A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse who has undertaken postgraduate study and has been endorsed by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia to function autonomously and collaboratively in an advanced and extended clinical role.
The nurse practitioner role was launched in Australia in the early 2000's, making Nurse Practitioners the most senior clinical nurses in the Australian nursing workforce. Unlike other advanced practice nurses, Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests and interpret the results, and initiate referrals to relevant health care providers.
Nurse Practitioners also identify and respond to existing service gaps in a variety of health care settings – working in rural and remote, community or hospital environments. Responsibilities can complement, rather than replace, those of other health professionals, giving Nurse Practitioners a unique opportunity to deliver new health programs and services that address otherwise unmet need.
Why study a Master of Nurse Practitioner?
If you are a Registered Nurse with substantial experience in a specialty area and are looking to expand on this knowledge and become an expert in the field, completing a Master of Nurse Practitioner enables you to meet the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards for practice for the Nurse Practitioner and therefore be eligible for endorsement.
The most rewarding aspect of studying this course has been the collegial shift. While I have worked as a senior clinician in the department for a while, I’ve found that my mentors have a lot of belief and support in me. Now, they seek me out for advice and guidance!
Kirsty-Anne Baxter Master of Nurse Practitioner
UTS is not currently accepting new enrolments into the Master of Nurse Practitioner. Alternate approved programs of study can be located on the AHPRA website [opens external site].
