Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Course overview

The aim of this course is to encourage professional and ethical understanding of evidence based clinical practice development in alcohol and other drugs nursing. It will provide students with an understanding of substance use issues from both an individual and public health perspective. The course covers assessment, treatment and nursing care of persons experiencing alcohol and other drug dependence.

The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve outcomes through the coordination and provision of person-centred care in this growing speciality.

Students complete 4 core units of study.

Learning Outcomes

At successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• apply critical thinking/clinical reasoning skills to the assessment of the person living with alcohol and other drug issues, linking specialist theory to holistic clinical practice
• demonstrate specialist knowledge in the use of pharmacotherapies and psychosocial interventions for the treatment of persons in the context of alcohol and other drugs nursing practice
• apply current evidence-based research, including government policy and strategy, to enhance clinical decision-making skills and care planning in the context of alcohol and other drugs nursing practice
• develop advanced communication skills in order to establish therapeutic relationships with persons, their support network, and the interdisciplinary team to promote a holistic approach to alcohol and other drugs nursing care
• develop leadership, mentoring and educational skills to contribute to high standard alcohol and other drugs nursing practice, and facilitate quality improvement in this area
• critically reflect on the role of personal values and ethics as central to the development of culturally safe practice in alcohol and other drugs nursing practice.

Career Outcomes

A Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs is an investment in your future and will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure better outcomes for your patients and progress your career, leading to opportunities in clinical education, management and specialist nursing roles.

Course Structure

The Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs is a one year course, consisting of four 10-week terms.

Students will need to complete 4 core units. One unit is studied per term.

Approximate hours of study are 12 – 15 hours per week.