School health nurses, sexual health nurses and nurses in family health practices play an important role in educating young people about the effects of maternal diet, smoking, alcohol and illicit substance abuse on their current and future health. This field will equip nurses to work with families and young people in general practice and youth health settings. Two of Australia's current National Health Priorities, injury prevention and mental health both fall into the broader area encompassed by this field which prepares registered nurses with skills to work with dysfunctional parent/adolescent relationships and to assist in the policy formation dealing with youth issues.

Students should already be working in advanced clinical roles within specialist clinical areas. Credit for prior learning may be given for registered nurses with other postgraduate qualifications, particularly in mental health or general practice etc. Students should be supported by a clinical mentor in their field of employment and study, and have access and support from a multidisciplinary clinical support team comprising of physicians, general practitioners, allied health professionals etc, to provide expert guidance and feedback as students develop their advanced roles within their field.

This field of study provides students with an extensive knowledge and understanding of multidisciplinary approaches to working with young people and families in school health, sexual health clinics and general practice settings. Students will complete six core courses and then be able to select six elective courses from a range offered across medicine, population health, social and behavioural sciences . These courses will provide students with the opportunity to study specific issues relating to young people's health and link this to their own practice.