Postgraduate NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COURSE GUIDE 204 latrobe.edu.au
CONTENTS In 20, the median salary for postgraduates in full-time employment was $73,000.* * Graduate Careers Australia, Postgraduate Destinations 20 Why study nursing and midwifery at La Trobe? Fees, support and scholarships 2 Courses at a glance 3 Master of Mental Health 4 Master of Midwifery 5 Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Science 5 Master of Nursing 6 Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) 8 Research programs 8 Apply now 9
WHY STUDY NURSING AND MIDWIFERY AT LA TROBE? We re an Australian pioneer in nursing and midwifery education. In 974, La Trobe became the first provider of tertiary-based education for nurses. Our experience has helped us build an innovative curriculum that produces highly respected graduates. A wide range of specialisations We offer a wide range of specialisations for you to choose from. These include: acute care breast care cancer and palliative care cardiac care child, family and community critical care emergency care intensive care mental health midwifery nurse practitioner neonatal care perianaesthetic care perioperative care renal care urology and continence wound management. Enviable practical learning and industry partnerships We have partnerships with leading Victorian hospitals and healthcare organisations, as well as clinical schools embedded within The Alfred, Austin Health, Northern Health, Royal Melbourne, Mercy Health, and The Royal Women s hospitals. For many of our courses, you ll study theoretical course components through La Trobe and complete practical clinical requirements at Austin Health, The Alfred Health or other healthcare providers. We are a leader in nursing and midwifery research Our research in nursing and midwifery was rated as being well above world standard by the Australian Government s 202 Excellence in Research for Australia, and our research centres are some of the best in the country. These include the Mother and Child Health Research Centre and the Australian Institute for Primary Care and Ageing. Our research strengths are: pregnancy and childbirth women s health cancer and palliative care community nursing consumer participation wound management Indigenous health mental health nursing ageing and end of life care perinatal and child health nursing education personal experiences of health and illness. To learn more about applying for our nursing research degrees, please see inside the back cover. Flexible learning to suit you Our programs are taught using a variety of approaches, such as onsite, distance education and online, to help you fit in your studies with life s other commitments. We also offer part-time, full-time and flexi-modes, so you decide how much you take on. Short courses and single subjects We offer a variety of single subjects and short courses if you d like a taste of postgraduate study at La Trobe. These include: Nurse Immuniser Program Wound Management Training Special Care of the Neonate Breast Care Nursing Clinical Audit Nursing People with Lung Cancer Prostate Nursing Care Management of Skin Ulcers and Lesions Clinical Practice Development Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses (IRON Program) Return to Practice Course for Australian Educated Nurses Medication Management for Nurses Rhythm Strip Interpretation Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation. Learn more about our short courses at: latrobe.edu.au/courses/nursing/shortcourses did you know La Trobe was recently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world under the age of 50.* * QS World University Rankings 202 Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204
FEES, SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIPS You may be eligible for a loan, income support or scholarships to help you manage the costs of postgraduate study. This information is only relevant to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia. If you re an international applicant, see La Trobe s International Postgraduate Course Guide 204, or visit: latrobe.edu.au/international Commonwealth Supported Places There may be a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for certain courses and clinical specialisations. Please check with the University about the availability of CSP places. With a CSP, you only pay a contribution toward the cost of the course and the Australian Government pays the rest. In 203, the basic annual student contribution rates for CSPs in nursing was up to A$5,648 per year.* * Information is for 203 only. Rates may change in 204. Full-fee Places Alternatively, for full-fee paying places, you pay the full cost of the course. You ll find indicative 204 full fees for your course on page 3. More information about fees Student contributions for CSPs and costs for full-fee places at university vary by course. Both fees and student contribution rates usually rise by about seven per cent annually. For general CSP and fee details, see: latrobe.edu.au/postgrad/fees-scholarships The Agora, Melbourne Campus FEE-HELP AND HECS-HELP You could be eligible for government loans to pay full fees (through FEE-HELP) or your CSP student contribution (through HECS HELP). For detailed information on FEE- HELP and HECS-HELP, call 800 020 08 or visit: studyassist.gov.au Income support for selected courses If you enrol in a Master of Nursing (Child, Family and Community) or a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner), you could be eligible for government-provided income support. To find out more, call Centrelink on 32 490 or visit the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR): deewr.gov.au Scholarships As a postgraduate student, you could be eligible for scholarships, awards and prizes. To see if you re eligible for any scholarships, visit: Coursework latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/postgraduates Research latrobe.edu.au/research/future/scholarships 2 Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204
COURSES AT A GLANCE Course Page Campus Duration Semester starts Nursing and Midwifery Coursework Programs Master of Mental Health 4 BEN Full-time:.5 years Part-time DE equivalent: 2-3 years Master of Midwifery 5 MEL Full-time: year Part-time equivalent: 2 years DE Master of Nursing 6 MEL Full-time:.5 years Part-time equivalent: 2 3 years Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) DE 8 MEL Full-time: year Part-time equivalent: 2 3 years DE Early exit option (Certificate/ Diploma) Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma Graduate Diploma only Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma*, 2 No early exit option Indicative (203) fees (A$) $3,250 per 20 credit points $6,640 per 20 credit points $6,640 per 20 credit points $8,530 per 20 credit points Prerequisites Bachelor s degree in nursing, social work, occupational therapy or psychology Registration with relevant board Employed by a service approved by the course coordinator Master of Midwifery Must be a current registered nurse with endorsement to practice as a midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery Science or its equivalent At least one year s recent clinical practice in midwifery and must be employed in an approved area of midwifery practice. Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Science Must be a current Registered Nurse with the AHPRA Hold a degree or a diploma in nursing At least one year s recent acute nursing experience Have a clinical place at an approved clinical midwifery agency Must be a current registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent At least one year of recent relevant nursing experience Degree or diploma from a college or university, or a nursing certificate from a hospital-based program Employed in the relevant clinical area by an agency approved by the course coordinator, or must have applied to the agency to undertake clinical placement at the time of applying for the course Students applying for the Master of Nursing (Child, Family, Community) must also hold current registration with AHPRA to practice as a midwife (and at least one year s experience post-registration in midwifery)** Must be a current registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent At least three years of recent relevant nursing experience Postgraduate Diploma in a nursing specialty Employed by an agency approved by the course coordinator Employer/organisational support for a period of candidacy ** Master of Nursing (Child, Family, Community) has an exit at Graduate Diploma only. ** Although applicants are encouraged to organise their own clinical placement, clinical practicum in the Maternal Child Health Service will be arranged by the University, through negotiation with the student and local government agencies. Options to suit you We offer study options to suit you. Many of our Master s courses offer early exit options that allow you to leave a course with a Graduate Certificate or a Graduate Diploma (see table above for options) once you ve successfully completed relevant course requirements. You can then complete your Master s at a later date. How to get more information Visit Find a course for more course information: latrobe.edu.au/courses Key to courses Campuses and abbreviations MEL BEN DE Melbourne Bendigo Distance Education Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204 3
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MASTER OF MENTAL HEALTH This course aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of mental health, through systematic analysis and reflection on the relationships between theory and clinical practice. It offers you a strong evidence base supported by clinical skill development. Industry credit You may be eligible for institutional credit. Please contact the University for more information. COURSE STRUCTURE All students must enrol in the Master s program, but you can choose to exit early and receive either a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Graduate Certificate (60 credit points) You ll be required to complete two Clinical Practice in Mental Health subjects. Graduate Diploma (20 credit points) You ll complete the same subjects as the Graduate Certificate, plus an additional 60 credit points that include Research Foundations, Clinical Development and Advanced Mental Health Practice. Master (80 credit points) Clinical placement This course requires clinical placement hours that will be linked to your employer or other service. Delivery mode We offer this course via a flexible online delivery mode. This accommodates students who work or live in rural or remote areas, or interstate, or may not be in a position to attend face-to-face lectures or tutorials. Broadband internet access is required for this course. Having completed the Postgraduate Diploma requirements, you can choose to complete the final 60 credit points as either: a clinical project and an independent study unit, or or minor thesis. For more information, visit: latrobe.edu.au/courses/nursing/ postgraduate Master of Mental Health Part-time Sample course structure Semester Semester 2 MMH5CPM Clinical Practice in Mental Health MMH5CPH Clinical Practice in Mental Health 2 2 Semester Semester 2 NSM5RFN Research Foundations NSM5CPR Clinical Development MMH5AMP Advanced Mental Health Practice MMH5AMH Advanced Mental Health Practice 2 3 Option Option 2 NSM5ISU Independent Study Subject NSG5MTA Minor Thesis A NSM5CLP Clinical Project NSG5MTB Minor Thesis B For detailed course information, select the Full Course Details link for your campus in the Master of Mental Health entry at: latrobe.edu.au/courses For detailed subject information, enter subject codes (from the table above) into our subject database at: latrobe.edu.au/udb_public 4 Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204
Master Of Midwifery NURSING AND MIDWIFERY Our Master of Midwifery program is a flexible way for you to undertake advanced studies in midwifery, consistent with the increasing professionalism expected of practising midwives. This course includes study areas such as management, education, research training and practice enhancement. Graduates may be eligible for entry to doctoral candidature. It also allows for appropriately qualified nurses to register as a midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency upon the completion of 20 credit points, and exiting early with a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Science (see below). You ll develop the skills necessary to practice midwifery within a framework of wellness. This includes the ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate midwifery care. You will also develop the knowledge necessary to recognise abnormalities during pregnancy, labour and the post-birth period, and to initiate the appropriate action. Delivery mode Distance education Course structure The Master of Midwifery is a 20 credit-point award. You can choose from the following study options: Option : three core subjects and a research project culminating in a thesis of approximately 5,000 words Option 2: three core subjects plus a clinical project, and an independent study unit chosen from a range of Master s subjects offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Graduate Diploma In Midwifery Science You may choose to exit early with a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Science. Delivery mode This course is offered full time at our Melbourne and Bendigo campuses. You will be required to attend lectures at the beginning of semester one and workshops throughout the first and second semesters. Theoretical content is introduced in lectures and through e learning flexible learning modules. A clinical component of approximately three days per week is required for the majority of the semester. Please note: dates for lectures and workshops vary for students enrolled at different campuses, and content delivered online requires internet access with broadband speed. Clinical placement You will be required to participate in a minimum of 72 hours or 89 days (eight hours per day) of clinical placements over two semesters, or until you meet the requirements of La Trobe University School of Nursing and Midwifery and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. MASTER of midwifery Part-time Sample course structure Semester or 2 NSM5APA Advanced Practice A NSM5APB Advanced Practice B NSM5PCA Clinical Internship 2 Option Option 2 NSG5MTA Minor thesis A NSM5CLP Clinical Project NSG5MTB Minor thesis B NSM5ISU Independent study unit For detailed course information, select the Full Course Details link for your campus in the Master of Midwifery entry at: latrobe.edu.au/courses For detailed subject information, enter subject codes (from the table above) into our subject database at: latrobe.edu.au/udb_public Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Science Sample course structure Semester Semester 2 NSM4MID Midwifery Fundamentals Pregnancy and Birth NSM4FPB Foundations for Specialty Practice B NSM4MFA Foundations in Midwifery Practice NSM4NSN Care of the Neonate with Special Needs NSM5RFN Research Foundations Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204 5
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MASTER OF NURSING Our flexible Master of Nursing allows you to choose a specialisation and gives you the option of exiting early from the degree with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. This course is ideal for suitably qualified nurses who want to pursue a career in one of the specialisations offered, while undertaking advanced clinical training. Course Structure All students must enrol in the Master s program, but you can choose to exit early and receive either a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Graduate Certificate (60 credit points) Requirements: completion of two Foundations for Specialty Practice subjects. Please note: if you enrol in the Child, Family and Community major, you can only finish at Graduate Diploma or Master s level. Graduate Diploma (20 credit points) This Diploma requires the completion of certificate subjects, plus an additional 60 credit points that include: two core subjects (Clinical Practice Development and Research Foundations) two Advanced Practice subjects with elective modules that focus on your chosen career. Master (80 credit points) Having completed Postgraduate Diploma requirements, you can choose to complete the final 60 credit points as either a: Clinical Project and an Independent Study Unit, or Minor Thesis. For more information, visit latrobe.edu.au/courses/nursing/ postgraduate Nursing students in clinical practice Study Options Depending on your choice of specialisation, you ll study via our flexible online delivery mode and/or in person at one of our affiliated hospitals. For most subjects, the online learning modules are supported by a limited number of on-campus workshop days (or equivalent online virtual classrooms). The location of these depends on your specialisation. All online subjects require broadband internet access. Industry Credit You may be eligible for institutional credit. Please contact the Future Students Centre for more information. T 300 35 045 latrobe.edu.au/ask Available Specialisations Applicants for the Master of Nursing can choose one of the specialisations listed below. Acute care Get the in-depth knowledge and skills required to practise contemporary acute care nursing. This specialisation features a strong evidence base supported by clinical skill development and lifelong learning skills. Specialty subjects allow you to undertake focused and advanced clinical studies. You ll also do supervised and assessed clinical practice. Breast care The breast care program is designed to prepare qualified nurses to care for people with breast cancer from the time of screening to diagnosis, and throughout the disease trajectory. This program features the latest developments in research, treatments and psychosocial support. Cancer/palliative care This specialisation prepares qualified nurses to extend and deepen their knowledge of cancer/palliative care nursing in a variety of settings. It aims to provide registered nurses with the theoretical preparation that meets the national professional level for specialist cancer nurses in Australia. Cardiac care Develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in caring for medical, interventional and cardiac surgical patients. You ll examine the pathophysiology, assessment and management of patients with cardiac disease and explore the psychosocial, ethical and rehabilitation aspects of their nursing care. You ll also gain experience in technological aspects of cardiac nursing during practical skills workshops. There s a minimum clinical requirement, with study days held at the La Trobe/Alfred Clinical School. Child, family and community This progam prepares you for a broad community approach to nursing children and families, particularly those who are prenatal to school-entry age. Critical care We aim to provide you with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to practise in contemporary critical care nursing. This specialisation offers you a strong evidence base supported by appropriate clinical skill development. Specialty units enable you to 6 Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY undertake focused and advanced clinical studies, and you ll also complete supervised and assessed clinical practice. Emergency care This is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of emergency nursing, through systematic analysis and reflection on the relationships between theory and clinical practice. It also aims to give you in-depth knowledge and lifelong learning skills required in contemporary emergency nursing. Specialty units enable you to undertake focused and advanced clinical studies, and you ll also complete supervised and assessed clinical practice. Intensive care We provide you with a range of opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of intensive care nursing, through systematic analysis and reflection on the relationships between theory and practice. Neonatal care This specialisation is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to care for premature, low birth weight and sick infants, and their families. We offer a range of opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of relationships between theory and evidence-based practice, through critical thinking, systematic analysis and reflection. We offer two pathways within this specialisation neonatal intensive care or neonatal special care. Your pathway is determined by the clinical placement and subjects you choose. Perianaesthetic care This dynamic field involves nurses providing preoperative and intraoperative care to patients undergoing anaesthesia during surgery, as well as being involved in the care of the patient in post-surgery recovery. This program offers qualified nurses the opportunity to gain experience in areas such as anaesthesia, postanaesthesia care, surgical specialities and supplies, day procedures, and perioperative nursing. Perioperative care Focusing on the psychosocial and physiological needs of each patient, the perioperative nurse functions as a key member of the multidisciplinary team to plan, implement and evaluate patient interventions through the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of care. This course is a pathway to advanced professional practice. You ll expand your knowledge with in-depth and systematic analysis of theory and practice, and enhance your career potential and patient care outcomes. Renal care This course prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as specialist renal nurses. As a graduate, you ll have the knowledge, skill and confidence to provide quality nursing care for in-patient and communitybased clients from diverse backgrounds, who require dialysis, transplantation and other interventions for acute and chronic renal failure, and associated conditions. Urology and continence You ll have the opportunity to examine contemporary urological and continence nursing, and to advance your knowledge and skills in this specialist area of practice. You ll focus on advanced assessment related to bowel and bladder health, pathological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to bowel and bladder problems, and the psychosocial impact of urological and continence problems. Wound Management* You ll have the opportunity to develop wound management expertise, drawing from established partnerships between La Trobe University and Alfred Health. Experiences range from emergency management of traumatic wounds to the long standing or chronic wounds found in the community setting. The course emphasises preventative and curative strategies providing you with skills to contribute to a variety of health care environments. * subject to approval Master of Nursing PART-TIME Sample course structure Semester or 2 NSM4FPA Foundations for Speciality Practice A NSM4FPB Foundations for Speciality Practice B 2 Semester or 2 NSM5CPR Clinical Practice Development NSM5RFN Research Foundations NSM5APA Advanced Practice A NSM5APB Advanced Practice B 3 Option Option 2 NSG5MTA Nursing Thesis A NSM5ISU Independent Study Unit NSG5MTB Nursing Thesis B NSM5CLP Clinical Project For detailed course information, select the Full Course Details link for your campus in the Master of Nursing entry at latrobe.edu.au/courses For detailed subject information, enter subject codes (from the table above) into our subject database at latrobe.edu.au/udb_public Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204 7
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY Master of nursing (nurse practitioner) Nursing students in clinical practice This program is designed for nurses who seek endorsement from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to work in their specialty as a nurse practitioner. This course offers the skills and knowledge you ll need to provide detailed, holistic care to your patients and professional leadership in contemporary clinical specialties. All applications are considered on an individual basis, but our nurse practitioner students usually hold a Postgraduate Diploma in their chosen specialty and are currently working in that specialty. Course structure This 20 credit-point program, consists of three core subjects and a 60 credit-point clinical internship. The internship provides you with extended, supervised and supported clinical practice to consolidate and apply your coursework learning in preparation for a nurse practitioner endorsement. Generally, you ll complete the core subjects Advanced Clinical Practice, Therapeutic Medication Management and Clinical Practice Development in first year, and the clinical internship in second year. If we receive insufficient enrolments for Therapeutic Medication Management, you may need to enrol in a cross-institutional therapeutic education subject. Study options You can complete this course in a variety of flexible learning modes, including face-to-face teaching, clinical practice andonline learning. Some online subjects require broadband internet access. Clinical placement All nurse practitioner candidates must be working clinically in their specialty. Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) PART-TIME Sample course structure Semester Semester 2 NSG5ACP Advanced Clinical Practice NSG5CPD Clinical Practice Development NSG5TMN Therapeutic Medication Management 2 Semester Semester 2 NSG5PCA Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship A NSG5PCB Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship B For detailed course information, select the Full Course Details link for your campus in the Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) entry at latrobe.edu.au/courses For detailed subject information, enter subject codes (from the table above) into our subject database at latrobe.edu.au/udb_public Research Programs La Trobe is one of Australia s leading research universities. The Australian Government recently rated our research in Nursing as being well above world standard * * Excellence in Research for Australia 202 We ensure that our research students receive high-quality supervision. The School of Nursing and Midwifery offers an exceptional postgraduate staff-to-student ratio and our staff are dedicated to assisting you throughout your research program. There are many entry points, depending on your training needs. An Honours or a Master s degree will provide you with basic research skills and allow you to undertake a small research project. From here, you could go on to gain a PhD and investigate a single topic in depth, to become an expert in your chosen subject. For more information on our research programs, visit: latrobe.edu.au/courses/nursing/research 8 Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Course Guide 204
APPLY NOW Applying for postgraduate courses at La Trobe is straightforward, just make sure you supply all requested information so your application isn t delayed. Please note: this information is only relevant to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia. If you re an international applicant, see La Trobe s International Postgraduate Course Guide 204, or visit: latrobe.edu.au/international Coursework programs Applying for a coursework program at La Trobe mostly involves supplying information to prove you meet the minimum course requirements. To apply for a coursework program, visit: latrobe.edu.au/postgrad/apply/ coursework-programs Important dates Applications for most coursework programs close between late October and late January for Semester, and in July for mid-year entry (if it s available for that course). If you miss the closing date, talk to the Future Students Centre on 300 35 045 about late applications for your course. Research programs The content of your research program depends on the topic and supervisor you choose, so it s important to do plenty of thinking and investigation before you decide. To apply for a research program, visit: latrobe.edu.au/postgrad/apply/ research-programs Important dates You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, if you re a local applicant, applications for research scholarships close on 3 October 204. See our available research scholarships at: latrobe.edu.au/research/future/scholarships Disclaimer: The information contained in this brochure is indicative only. The University does not give any warranties in relation to the currency, accuracy or completeness of the contents. The University reserves the right to make changes without notice at any time in its absolute discretion, including but not limited to varying admission and assessment requirements, and discontinuing or varying courses. Users of this publication are advised to check with the relevant faculty or department before acting on the information published in this brochure. To the extent permitted by law, the University does not accept responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, claim or damage arising out of or in any way connected with the use of the information contained in this brochure or any error, omission or defect in the information contained in this brochure. Published by La Trobe University, April 203. La Trobe University is a registered provider under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS Provider 005M CS3225 02/3
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