Scholarship program for mental health nursing and allied health now open

The Albanese Government is encouraging more Australians to take up a career in mental health, with applications for the next round of the Mental Health Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Program now open.

Under this program, people studying or working in nursing and allied health, including psychology, can apply for scholarships and clinical placement supports worth up to $30,000 each.

The $5.2 million program provides a range of scholarships for studies and placements in mental health, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional development.

A guaranteed number of scholarships are allocated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Scholarships are available for anyone commencing or continuing their studies in 2023, with applications open until Monday 10 October 2022.

The scholarship program is administered by the Australian College of Nursing on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care. More details are available on the ACN website: https://www.acn.edu.au/scholarships.

Hon Emma McBride MP, the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention said, “Almost half of all Australians will experience mental ill-health at some point in their lives. That’s why improving access to health care is a top priority for the Albanese Government.

“We want to make sure all Australians can get the care they need when they need it, no matter where they live.

“These scholarships are one measure the Government is using to boost our mental health workforce by giving Australians the support they need to take up a rewarding career in health care,” she said.

Funding under this scheme is available for applicants who meet the following criteria:

• an Australian Citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• are an enrolled nurse or registered nurse with current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration
• works in the mental health sector which includes primary care, community care, psychiatric hospitals, mental health units and aged care services
• undertaking a course, which commences or is continuing in 2023 at the following level:
  — Graduate Certificate
  — Graduate Diploma
  — Masters.

All courses must be relevant to the applicant’s work in the mental health sector and enhance expertise in mental health and suicide prevention.

Content from The Hon Emma McBride MP media page. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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