Education

Course Accreditation

The ACMHN offers accreditation to education providers who deliver postgraduate mental health nursing programs — ensuring they meet the standards of the profession and the National Framework for Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing Education.

About Course Accreditation

All programs undergo a meticulous process to ensure they meet the standards for the profession and the criteria required in the National Framework for Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing Education — consistent with the Australian Standards for Professional Accreditation Processes (2008) and the AHPRA Quality Framework.

If your institution offers a mental health nursing degree, the benefits of accreditation include:

  • The College directing members and prospective students to undertake your program
  • Demonstrating your courses are responsive to the needs of industry, the profession, and communities
  • Proving graduates can practice safely and effectively as specialists to potential employers
  • External, independent assurance of quality and alignment with professional standards for prospective students
  • Confirming your courses meet the requirements of the National Framework

Eligibility

An existing postgraduate mental health nursing program is eligible for accreditation for a period of five years, provided no major changes are made during that time.

Site Visit Required
A two-day site visit is required to finalise your application. Panel reviewers will allocate a minimum of 8–12 weeks to review the application before the site visit.

Application Process

  1. Download and read through the documentation listed below.
  2. Contact the ACMHN to discuss your application — email [email protected] — to set a submission date and tentative dates for the site visit.
  3. Liaise with the ACMHN as you collate evidence for your application, particularly if you have questions or need to amend your submission date.
  4. Submit your application by the due date along with the appropriate fee.
  5. Site visit details will be confirmed with you. An agenda will be prepared in collaboration with your institution and the ACMHN.
  6. Participate in the site visit.
  7. Receive a draft report from the ACMHN and provide any feedback or amendments.
  8. The ACMHN Accreditation Committee makes recommendations to the ACMHN Board of Directors.
  9. Receive final confirmation from the ACMHN about the status of your application.
  10. Provide a blurb about the course and your organisation logo for promotion on the ACMHN website. You will also receive the ACMHN accreditation logo for use on your website.

Required Documentation

You will need the following documentation for your application.

Fee Structure — 2025

First Application incl. site visit

$25,000

+ GST

Following application — no major changes, no site visit

$20,000

+ GST

Following application — major changes incl. site visit

$25,000

+ GST

Appeals Process

$2,500

+ GST

Please note:

  • The accreditation schedule of fees applies to courses leading to a postgraduate diploma or masters of mental health nursing. In the case of masters degrees with an embedded postgraduate component, both will be accredited.
  • Application fees can be invoiced on a per-annum basis over the duration of accreditation. For example, for a first application and site visit, the agreement allows for an annual payment of $5,000 + GST over four years.

Ready to Get Your Program Accredited?

Contact the ACMHN View Accredited Courses