Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Addictions Nursing (G.Dip)

Become a Clinical Practice Leader in the specialty of mental health and addictions nursing.

Build on your experience as a registered nurse, develop expertise in this specialty, and in turn, advance nursing practice in your community and beyond. This program will prepare you for specialty practice in the ever-evolving field of mental health and addictions. Designed to compliment a full-time or part-time career, completion of the program will see you take a step toward advanced practice nursing in this specialty.

Geared to suit your lifestyle, this five-course program of study offered through the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing is delivered over five semesters through online coursework and practice-based workshops. Each of the four theory courses include readings, online discussions, and assignments, in addition to two eight-hour workshops consisting of various forms of active learning, such as role play and simulated practice. The final course offers experiential education in the form of a peer-mentored clinical practicum. If you currently work in a mental health or addictions setting, you will be able to complete your clinical practicum there, or you may decide to learn in a completely new setting. Graduates of this program will be awarded a Graduate Diploma (G.Dip) in Mental Health and Addictions Nursing, which will allow you to:

Earn a unique post-baccalaureate level graduate diploma, the first of its kind in the province. Focus on in-depth knowledge, evidence-informed practice, and critical inquiry.
Prepare yourself for employment in an array of positions in mental health and addictions nursing.
NEW: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) course provides the mandatory 40 hours of formal training for CACBT certification.
Be eligible to write the CNA’s nursing specialty practice certification exam in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (Option B: nursing practice + 300 hours of formal education in a specialty post-basic course or program at a college/university).

"Mental health nursing is a unique and challenging field that requires a deep understanding of the science of mental health and the art of connecting in a meaningful and healing way. Your learning experience in the mental health grad diploma signifies a rewarding educational journey about mental health nursing care and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who struggle with mental health."

Dr. Rasha Wahid, Assistant Professor and Registered Psychotherapist

Next Intake: September 2025

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Program Features/Highlights

Earn a unique post-baccalaureate-level graduate diploma, the first of its kind in the province.
Focus on in-depth knowledge, evidence-informed practice, and critical inquiry.
Prepare for employment in an array of positions in mental health and addictions nursing.

Program Options

Fully online and accessible program for nurses across Canada and beyond
Mix of theory, virtual workshops, and practical experience
5 semesters of part-time study (final semester is 150-hour practicum)

Required Courses

Mode of Delivery

This program is offered by TFSON using an online format. Online delivery, facilitated online discussions and guided independent learning will be supplemented by 16 hours of synchronous active learning workshops (2 x 8 hours) per course. Students will take one course per semester. The final semester of study is a 150-hour practicum in a practice setting. The time to completion is 20 months of part-time study.

Faculty

Faculty, who are Registered Nurses with graduate degrees, will teach and supervise students in a manner that is consistent with preparation for specialty practice in mental health and addictions nursing.