Microcredential
Health Promotion Principles in the Context of Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| 2026 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 14 January 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 2 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 | 29 March 2026 | 13 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | 8 April 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 27 April 2026 | 18 May 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | 1 July 2026 | 6 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 10 August 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | 23 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 | 6 December 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
| 2027 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 13 January 2027 | 18 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 | 28 March 2027 | 12 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | 7 April 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 26 April 2027 | 17 May 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | 30 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 | 19 July 2027 | 9 August 2027 | 12 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | 22 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 | 11 October 2027 | 1 November 2027 | 5 December 2027 | 4 January 2028 |
| 2028 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 12 January 2028 | 17 January 2028 | 31 January 2028 | 21 February 2028 | 26 March 2028 | 10 April 2028 |
| Term 2 | 5 April 2028 | 10 April 2028 | 24 April 2028 | 15 May 2028 | 18 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 |
| Term 3 | 28 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 | 17 July 2028 | 7 August 2028 | 10 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 |
| Term 4 | 20 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 | 9 October 2028 | 30 October 2028 | 3 December 2028 | 2 January 2029 |
Overview
This is the third microcredential in the series of three relating to 338 Health Promotion and Harm Reduction in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing. This microcredential examines health promotion approaches in the context of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, focusing on the role of nurses in applying these principles across multiple settings. It considers how local and regional health services meet the needs and expectations of people who use AOD and identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and engagement. Central to this are strategies aimed at influencing a person substance-use trajectory and subsequent health outcomes, including targeted education, early intervention, community engagement, and collaborative approaches that integrate primary care, mental health, and community support services. These approaches highlight the potential for wide-reaching, cost-effective interventions that promote healthier behaviours, reduce harm, and enhance overall wellbeing.
This microcredential is the third and final in a series of three corresponding to unit 338 Health Promotion and Harm Reduction in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing.
Entry requirements
Available to all registered nurses
Pre-requisite
Scope of future study
This microcredential is the third and final in a series of three. Completing all three in the series allows you to apply for credit towards the unit 338 Health Promotion and Harm Reduction in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing (6 credit points) to build towards a full Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing at ACN.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- evaluate local and regional health services in meeting the needs and expectations of people who use alcohol and other drugs
- propose health promotion strategies in the context of alcohol and other drugs
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: Health Promotion – Renaming harm reduction
- Module 2: Health promotion projects
- Module 3: Health promotion approaches and barriers targeting specific AOD issues and populations
Assessment
- Essay
Fees
Members: $881
Non-members: $979
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator
Sharron Smyth-Demmon, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, MCN, B.Ed (Prof. Hons), DPSN, Cert IV TAE, MACN, MACORN, NSWOTA, ACPAN
e: sharron.smyth-demmon@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sharron coordinates our Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing. She began her nursing career in the United Kingdom where she worked in primarily in the field of women’s health, both in an acute gynaecological setting and in primary health as a qualified family planning nurse. Sharron has several years of experience within the perioperative setting, mainly in anaesthetics and recovery. She also has extensive experience in the day surgery environment. Sharron has 30 years of nursing experience and sees nursing as not only a science but also an art, with compassion, humanity and empathy at its core.
» Collapse
Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Application will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
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How microcredentials work
Start with a single course, build practical skills you can use immediately, and stack credits towards a graduate certificate when you’re ready.
1
Choose your first course
Start with any microcredential that fits your goals and interests. Each course is online, self-paced, and designed to make an impact in your practice right away.
2
Build your expertise
As you complete more courses, you build expertise in essential areas. Each microcredential you complete adds to your skills and prepares you for greater responsibility.
3
Stack towards a Graduate Certificate
Combine your completed courses to work towards a graduate certificate, creating a pathway to formal qualifications on your own schedule.
Why study with ACN
*The ACN Member discount cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry).
Discover more course options from ACN
We’re here to help you every step of the way
For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
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