Course Overview

About This Course

Overview Graduate with a qualification in a vital nursing specialisation. Mental Health Nurses are specialist registered nurses with key responsibilities to assess, plan and provide care for people who are often vulnerable and in crisis. Advance your nursing career with the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, which would enhance your ability to deliver recovery focused care in a variety of mental health settings. Why choose the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing at RMIT? Work-focused Gain up-to-date knowledge and practical experience to graduate work-ready, in a course developed in partnership with current industry practitioners. Expert educators Learn from one of the longest-running providers of nursing education in Australia, led by experienced mental health nurses. Professional accreditation On completion, use this qualification in your application to the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN). Professionally recognised This diploma is a core requirement that can be used in your application to be credentialed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, which will allow you to practice as a recognised Mental Health Nurse. Upon graduation, you will be able to access a Graduate Diploma allowance under the Victorian Public Mental Health Nurses award and seek promotional positions that require this qualification. Learn from the best RMIT University is at the forefront of nursing education and research. We are one of the longest running, and oldest providers of nursing education in Australia, with a history of industry partnership and strong graduate employability for over 40 years. The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is delivered by experienced mental health nurses with strong industry connections. Shape what’s next for your career in health Are you ready for a future in health? Seize your opportunities for career progression with a certificate, diploma or degree at RMIT. Transcript Health and wellbeing are our greatest assets, and careers in medicine can be diverse and rewarding. The sector is seeing increased demand for registered nurses, allied health professionals and counsellors, as well as child carers, chiropractors and osteopaths. Technology has also made digital and remote health a mainstay. RMIT’s health programs support students to learn in purpose-built labs and clinics, with industry leaders. And as the only university in Victoria with a Chinese medicine program, RMIT supports a World Health Organization program that integrates traditional medical practice into public healthcare around the globe. Are you ready for a future in health? Discover more at rmit.edu.au. Back to video Are you ready for a future in health? Discover a rewarding career and seize your opportunities for professional development with a qualification from RMIT. Skills for the future This graduate diploma is available on campus or on line to support nurses working in industry. This diploma is designed to provide you with up-to-date knowledge and practical experience. Because it's developed with current industry practitioners it will also give you the skills to extend your work-ready abilities and professional experience. Relevant and industry-based RMIT’s focus on industry-based, practical learning is realised in the design and outcomes of our Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing. It has been developed in close consultation with industry and is based on the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Credentialing Guidelines. Teaching staff are experienced practitioners with strong industry connections. Learning activities and subjects are constantly updated to ensure your studies are linked to contemporary and evolving vocational practice. Your career in mental health nursing With almost half of Australians estimated to be living with a mental illness at some point in their lives, mental health nurses perform an essential role in a wide range of hospital and community settings. I was particularly interested in RMIT’s Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing as the course had a strong focus on psychotherapeutic interventions. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn in a specialised field. I felt relaxed and supported throughout the course, because our educators were very understanding of our needs. Susan Hua, Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Entry requirements and admissions You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree. Expand all sections Collapse all sections Academic requirements Prerequisites Selection tasks English language requirements Academic requirements An Australian bachelor degree in Nursing, or equivalent OR an Australian bachelor degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, or equivalent. AND Current registration or be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. AND 840 hours of supervised clinical practice already completed in the field of mental health nursing OR you are completing this as part of a graduate year program in mental health nursing or supervised practice during the candidature. *If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit. Prerequisites There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification. Selection tasks A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification. English language requirements You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this course. You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course. Expand all sections Collapse all sections Academic requirements Prerequisites Selection tasks English language requirements Academic requirements An Australian bachelor degree in Nursing, or equivalent. OR · An Australian bachelor degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, or equivalent. AND Current registration or be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. AND 840 hours of supervised clinical practice already completed in the field of mental health nursing OR you are completing this as part of a graduate year program in mental health nursing or supervised practice during the candidature. International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Prerequisites There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification. Selection tasks A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification. English language requirements To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests: IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0) TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT) for Australia: minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing) Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component OET: Minimum score of C+ in listening, reading, speaking and writing. Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing. For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information . Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English Language Pathways (Academic English) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career Nursing, including mental health nursing, is a large occupation with opportunities in many different locations and organisations. Mental health nurses represent the largest mental health workforce in Australia and work in all contexts of care. You may work across metropolitan and rural areas for public and private organisations, or go on to contribute to mental health policy and research. According to the Australian Government, employment rates have increased steadily over the past 10 years and are forecast to continue growing for the foreseeable future. A substantial workforce gap is projected for the mental health nursing sector to 2030. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that $11.6 billion was spent on mental health-related services in 2020-21. Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for registered nurses are set to increase by 12.2% to 2028. Expand all sections Professional recognition and accreditation The program is based on the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Credentialing Guidelines. Graduates can join the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and cite this qualification as part of your application for credentialing. Credentialed mental health nurses can be funded for employment under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program. Graduates can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia which will allow you to obtain a provider number for private practice or practice in any Australian state or territory. To register you need English languages skills at IELTS academic level 7 or equivalent within the two years prior to registration.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ANMAC

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the English language requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing?

For postgraduate coursework degrees at RMIT, applicants need to meet minimum English language requirements. These include a VCE study score of at least 30 in EAL or at least 25 in English, Literature or English Language. For English proficiency tests, the standard postgraduate requirements apply: IELTS (Academic) overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, TOEFL iBT overall 79, PTE (Academic) 58 with no communication band less than 50, or C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Can professional work experience be used to meet the English language entry requirements?

Yes, for postgraduate coursework entry, applicants can demonstrate at least 2 years of professional work experience in an occupation requiring English language proficiency. A supporting statement from your employer on official letterhead or company email is required, confirming that English is the language of business, the duration of employment, your roles and responsibilities, the nature of work, the scale of the organisation, and whether the company deals internationally.

Does RMIT accept IELTS General Training for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing?

No, RMIT does not accept IELTS (General) for admission into its university programs. Only IELTS (Academic) or IELTS (Academic) One Skill Retake are accepted for entry into postgraduate coursework degrees such as the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.

Are there alternative ways to meet the English language requirements for the 2026 intake?

Yes, RMIT is running a 2026 pilot that allows domestic applicants to meet minimum English language requirements through approved English language proficiency tests. Accepted tests include IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English (Academic), C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency. Note that tests must be valid within 2 years from the test date, and RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

Can post-secondary study be used to satisfy the English language entry requirement?

Yes, post-secondary study can be used to meet the English language entry requirement for postgraduate coursework. Applicants must have satisfactorily completed 2 undergraduate level courses equivalent to at least 24 RMIT University credit points, or satisfactorily completed an AQF accredited award at Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$55,000 – $65,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$65,000 – $78,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$78,000 – $95,000/yr

Career Paths

Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Outreach Worker
Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
Psychosocial Disability Support Worker (NDIS)
Peer Support Worker / Lived Experience Worker

Key Skills

Recovery-oriented support and strengths-based practice
Trauma-informed care approaches
Mental health assessment and wellness planning
Crisis intervention and risk management
Case coordination and care planning

Full course overview

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