Master of Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner)

Description

The Master of Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner) course is a one-year, full-time or two-year, part-time course. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

- assess and treat clients in a specialty field of nursing practice and health care

- order diagnostic investigations within a specialty field of nursing practice
- prescribe medications and other interventions from a specialty field of nursing practice

- directly refer patients to other healthcare professionals

- conduct advanced comprehensive health assessments relevant to a specialist field of nursing practice

- demonstrate an ability to conduct clinical services using high-level communication skills, innovation and leadership in both autonomous and multidisciplinary modes of practice

- demonstrate the capacity to think critically and creatively in complex and unfamiliar environments.

The course meets the requirements for accreditation by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC). Graduates meet the requirements for registration by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with endorsement as nurse practitioners.

Requirements

Applicants must:

- be a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia;
- have gained a degree in nursing (or equivalent) from a recognised institution and have gained a graduate certificate in nursing (or equivalent) in the area of nominated specialty from a recognised institution;
- have a minimum of three years full-time equivalent clinical practice experience in the nominated specialty
- be employed in an advanced practice nursing role for the duration of the course.

Alternatively, applicants without the required qualifications may be admitted on the basis of relevant experience at the discretion of the Head of School of Nursing.

To be accepted into the course, applicants will need to have access to a clinical support team in their speciality field of practice. The clinical support team will normally consist of an advanced health practitioner currently practising the extended clinical skills required by the candidate in their specialty field of practice (for example, a medical practitioner or a nurse practitioner), together with an advanced practice nurse in the specialty area (for example, a clinical nurse consultant or an advanced practice nurse). This support team will work with the candidates to assist with the development and extension of practise skills in their specialty field.

Applicants must provide original or certified documentary evidence for each entry requirement. For example: ANMC or equivalent registration; Nursing academic qualifications (if not awarded by QUT), that is, an award certificate and academic transcripts; and a supervisor signed letter or a statement of service to confirm your post-registration experience and your current employment position.

Certified or original support letters - a letter from each of the Clinical Support Team members (two letters) and a letter from Director of Nursing - must also be provided.

Notes

The course consists of seven units - six theoretical units including an elective and an internship over two semesters. The internship will provide extended, supervised and supported clinical practice exposure to consolidate and apply coursework learning. This course may be undertaken by internal or external mode and is available for mid-year entry.