Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber)

Nursing

A course by

UC Online

A flexible, part-time postgraduate qualification for registered nurses seeking to become nurse prescribers. Offered online with up to 8 days of onsite learning and at least 150 hours of clinical practicum, this diploma equips you for registration as a nurse prescriber in New Zealand.

NZ$9,410

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 8 Certification (120 Credits)

Study Level

Post Grad

1
2
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4
5
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10

Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

UC Online & Onsite Intensives at University of Canterbury (Ilam and Manawa), Christchurch

It will take a total of 2 years

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Critically analyse pathophysiological processes

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the pathological basis and clinical manifestations of disease processes for informed clinical decision making.

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Advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning

Utilise advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills to formulate differential diagnoses, evidence-based management, and therapeutic interventions.

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Pharmacological decision making

Apply advanced knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and evidence-based pharmacological interventions to prescribing practice.

What You're Signing Up For

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber) is a two-year (part-time) programme delivered primarily online with supplementary onsite intensives in Christchurch. It is designed for registered nurses aiming to upskill as nurse prescribers, focusing on advanced health assessment, clinical reasoning, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and prescribing practices. The programme includes at least 150 hours of supervised clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a nurse prescriber with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, or they can apply credits toward a Master of Advanced Nursing.

Course Content

  • Advanced Pathophysiology (HLTH661)
  • Advanced Health Assessment (HLTH662)
  • Advanced Pharmacology (HLTH663)
  • RN Prescribing Practicum (NURS664)
  • Clinical practicum (minimum 150 hours)
  • Face-to-face onsite intensives (up to 8 days)
  • Online coursework and assessments

What you need to know first

Current Registered Nurse practicing certificate from Nursing Council of New Zealand

At least three years of clinical experience

Relevant NZ nursing degree (B average at 300-level) or equivalent qualification (minimum 3 years tertiary study, B average)

Completion of prerequisite courses: HLTH661, HLTH662, HLTH663 for entry into NURS664

Confirmation of access to suitable clinical practice setting and mentorship by an authorised prescriber

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Health

  • Nursing

  • Healthcare

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Registered Nurse Prescriber

  • Advanced practice nurse in primary care or specialty care

  • Pathway to Nurse Practitioner (with further study)