309608 v.3 Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Introduction

This course aims to prepare registered nurses to function autonomously and collaboratively in the advanced and extended clinical role of a nurse practitioner. The curriculum has a broad scope for relevance and utility, yet has a balance between generic and specific content designed to develop higher-level clinical knowledge and skills necessary for nurse practitioner practice. To facilitate Nurse Practitioner role development, the curriculum includes didactic, problem based learning opportunities, and clinical education through preceptored clinical internships. The key elements of the curriculum are: professional accountability; clinical leadership; competence to practice; evidence-based practice; critical thinking; diagnostic reasoning; clinical decision-making and the quality use of medicines. Integral to and incorporated throughout the curriculum is the concept of cultural security.

Course Entry Requirements/Requisites

A Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent plus one year graduate clinical practice (or equivalent) with a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 70 per cent in the bachelor degree, or a CWA of 70 per cent in the Bachelor degree (without graduate clinical practice or equivalent). Applicants must be registered as a Nurse in Division One of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and must be able to demonstrate significant clinical experience and equivalent practice in their selected clinical specialisation. Registered nurses who do not hold a bachelor degree may gain entry to the course through an alternate mode of entry, which considers the applicant's current clinical and educational experience and professional development and evidence of relevant continuing professional development activities in their area of speciality.

Specific Requirements

Applicants must provide a detailed CV including education, clinical experience, and professional development for an advanced role, including all advanced practice roles with employment dates (d/m/y) and hours per week, and whether the role was fulltime or part time. The detail for each position must include clinical responsibilities. The CV must contain evidence of active involvement in professional organisations and contribution to the profession/area of specialisation. The CV must be signed as an accurate record by the applicant. Evidence of a minimum of four years (FTE) as a Registered Nurse. Evidence of experience as a registered nurse at an advanced practice level in the applicant’s chosen area of practice. Additionally, Curtin University requires confirmation that the applicant can complete all professional experience requirements of the course. The required evidence includes a commitment from the applicant to complete 300 hours of clinical practice, within and/or external to their current place of employment.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is six semesters part-time study and is expected to take three years to complete. Intake for the course is available each semester.

Course Organisation

This course is available via internal and external modes of study and is part-time only. Students are required to use the Internet to support their studies. The internship components of this course ( totalling 75 credits) must be completed in an approved hospital and/or agency.

Professional Recognition

The delivery of this course is subject to accreditation by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council and the approval of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Graduates may be eligible for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Career Opportunities

Graduates registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as Nurse Practitioners, will be eligible to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in designated areas.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

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.

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.