As an Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurse with over 20 years' experience in the UK and Australia, Yvonne Webster often supports patients with chronic pain and substance‑related concerns.

“I often need to remind my colleagues about patients’ specific needs during surgery,” she explains. “For instance, patients who use opioids will need their analgesia requirements tailored.”

With such extensive experience, she also sees firsthand how common stigma related to substance harms remains, which adds an additional layer to her role when educating colleagues. “Vital education!” she says.

To deepen her clinical insight and advocate more confidently for patient-centred care, Yvonne saw the Graduate Program in Addictive Behaviours at Monash University as an obvious next step.

“I knew that Monash University was linked with Turning Point, who are pioneers in addiction treatment, research and education,” she says. “To sign up was a no-brainer!”

Stepped progress: from the Graduate Certificate to an Educational Internship

Supported by a Victorian Department of Health scholarship, Yvonne completed the Graduate Certificate in 2024, which provided her with foundational knowledge and skills to recognise, understand and respond to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviours.

She then secured a second scholarship to continue into the Graduate Diploma the following year. This course built on the foundation units by introducing further subjects that deepened her knowledge of the social and cultural perspectives of addiction and how policy and public health interventions are designed and evaluated.

“The knowledge I gained from the courses is invaluable,” Yvonne says.

She is now undertaking an Educational Internship with Turning Point, gaining hands-on exposure to treatment services across metropolitan Victoria and building the clinical skill set she needs to transition into the AOD sector.

None of this would have been possible without the program’s flexibility and the support and understanding of the teaching team, including the Course Director, A/Prof Schliephake, pictured above with Yvonne.

The challenges and benefits of returning to study

Like many postgraduate students, Yvonne initially found the return to formal study after a break daunting. But that didn’t last long.

“The guidance and support were amazing,” she says. “All questions and emails were answered. All anxieties were alleviated!”

“Apologies to the wonderful staff for my frequent questions,” she adds with a smile.

Because her roster was set at least six weeks ahead, Yvonne needed early notice of sessions and deadlines. Shift work also meant she needed assignment extensions.

But none of those challenges became a barrier. “The teaching team was very accommodating and understanding,” she says. “The Moodle online platform led me through each unit week by week.” 

Flexible study opportunities for all professional goals

The stepped approach Yvonne followed to shift the focus of her career is just one of the benefits for students who undertake a course in the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours.

Each course builds on the previous qualification and has two intakes each year, allowing students to advance through levels at their own pace and choose a qualification that best fits their goals.

Whether you’re looking to change careers, improve your professional practice, or progress to more senior roles in addiction, medicine, mental health, allied health, gambling, or social or community sectors, the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours can support your career goals.

For anyone considering further study, Yvonne’s advice is simple: “If you’ve got an interest in this area and space in your busy life, go for it!”

Learn more about the Addictive Behaviours Graduate Program.

Watch a webinar to hear directly from course leaders and students about the program.

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