MC-NPRACT v.2 Master of Nurse Practitioner
MNurs(Curtin)
This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas
Course Overview
Master Degrees (Coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.
This course prepares registered nurses for the advanced clinical role of the nurse practitioner. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in the clinical sciences to develop skills in diagnosis, clinical problem-solving, and the quality use of medicines. The concepts of health care safety and quality, clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and cultural security are integrated throughout the course. Learning experiences include lectures and discussions, clinical skills workshops, virtual simulation and a minimum 300 supernumerary clinical internship hours.
Professional Recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) from 21 November 2017 to 21 November 2022. Graduates may be eligible for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Career Opportunities
Graduates endorsed with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as Nurse Practitioners, will be eligible to practise as a Nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners work in advanced and extended roles in primary care, rural and remote settings, hospitals and other community settings collaboratively with other health professionals. The inherent capability of the Nurse Practitioner role, and the evolving nature of healthcare needs in our society, creates unique opportunities for future employment and leadership in health.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and uniform for clinical practice. Health and legal requirements need to be current prior to the commencement of clinical placement and for the duration of the course; costs are the responsibility of the student. See Health Sciences http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/teaching/nursing-midwifery_checks.cfm website for details.
Course Entry and Completion Details
Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent and a minimum postgraduate qualification in a clinical field (minimum 100 credits equivalent at Curtin University) at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 8 (with a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 70 per cent or equivalent at Curtin University. Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (Division One) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and must be able to demonstrate a minimum of two years full-time equivalent (FTE) as a registered nurse in a specified clinical field and two years FTE of current (within the previous six years) advanced practice nursing in this same clinical field. Applicants must provide a detailed CV including education, clinical experience, professional development, and full-time equivalent for each employer. Curtin University requires indicative support from employers for the applicant to complete a minimum of 300 supernumerary hours of clinical internship. In addition, there are certain inherent requirements that are necessary to progress through the curriculum and successfully complete this course.
Credit for Recognised Learning
Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm
Credit of Recognised Learning
In addition to the University’s CRL policy, applicants are required to provide evidence of work experience and educational qualifications that must be completed within the previous seven years (from the date of enrolment). Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/credit-transfer/
Pathway to Further Study
Graduates may qualify for entry to Doctoral degrees. For further details, see the Graduate Research School website http://research.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate-research/future-research-students/entry-requirements/
Course Organisation
Master Degrees (Coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.
This part-time course is available via mixed mode of study with the majority of units available fully online. The two clinical internship components of this course (100 supernumerary hours in the first internship and 200 hours supernumerary hours in the second internship) must be completed in an approved hospital and/or health setting with a Curtin approved clinical preceptor. Part of the first internship must be conducted external to the student’s normal workplace. Further information can be obtained from the Course Coordinator.
Course Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. apply advanced knowledge within a framework of nurse practitioner practice with commitment to evidence based practice; demonstrate a high level of clinical proficiency in complex situations
2. apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning and reflection to clinical diagnostic decision making and develop innovative solutions to practice in healthcare setting
3. critically appraise scientific literature, integrate research findings into nurse practitioner practice and undertake research to advance practice
4. communicate effectively and establish relationships with individuals, families and interprofessional teams for collaborative practice
5. make complex informed decisions on use of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions by utilising current technology to inform practice; proactively seek new information and technologies
6. recognise the values intrinsic to nurse practitioner practice; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through critical refection to enhance the professional development of others
7. critique international health priorities to influence healthcare through active participation and implementation at a local level
8. articulates and demonstrates respect for individuals' rights to determine their own journey through episodes of healthcare
9. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major health priorities, current legislation and registration requirements as a nurse practitioner; work in an autonomous and collaborative practice framework; demonstrate advanced clinical leadership and management skills
Duration and Availability
This fee-paying course is six semesters part-time study and is expected to take three years to complete.
Location and delivery Mode
| Year | Location | Period | All* | Internal | Partially Online Internal^ | External | Fully Online# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Bentley Campus | Semester 2 | Y | Y | |||
| 2020 | Bentley Campus | Semester 2 | Y | Y |
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Semester 2 | |||||
| NURS5036 | v.1 | Foundations for Nurse Practitioner Practice | 25.0 | ||
| NURS6003 | v.1 | Clinical Management | 8.0 | 25.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| PHRM5005 | v.1 | Pharmacology and Therapeutics | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| NURS5031 | v.3 | Nurse Practitioner Internship 1 | 8.0 | 25.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| IMED6003 | v.1 | Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| NURS5006 | v.2 | Advanced Screening and Diagnostics | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 1 | |||||
| PUBH6024 | v.1 | Project Proposal Development | 11.0 | 50.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 2 | |||||
| HEAL6002 | v.2 | Health Research Professional Project | 8.0 | 50.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 4 Semester 1 | |||||
| NURS5007 | v.3 | Nurse Practitioner Internship 2 | 16.0 | 50.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
Further Information
If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For Current Students: Student Services Office, please click here for further details: http://students.curtin.edu.au/contact_offices.cfm For Domestic Future Students: Future Students Centre, email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 1000 For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: international@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 7331
Course Structure Disclaimer
Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Disclaimer
Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change.
In particular, the University reserves the right to change the content and/or method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/ or to vary arrangements for any program.
This material does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.
Curtin accepts no responsibility for and makes no representations, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability in any respect of any material in this publication.
Except to the extent mandated otherwise by legislation, Curtin University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any reliance which may be placed on this material by any person.
Curtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence or otherwise which may result directly or indirectly from the use of this publication.
International students
International students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study full-time and there are also specific entry requirements that must be met. As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable to international students, refer to international.curtin.edu.au for further information. Australian citizens, permanent residents and international students studying outside Australia may have the choice of full-time, part-time and external study, depending on course availability and in-country requirements.
