Masters (Coursework)
This course is currently undergoing accreditation with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
The Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) is an online course with some on campus attendance. The course is designed to provide core knowledge and skills needed for the expanded role of the Nurse Practitioner as described in the Standards of Practice set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The course is addressing experienced registered nurses who want to enhance their professional practice in areas including but not limited to expanded practice, professional autonomy with accountability, and clinical leadership.
The course builds on the knowledge you have already gained through your postgraduate studies and professional experience. Studies in the course has a focus on person-centred care that is culturally responsive and to be applied within primary, secondary or tertiary healthcare settings where a Nurse Practitioner provides care.
Intensives (on campus)
While this is an online course, you are required to complete two on-campus intensives. Each intensive is one-week long and takes place early in Semester 1 each year. Intensives are held at accredited CDU sites and students are responsible for the costs of attendance (including travel and accommodation).
Applicants must:
A. hold a current general registration as a registered nurse and an unrestricted licence to practice as a registered nurse in Australia, with no condition on registration related to unsatisfactory professional performance or unprofessional conduct; and
B. have completed a minimum of two years' full-time equivalent (FTE) as a registered nurse in a specified clinical field and a minimum of additional two years' FTE of current* advanced nursing practice in this same clinical field; and
C. have completed a postgraduate qualification(degree) at AQF level 8, i.e. postgraduate certificate or higher in a clinical field.
D. provide evidence from an approved health care organisation that support the applicant and the practicum requirements, including supervision and clinical support for a minimum of 300 hours of supernumerary integrated professional practice during the course.
*current means within the previous six years
This is a two-year part-time course with eight core units. The first year of this course provides a foundation of Nurse Practitioner core skills and knowledge applied to familiar situations. In the final year students will broaden and deepen their knowledge and skills to enhance their capability to deal with unfamiliar clients. The capability will be articulated by independent judgement and specialist decisions regarding investigation, treatment and care.
As an endorsed Nurse Practitioner, you can be working in public or private settings with either a broad general scope or in a narrow specialist scope.