Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner

At a glance

  • Credential: master's degree
  • Credits: 33
  • Next start: see program details

Our Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries across the lifespan in settings such as primary care offices or community health centres.

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About Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner

Our Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP) program equips you with the essential skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of common illnesses and injuries for clients of all ages, primarily in primary care offices and community health centres. This comprehensive program combines theoretical study and hands-on clinical experience to fully prepare you for advanced nursing practice. If you are a registered nurse aiming for your first nurse practitioner licensure and looking to elevate your career, this program is your next step.

Admission requirements

You must be a registered nurse (RN) with a 4-year baccalaureate degree to apply. You must also have a minimum of 5,000 hours of recent full-time work experience as a registered nurse.

See full Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner application requirements

Program details

Overview

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced education and training, enabling them to autonomously diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and offer comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental well-being. NPs not only treat medical conditions but also focus on holistic health, offering guidance on disease prevention, lifestyle choices, and the management of chronic illnesses.

If you are a registered nurse seeking your first nurse practitioner licensure, you should apply to this program. Please note that this program does not prepare nurse practitioners to work in acute care settings or to focus on a clinical specialty.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline Start date
April 1 Sept.
Aug. 1 Jan.
Dec. 1 May

The Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner is a 33-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 18 credits through Athabasca University. The program follows a course-based route. If you wish to complete a thesis, you will need to take an additional 4 courses.

  • Your clinical practicums are completed during each of the life-stage courses.
  • All clinical practice must be completed in Canada and you must hold current registered nurse licensure in the province where you are completing your clinical practice program.
  • You must write a comprehensive examination after completing your nurse practitioner courses.

All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates. You must attend a 1-week on-site component.

Completion times

You can take up to 5 years to complete the Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner.

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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