Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) BHlthSc(MentalHlth)

Including:
Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health) [exit point only] AssocdegHlthSc(MentalHlth)
University Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health) [exit point only] UniCertHlthSc(MentalHlth)

CSU's Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) aims to prepare graduates who have appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to work competently as a mental health worker within their own communities and mainstream mental health services.

About the course

Designed in collaboration with a community-based Aboriginal Mental Health Steering Committee and the Greater Southern Area Health Service, this course is specifically designed for Indigenous mental health practitioners to meet the needs of Indigenous communities.

This specialist course aims to prepare graduates to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, their family and communities and other health professionals, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. An understanding of primary healthcare, cultural safety, equity and socio-cultural aspects of care will enhance the graduates' understanding and appreciation of the clients' and their family's experience of emotional and social trauma and mental health problems.

Where it will take you

Graduates have been successfully employed at various levels within mainstream and community-based mental health services.

Articulation and credit

The University Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health) and the Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health) are exit point only courses within the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health).

Students may elect to exit the course following the completion of the first year of study with the award University Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health), or the first two years of study with the award Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health).

Students who have already successfully completed the previously offered stand-alone Diploma of Health Science (Mental Health) or equivalent are awarded 128 points of credit into the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health).

All recognition of prior learning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Financial assistance and student support

Prospective students may be eligible for financial assistance or student support through the Indigenous Support Service. Further information can be gained by contacting info.csu on
1800 334 733, or speaking with a Student Liaison Officer at the Indigenous Support Unit on
your campus.

Graduation requirements

To graduate from the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health), students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (21 subjects).

Students who complete 128 points may exit with the Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health).

Students who complete 64 points may exit with the University Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health).

Clinical requirements

Refer to the Clinical Requirements section following for information on:

• Criminal Record Clearance
  
• Immunisation
  

Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)

Application details

How to apply

Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) comprises 18 mandatory subjects, three of which are year-long, 16 point subjects, and three elective subjects.

Students may elect to exit the course following the completion of the first year of study with the University Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health), or the first two years of study with the Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health).

An indicative enrolment pattern is available in the CSU Handbook.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies
   and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE ‘A’ level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in ‘Use of English’ in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in ‘Use of English’;
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Additional Requirements

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) applicants will:

• be of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background
  
• demonstrate an aptitude to undertake this course through previous relevant experiences in the field of mental health and Indigenous issues
  
• if required, have completed a bridging program or successfully completed the Koori Admissions Program (KAP) through Charles Sturt University.

Clinical requirements

Criminal Record Clearance
The Department of Health in NSW, and most other states, currently require all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement, to undergo criminal record checks. The checks are intended to identify people who have convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, who may put patients’/clients’ personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

All students must therefore have a Criminal Record Clearance prior to placement in any capacity in the NSW Health system and most other State organisations. Prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a Criminal Record Clearance will make it impossible to complete this course satisfactorily as it will not be possible to arrange suitable clinical placements.

In addition, all students are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration indicating whether or not they are a prohibited person under the Child Protection Act 1998.

If you have any queries regarding these requirements, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Coordinator.

Immunisation - Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases

NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases (PD2007_006) that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement.

All students must undergo vaccination against infectious diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System, and most other Australian State Health Systems. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a personal record card (available from the School through which the student is studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other State Health staff, whilst the student is on placement.

The Policy requires that you consult your local doctor to obtain written proof of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B.

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the requirements of this policy have been met, and failure to comply with the requirements may jeopardise completion of your studies.

As a full course of vaccinations may take several months to complete, you are advised to consult your local medical practitioner well in advance of the commencement of your clinical experience placement. Please contact your medical practitioner to identify your local TB screening provider and ensure the screening is completed prior to your first clinical placement.

PLEASE NOTE that, as many courses involve clinical practicums in the first semester of study, the hepatitis B immunisation should be commenced early, in order for full immunisation status to be attained prior to clinical placements and so meet NSW Health requirements.

Further information is available from NSW Health.

Contacts

For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:

Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) Telephone: +61 2 6338 6077 (outside Australia) Facsimile: (02) 6338 6001 (within Australia) Facsimile: +61 2 6338 6001 (outside Australia) Email: inquiry@csu.edu.au Web inquiry: www.csu.edu.au/student/contact Web: info.csu.edu.au