Nurse practitioner program changes

Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, both the MN-NP and PMD-NP programs will move to a block-based structure. Instead of the previous list of standalone courses, students will progress through four sequential blocks that integrate theory and clinical practicum learning. Students will need to complete each block before moving to the next, ensuring that they meet all required prerequisites as they progress through their courses.

The MN-NP program will include 17 courses (33 credits) organized into 4 blocks:

Block 1: Foundations 

• NURS 000 – Orientation and Introduction to Scholarly Writing (0 credits) 
  Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship Certificate (0 credits) 
• NURS 614 – Foundations of Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits) 
• NURS 612 - Research and Quality Improvement for Nurse Practitioners (3 credits) 
• NURS 516 – Pharmacotherapeutics and Pathophysiology for Nurse Practitioners I (3 credits)  
• NURS 517 – Pharmacotherapeutics and Pathophysiology for Nurse Practitioners II (3 credits) 
• NURS 518 – Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Practitioners (3 credits)

Block 2: Adult Health and Early Clinical Practicum 

• NURS 532 – NP: Adult Health I (3 credits) 
• NURS 533 – NP: Adult Health II (3 credits) 
• NURS 527 – NP: Mental Health (2 credits) 
• NURS 536 – NP: Clinical Practicum I (1 credit) 
• NURS 537 – NP: Clinical Practicum II (1 credit)

Block 3: Expanded Life Stages

• NURS 534 – NP: Sexual and Reproductive Health (2 credits) 
• NURS 524 – NP: Children's Health (3 credits) 
• NURS 538 – NP: Clinical Practicum III (1 credit)

Block 4: Consolidation 

• NURS 535 – NP: Consolidation (2 credits) 
• NURS 539 – NP: Clinical Practicum IV (0 credits)

The Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators and the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) have introduced new entry-level competencies for Nurse Practitioners. Programs across Canada are updating their curriculum to ensure graduates are prepared for and eligible for the new national NP licensing exam launching between 2026 and 2028.

• Introduction of a block-based structure and course realignment.
• Greater integration of theory and clinical learning.
• Addition of the Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship Certificate (0 credits).
• Practicum hours are redistributed into four 200-hour practicum courses instead of three courses. Note that the total number of practicum hours remains the same at 800 hours.

Current MN-NP and PMD-NP students who choose to transfer to the updated curriculum, including: 

• Active students 
• Students on deferral 
• New or prospective students starting the MN-NP or PMD-NP program in September 2026 or later

No. Most current students will remain in the existing program structure, completing it under current regulations. However, some students may be eligible to transfer to the post-September 2026, updated curriculum. Transferring to the updated structure is optional and will depend on their stage in the program.  

In general, students may consider transferring if they are early in their program and have not taken NURS 526 (the first life stage course). For these students, transferring to the updated curriculum is feasible and recommended. Eligible students will receive an email in Spring 2026 offering them the opportunity and instructions on how to transfer. Students are asked not to reach out until they have received an email invitation. 

For students who have already taken NURS 526, transferring to the updated curriculum is not recommended.

Students on deferral may receive individualized guidance based on whether they completed NURS 526 before deferring, their expected return date, and remaining program requirements.

In Spring 2026, students who are eligible to transfer will receive an email. At that point, recipients of the email can confirm their desire to transfer or not. If they choose to continue their program with the updated curriculum, they will be transferred before May 15 to align with the opening of Fall 2026 course registration. After May 15, transfers are still possible, but students will need to reach out to an advisor to discuss their options. 

Before course registration, please contact the FHD Graduate Advisors for assistance with course planning:  fhdgradadvising@athabascau.ca.

Key course registration changes: 

• Take NURS 612 (not NURS 610)
• Take NURS 532 (not NURS 526): Students transferring to the post-September 2026 curriculum should must register in NURS 532 (after completing prerequisites) NOT NURS 526.
• Take NURS 536 (not NURS 675): Students transferring to the post-September 2026 curriculum should not register in NURS 675. Instead, they should register in NURS 536 (after completing prerequisites).  

Students should check their DegreeWorks “Catalog Year”: 

• Catalog Year of 202609 (September 2026) or later- follow the updated, block-based curriculum 
• Catalog Year of 202605 (May 2026) or earlier – follow regulations prior to September 2026.

Students graduating before 2028 (Alberta) will write the current CNPE exam. Students enrolled in the post-September 2026 curriculum will write the new national NP exam (starting ~2028). Students in other provinces should confirm with their regulatory body.

All students admitted for September 2026 or later will automatically enter the updated, block-based curriculum. If you are taking NP courses as a non-program student, please ensure that these align with the new block system courses.

No. All NP students will still complete a total of 800 hours of clinical practice.  

• Students following pre-September 2026 regulations will complete three clinical practicum courses with a minimum of 250, 250, and 300 hours.  
• Students following the post-September 2026 regulations will complete four clinical practicum courses with a minimum of 200 hours in each course.

No. Credit requirements remain the same:

• 33 credits (MN-NP)
• 30 credits (PMD-NP)

Completion time varies by student. Under the updated curriculum, students may complete the program in as little as 2 years, with up to a maximum of 5 years.

The following courses are recommended for non-program students planning to apply to the MN-NP program:  

• NURS 516
• NURS 517
• NURS 614
• NURS 612

Registration in NURS 610 remains available. However, applicants to the MN-NP program are advised to complete NURS 612. NURS 610 is available for students applying to the Master of Nursing (Generalist) and Master of Health Studies programs.

No. The overall program cost has not changed. Tuition is based on course credits. Credits have been redistributed, not added.

The only additional cost is the required Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship Certificate (IHWAAC). The certificate is offered through PowerED at the significantly discounted rate of $100 (regular rate is $650).

No. The total clinical practicum requirement remains 800 hours across both curriculum structures.

In the post–September 2026 curriculum, practicum hours are divided into four 200-hour clinical courses, each designed to be completed within one term.

In the current curriculum, students complete:

• NURS 675 – 250 hours
• NURS 676 – 250 hours
• NURS 678 – 300 hours

These courses may span 1 or 2 terms.

In spring 2026, the course is optional. Up to 20 hours may be applied as alternative hours.

In the new curriculum, the course becomes a required component (Block 1).

It does not count toward or increase your total clinical practicum hours.

Yes. As of spring 2026, expectations are standardized for all students in both curriculum structures:

• Clinical experience must include all ages (lifespan)
• Students must complete practicum in both primary care and acute care settings
• A minimum of 2 practicum settings is required across the program
• A minimum of 2 preceptors is required across the program

These expectations apply to all students.

Yes. Beginning fall 2026, all students will log clinical hours using Shift Time only.

• Alternative hours will no longer count toward practicum requirements
• Prior to Fall 2026, students will continue logging client encounter time and limited alternative hours, where applicable

The Preceptor Request Form (PRF) for Winter 2027 will open on May 4, 2026, and close July 1, 2026. 

Students will select the appropriate clinical course based on their curriculum structure.

Contact the Clinical Placement Coordinator for your jurisdiction.

• NB, NS, PEI, NL, YT, NU, NT, SK, and MB: Sue MacKenzie – fhdclinicalnpeast@athabascau.ca  
• Ontario: Julie Korabo – fhdclinicalnpontario@athabascau.ca
• Alberta: Sherry Janzen – fhdclinicalnpwest@athabascau.ca