Allied Mental Health 2010
On this page:
- Programme of Study
- Programme Delivery
- School Dates
- What is Expected of a Student
- Te Pou Funding Requirements
- Costs
- Entry Requirements
- Application for Admission
This Postgraduate Certificate programme is funded by Te Pou and designed for social workers and occupational therapists nationally, who have been employed in the specialty are of mental health for less than 2 years. The programme focuses on a recovery approach.
Programme of Study
Qualification: Postgraduate Certificate in Health (PGCertHLH)
Major: Allied Mental Health (ALMH)
Consisting of two courses:
Programme Delivery
The programme runs for 10 months from February to November. The theoretical content is covered at two Schools. Contact is maintained through the use of the internet-based teaching platform Blackboard, and by visits to your work sites. The programme is supported by senior occupational therapists and social workers in mental health and an external advisory committee provides advice to the programme.
School Dates
Students need to attend two schools in Wellington on the following dates:
1st School: Monday 22 to Thursday 25 February 2010
2nd School: Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 August in Wellington 2010
What is Expected of the Student?
A Problem-Based Learning approach is utilised in which you are challenged to explore stimulus material on Blackboard designed to stimulate the real world complexity of clinical practice in mental health settings. The integration of knowledge with practice occurs through preceptoring, in-vivo supervised practice and various clinical experiences. The programme consists of two master's courses and therefore requires a considerable committment in terms of time and energy. You will need to be supported by your Manager to put aside adequate time each week for reading, reflecting and assessment writing.
You will need to arrange for the preceptor, clinical and cultural supervisors that you select at the time of enrolment.
Regular access to email and the Internet
University resources and the theoretical component of the programme are delivered through Blackboard, the internet-based teaching platform. This requires regular access (3-4 times per week) to email and Blackboard discussion fora. Therefore, you will need regular access to the internet and email, which must be arranged prior to programme commencement.
Te Pou Funding Requirements
Preceptoring
A minimum of 20 hours preceptoring during the programme. The preceptor's role is to act as a resource and support person for you. They will assist your learning in relation to organisational and multidisciplinary team issues and will facilitate your access to clinical experiences.
Clinical Supervision
Twenty hours of clinical supervision during the programme, in addition to your usual workplace supervision. These 20 hours are contracted and paid for directly by Victoria University of Wellington. The role of the clinical supervisor is to assist you to achieve your learning objectives for the programme by facilitating development of your knowledge and skills, and by linking theory to practice.
A Range of Clinical Experiences
It is anticipated that you will obtain access to a range of clinical settings (e.g. inpatient, community, child & family, and a Non-Government Organisation (NGO)). As well as exposure to various clinical presentations this will assist you with learning to develop skills, knowledge and competence across a broad range of mental health practice.
Clinical Hours
You must be employed at least 0.7 FTE of a full time position if you are a new graduate and 0.6FTE if you have one years working experience. You are required to complete 900 clinical hours over the duration of the programme (February to November).
Cultural Supervision
A maximum of 10 hours cultural supervision during the programme. You will familiarise yourselves with and make use of the employing organisations current policies and practices for your cultural supervision.
What are the Costs for Students?
You are responsible for travel and accommodation costs, and meals while attending Schools. Te Pou has a Travel Assistance Grant designed to subsidise trainees for personal out of pocket expenses relating to travel and accommodation to attend Te Pou funded funded programmes. Applications for this grant can be found at: http://www.skillsmatter.co.nz/page/10-Skills-Matter-clinical-training-fund#travel
Te Pou funding covers your University course fees, all course handouts, clinical supervision and a contribution to your employing organisation to support your release and the cost of preceptoring and cultural supervision.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to apply you will:
- be registered as an occupational therapist with a current practising certificate, or
- be a social worker with a Level B qualification and membership of ANZASW, and
- be employed full time (or a minimum of 0.7 FTE new graduates or 0.6 for those with one years experience) within a publicly funded mental health service
- be employed in a mental health service less than 2 years at the start of the programme
- be a New Zealand citizen or hold New Zealand residency
- have regular access to email and internet
- have an Employer Support Form signed by your Clinical Line Manager
We recommend that students discuss the programme requirements and employer support with their clinical manager and professional advisor prior to seeking a signed Employer Support Form available online.
Application for Admission
Limited places are available
To apply to study in this programme please visit the University's Online Enrolment page.
Any enquires please contact:
Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health
Victoria University of Wellington
PO Box 600
Wellington 6140
Phone: (04) 463 6144 or 0800 108-005
Email: address