Degree course in Mental Health Nursing to open this year

The B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health Nursing) is a three-year course being offered this October by the Institute of Health Care, University of Malta.

Throughout the course, while students are being prepared to become professional psychiatric nurses, they undergo intensive training to be able to care for persons with mental health problems in a holistic way.

This preparation incorporates study units through which the students get to know themselves better and acquire communication skills needed to provide patients with optimum care.

Other study units include psychology, sociology, ethics, physiology, research, and methods for caring for patients of various age groups - the elderly, children, adolescents and adults, as well as for people with learning disabilities.

On successful completion of their studies, students may work in the mental health sector - at Mount Carmel Hospital or in community care - a new service area that is developing fast.

Prospective students should be in possession of the Matriculation Certificate (including a pass at Advanced Level in Biology), and passes at SEC Level at grade 5 or better in Mathematics, English Language and Maltese.

Persons aged 23 and over may apply. Those who do not have qualifications in biology will receive academic support, particularly in subjects like physiology.

For more information, mail Martin Ward at mwoxford@aol.com, or Josanne Drago Bason at jdrag01@um.edu.mt. Mr Ward and Ms Drago Bason may also be called on 2340 1181 and 2340 1913 respectively.