Program handbook
Description
The Master of Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses for the autonomous Nurse Practitioner role in an area of specialised nursing practice: Ageing and Palliative Care, Child and Family Health, Chronic and Complex Care, Emergency and Acute Care, Mental Health and Primary Health Care. Students develop advanced skills in nursing health assessment, diagnosis, implementation and evaluation of care by undertaking studies in pathophysiology, pharmacotherapuetics, diagnostic reasoning, advanced nursing practice, and the quality use of medicines. This provides specialised graduates with the capabilities to work independently, and collaboratively, as expert members of the healthcare team, directly contributing to people's positive health outcomes.
Students are prepared to meet the NMBA Nurse Practitioner standards for practice. On program completion, graduates may apply for endorsement by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Nurse Practitioner. The program includes integrated supernumerary professional practice under the guidance of clinical supervisors and expert clinicians. Graduates will take up their identity in their Nurse Practitioner roles as clinical experts and, therefore, as clinical leaders, educators, researchers, mentors, influencing health service delivery at the level of the infividual, family and community.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- the ability to apply advanced knowledge, specialised skills and evidence-informed judgements to provide expert clinical care for individuals and communities
- demonstrated advanced communication and reflective skills to function autonomously and collaboratively in the health system
- the capacity to use advanced knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics and diagnostics to safely prescribe medicines
- demonstrated understandings of the health inequities caused by the impact of colonisation and other factors on the lives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- the ability to provide specialised clinical care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for people with diverse needs and values
- the capability, through the provision of expert clinical care, to lead in practice, teaching, research and community engagement
Details
| Information correct as at | Apr 27, 2024 2:30 am |
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| Program code | 40336 |
| AQF level | Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) |
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| Assumed knowledge | Advanced level of knowledge of patho-physiology within specialty area of practice. Some skills in health assessment/clinical decision making in the student's specialty area of practice. Ability to justify his/her clinical decision. |
| Term type | Trimesters |
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
- Current general registration as a registered nurse in Australia.
- A minimum of two years full-time equivalent (FTE) as a registered nurse in a specialised clinical field and two years FTE of current advanced practice, as defined by the NMBA, in this same clinical field.
- A minimum one-year full-time (or equivalent part-time) postgraduate qualification in a clinical field at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 8 or higher.
Additional entry requirements:
- Nominations of two clinical supervisors approved by the Program Convenor. The clinical supervisors are to consist of:
- An endorsed nurse practitioner or senior clinical nurse with a master's degree or equivalent within the area of practice; and
- A medical practitioner who is an expert in the student's chosen area of practice.
- 2 referee letters to evidence two years (FTE) of current advanced nursing practice in a clinical field.
- Confirmed workplace support to complete all professional experience requirements of the program, including a minimum of 300 hours of integrated supernumerary professional practice.
- Applicants are also required to provide a completed Site Suitability Checklist for each site to be used for their IPP experience for approval by the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Compulsory program requirements
Students must undertake a minimum of 300 hours integrated supernumerary professional experience. Students must provide confirmed workplace support to complete all professional experience reuqirements of the program, plus a completed site suitability checklist for each site to be used for their IPP experience for approval by the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Professional recognition
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (under AHPRA)
This program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
80 units
Program duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 4 years maximum.
Program requirements
The Master of Nurse Practitioner consists of 80 units of core courses, consisting of 60 units of core Nursing courses, and 20 units of core Pharmacology courses. The program can be undertaken in one year full-time, or part-time equivalent.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Additional documents
- 2024 Transition Arrangements 795.4 KB
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
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Core
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| NURS6101 | Nurse Practitioner Professional Practice |
| 20 units |
| NURS6102 | Advanced Practice: Diagnostics and Interventions |
| 20 units |
| NURS6103 | Nurse Practitioner Identity |
| 20 units |
| PHAR6701 | Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics and Prescribing for Health Care Professionals |
| 10 units |
| PHAR6702 | Integrated Pharmacotherapeutics for Clinical Practice |
| 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
Students are required to nominate two clinical supervisors with their application. The clinical supervisors will be approved by the Program Convenor and should consist of:
- An endorsed nurse practitioner or senior clinical nurse with a master's degree or equivalent within the area of practice; and
- A medical practitioner who is an expert in the student's chosen area of practice.
UON can provide assistance to students seeking rural Integrated Professional Practice experience, including linkage to potential supervisors, in a range of clinical contexts, including primary care, Aboriginal Medical Services, community mental health and other environments. Students must also provide confirmed workplace support to complete all professional experience requirements of the program, including a minimum of 300 hours of integrated supernumerary professional practice. Students are required to also complete a site suitability checklist for each site to be used for their IPP experience for approval by the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
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