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Post-Master's Diploma Nurse Practitioner

At a glance

  • Credential: post-master's diploma
  • Credits: 30
  • Next start: see program details

Nurse Practitioners (NP) are in high demand because they offer a comprehensive range of health care services, often filling the gap in primary care where doctors may be in short supply. Their expertise in diagnosing and treating common illnesses, along with their ability to provide personalized, holistic care, makes them invaluable in diverse health care settings.

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About Post-Master's Diploma Nurse Practitioner

Elevate your nursing career with Athabasca University's online Post-Master's Diploma - Nurse Practitioner program. This 30-credit program is designed to prepare you for a role as a community-based nurse practitioner, where you'll have the skills to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries across all age groups. Keep in mind that this program is geared towards primary care and community health settings, and doesn't focus on acute care or clinical specialties.

Admission requirements

You must have a master's degree in nursing with a minimum grade point average of 3.2. You must also have a minimum of 4,500 verified hours of recent work experience as a registered nurse. Admission is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

See full Post-Master's Diploma - Nurse Practitioner admission requirements

Program details

Overview

This primary health care program will prepare you to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries in clients of all ages. When you graduate, you will be ready to provide care in settings such as primary care offices or community health centres.

Please note that this program does not prepare nurse practitioners to work in acute care settings or to focus on a clinical specialty. Nurse practitioners holding a license in a specialty other than Family-All-Ages may be eligible to complete the Post-Master's diploma program and should contact the program director to inquire about this option.

Application deadlines and start dates

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

The Post-Master's Diploma - Nurse Practitioner is a 30-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 12 credits through Athabasca University.

All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates. There is also a 1-week on-site component during the health assessment course.

You will write a comprehensive examination during the final course in the program. Following graduation you will be eligible to write the Family-All-Ages Nurse Practitioner exam. The program is recognized by all Canadian Colleges of Registered Nursing except Quebec.

Clinical practicums

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.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years of study. You can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.

Resources and links

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


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