practice	10
NURS 7023	Evidence Based Health Care	10
	Credit Points	20
Year 2
Autumn session
NURS 7013	Clinical Supervision in Health Care	10
NURS 7005	Assessment for Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurses	10
	Credit Points	20
Spring session
PUBH 7018	Leadership for Quality and Safety in Health Care	10
NURS 7041	Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurses	10
Students may exit with the Graduate Diploma in Nursing Leadership (Mental Health) at this point.
	Credit Points	20
Year 3
NURS 7001	Advanced Clinical Practice in Mental Health Nursing (20 credit point year-long subject)	20
Select one elective (for Nurse Practitioner role development)		10
Select one elective (for Mental Health specialty)		10
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	120