Master of Nurse Practitioner

What you will study

To earn the Master of Nurse Practitioner, you must complete five courses (80 units).

Core courses

• Nurse Practitioner Professional Practice (20 units)
• Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics and Prescribing for Health Care Professionals (10 units)
• Advanced Practice: Diagnostics and Interventions (20 units)
• Integrated Pharmacotherapeutics for Clinical Practice (10 units)
• Nurse Practitioner Identity (20 units)

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• Currently registered 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 were 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.
  • A medical practitioner who is an expert in the student's chosen area of practice.
• Two 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.

Assumed knowledge

Advanced level of knowledge of pathophysiology within the speciality area of practice. Some skills in health assessment/clinical decision-making in the student's speciality area of practice. Ability to justify his/her clinical decision.

Compulsory program requirements

Students must undertake a minimum of 300 hours of integrated supernumerary professional experience. Students must provide confirmed workplace support to complete all professional experience requirements 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.

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following English proficiency requirements:

• IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
• IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Contact the university for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University of Newcastle wants to help you fast-track your degree, recognising that your prior study is one way they can do that. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• 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 prescribe medicines safely.
• Demonstrated understanding 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 people with diverse needs and values.
• The capability through expert clinical care to lead in practice, teaching, research and community engagement.

Career outcomes

Nurse Practitioners work independently or within multidisciplinary teams. They work in primary healthcare and specialised areas within public and private settings. They also lead, teach, study and mentor. They improve health care for people, families and communities.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $25,645 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative annual fee is based on a study load of 80 units.

A student’s annual fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per trimester.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.