- Applications for the 2026 intake of the Graduate Mental Health Nurse program are now being run through this page.
Specialise in mental health nursing at Orygen
Take the next step in your nursing career and help young people with mental ill-health get well and stay well.
The Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program will give you the skills for a specialist career in youth mental health nursing.
In 2026, Orygen is offering a two-year program with five positions available. The program includes:
- clinical supervision and a preceptorship program,
- comprehensive academic and induction programs,
- tailored study days,
- a unique competency framework, and
- an accredited graduate program with several Victorian universities.
As part of your practical experience, in your first year you'll work with experienced nurses and clinicians within our inpatient setting. In your second year you’ll have the opportunity to work within specialist community settings or remain within the inpatient setting.
Orygen will support you, your career and wellbeing and work with you to deliver better outcomes for young people.
You’ll also benefit from learning at Orygen, the largest mental health research organisation in Australia and the largest clinical research organisation for youth mental health in the world.
- See the most up-to-date information here.
Hear from our graduates
"The support I've received has been phenomenal. The work can be demanding but there was never a moment as a graduate nurse where I felt alone and I faced challenges. I cannot imagine being where I am as a nurse today if I had completed my graduate program anywhere else."
jake bushe, clinical nurse educator
"There were many rotations offered in the program and a lot of support from the graduate coordinators. Working with young people and their families is highly rewarding. It's great seeing young people recover and successfully return to their life in the community."
Alex abela, former graduate nurse
If you have any questions or to learn more about this opportunity, email us at mhnurse@orygen.org.au.