Child and Family Health

Program Description: The Bachelor of Child and Family Health at Charles Darwin University is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to promote the health and wellbeing of children and families in diverse communities. This comprehensive program integrates foundational health sciences, child development, family dynamics, community engagement, and contemporary healthcare practices to prepare graduates for a rewarding career in child and family health sectors.

Throughout the course, students will explore a wide range of topics including child growth and development, family health practices, pediatric health issues, community health promotion, and culturally sensitive care. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of holistic, family-centered approaches, enabling students to work effectively with children, parents, caregivers, and health professionals across various settings. Practical experience is a core component of the program, with opportunities for clinical placements, internships, and community projects designed to develop real-world skills and foster professional confidence.

The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, particularly in the context of Australia's diverse populations, ensuring graduates are prepared to deliver respectful and tailored health interventions. Students will learn to assess health needs, develop intervention plans, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to improve health outcomes for children and families.

Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to pursue careers in community health services, early childhood education, public health agencies, and voluntary organizations. They may also continue their education in postgraduate studies specializing in child and family health, public health, or related fields. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, the Bachelor of Child and Family Health at Charles Darwin University prepares students to make a meaningful difference in the health and wellbeing of children and families across a range of professional contexts.

The Child and Family Health program at Charles Darwin University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in supporting the health and well-being of children and their families. This comprehensive course framework provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for working effectively within diverse community settings. Throughout the program, students will explore key topics such as child development, family dynamics, pediatric health issues, health promotion, and community health strategies. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and cultural competence, ensuring graduates are equipped to deliver inclusive and respectful care to families from varied backgrounds.

Students will engage in a variety of learning experiences, including lectures, case studies, simulated practice, and supervised placements in real-world health environments. These hands-on experiences enable students to develop critical communication, assessment, and intervention skills necessary for working with children across different age groups and their families. The program also emphasizes understanding social determinants of health, child protection principles, and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Emphasis is placed on promoting the holistic health outcomes for children, supporting parenting, and advocating for family-centered care.

Graduates of the Child and Family Health program will be prepared to work in a range of settings, including community health centers, child and family services, hospitals, schools, and governmental health departments. The program aims to foster professional growth, ethical practice, and lifelong learning, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the dynamic needs of children and families in a culturally diverse society. Upon successful completion, students will earn a qualification that opens pathways into advanced health roles or further postgraduate studies in child and family health or related fields.

Applicants must hold current registration as a registered nurse with an Australian physician Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and also have at least two years' job experience as a registered nurse. All candidates should complete a supplemental clinical information form at www.cdu.edu.au/sites/default/files/Supplementary-information.pdf. The shape should be done as soon as possible after submitting the SATAC application.

Tuition fees for the Child and Family Health program at Charles Darwin University vary depending on the student's residency status and the level of study. Domestic students benefit from subsidized tuition fees under the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme, which significantly reduces the cost of education, while international students are required to pay full tuition fees. For domestic students, the annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses related to Child and Family Health typically ranges around AUD 9,000 to AUD 12,000 per year, depending on the specific course load and year of study. International students enrolling in similar programs can expect to pay approximately AUD 30,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, reflecting the higher fees applicable to international cohorts.

Charles Darwin University also offers various financial assistance options, including scholarships, grants, and installment plans, to support students throughout their studies. Domestic students may access government-funded scholarships such as the Northern Territory Government scholarships, which aim to promote careers in health and community services, including Child and Family Health. Additionally, there are university-specific scholarships for academic excellence, financial hardship, and emerging health professionals.

International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities both from the university and external providers. Many organizations and government agencies offer scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both, especially for students committed to working in regional or underserved communities after graduation.

Students also have access to external financial aid options such as student loans and payment plans. The Australian Government's Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), including the HECS-HELP scheme, is available to eligible domestic students, allowing them to defer part or all of their tuition fees.

Cost of living in Darwin is an important consideration for students, with accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials contributing to overall expenses. The university provides support resources and guidance on budgeting and financial planning to help students manage their studies financially.

In summary, the financing of the Child and Family Health program at Charles Darwin University involves a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, government support, and personal budgeting, with opportunities for financial aid tailored to both domestic and international students to make higher education accessible and affordable.

The Child and Family Health program at Charles Darwin University is designed to prepare students for a meaningful career in supporting the health and well-being of children and their families. This program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to work effectively in diverse settings such as community health services, hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions. The curriculum often covers a broad range of topics including child development, family dynamics, health promotion, disease prevention, and the social determinants of health. Students are introduced to contemporary issues affecting children and families, including mental health, developmental delays, and chronic illnesses.

During the course, students typically engage in both theoretical learning and practical placements, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments. These placements are crucial for gaining hands-on experience, building professional confidence, and understanding the complexities of child and family health concerns. The program might also emphasize interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence, and ethical practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and professionalism.

Charles Darwin University is known for its flexible study options, including online learning modules and part-time pathways, which enable students to balance their studies with work or personal commitments. The program is ideal for those aspiring to become registered nurses, community health workers, or allied health professionals specializing in child and family health. Upon completion of the program, graduates are equipped to contribute to policy development, health education, and preventive health measures aimed at improving health outcomes for children and families.

Additionally, the university encourages research and innovation, fostering an environment where students can explore new approaches and evidence-based practices in child and family health. The program supports lifelong learning and professional development, with opportunities for advanced study or specialization in related fields. Overall, the Child and Family Health program at Charles Darwin University aims to develop competent, compassionate, and culturally aware health professionals committed to enhancing the health and well-being of children and their families within the Northern Australian context and beyond.