
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Addictions Nursing (G.Dip.)
Become a Clinical Practice Leader in the specialty of mental health and addictions nursing.
Build on your experience as a registered nurse, develop expertise in this specialty, and in turn, advance nursing practice in your community and beyond. This program will prepare you for specialty practice in the ever-evolving field of mental health and addictions. Designed to compliment a full-time or part-time career, completion of the program will see you take a step toward advanced practice nursing in this specialty.
Geared to suit your lifestyle, this five-course program of study offered through the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing is delivered over five semesters through online coursework and practice-based workshops. Each of the four theory courses include readings, online discussions, and assignments, in addition to two eight-hour workshops consisting of various forms of active learning, such as role play and simulated practice. The final course offers experiential education in the form of a peer-mentored clinical practicum. If you currently work in a mental health or addictions setting, you will be able to complete your clinical practicum there, or you may decide to learn in a completely new setting. Graduates of this program will be awarded a Graduate Diploma (G.Dip.) in Mental Health and Addictions Nursing, which will allow you to:
- Earn a unique post-baccalaureate level graduate diploma, the first of its kind in the province. Focus on in-depth knowledge, evidence-informed practice, and critical inquiry.
- Prepare yourself for employment in an array of positions in mental health and addictions nursing.
- NEW: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) course provides the mandatory 40 hours of formal training for CACBT certification.
- Be eligible to write the CNA’s nursing specialty practice certification exam in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (Option B: nursing practice + 300 hours of formal education in a specialty post-basic course or program at a college/university).
"Mental health nursing is a unique and challenging field that requires a deep understanding of the science of mental health and the art of connecting in a meaningful and healing way. Your learning experience in the mental health grad diploma signifies a rewarding educational journey about mental health nursing care and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who struggle with mental health."
Dr. Rasha Wahid, Assistant Professor and Registered Psychotherapist
Next Intake: September 2023
APPLICATIONS REMAIN OPEN
Program Features/Highlights
- Earn a unique post-baccalaureate-level graduate diploma, the first of its kind in the province.
- Focus on in-depth knowledge, evidence-informed practice, and critical inquiry.
- Prepare for employment in an array of positions in mental health and addictions nursing.
Program Options
- Graduate Diploma (G. Dip.) in Mental Health and Addictions
- Mix of theory, virtual workshops, and practical experience
- 5 semesters of part-time study (final semester is 150-hour practicum)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Nursing Science from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 77%.
- Registered Nurse (in good standing) in the province of Ontario or active practicing license in any other Canadian province.
- Registered Nurses without a baccalaureate degree or with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline are encouraged to apply for admission and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Required Courses
- NURS 5001H Advanced Mental Health Nursing Practice I: Foundations
- NURS 5002H Advanced Mental Health Nursing Practice II: Mental Health Challenges
- NURS 5003H Advanced Mental Health Nursing Practice III: Mental Health Promotion
- NURS 5009H Advanced Mental Health Nursing Practice IV: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- NURS 5020H Mental Health Nursing V: Advanced Practicum
Mode of Delivery
This program is offered by TFSON using a hybrid format. Online delivery, facilitated online discussions and guided independent learning will be supplemented by 16 hours of active learning workshops (2 x 8 hours) per course. Students will take one course per semester. The final semester of study is a 150-hour practicum in a practice setting. The time to completion is 28 months of part-time study.
Faculty
Faculty, who are Registered Nurses with graduate degrees, will teach and supervise students in a manner that is consistent with preparation for specialty practice in mental health and addictions nursing.
Tuition
Tuition for students beginning in fall 2023/2024 is approximately $1800 per course. Up-to-date tuition fees can be found on the Graduate Studies website.
Apply Now on the Graduate Studies Website