Master of Nursing Practice
Nursing
A course by
University of Waikato
A two-year, graduate-entry master’s programme preparing students from any discipline to become Registered Nurses in New Zealand, with extensive clinical experience and academic grounding.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Hamilton, Hamilton
It will take a total of 2 years
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Meet Nursing Council of NZ Competencies
Graduates will achieve competencies required for registration as a Registered Nurse by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, including assessment, care planning, clinical reasoning, and ethical, legal, and professional nursing practice.
Provide Culturally Responsive Care
Ability to deliver equitable, culturally safe care in diverse contexts with a special focus on Māori and Pacific populations and mental health.
Apply Research to Clinical Practice
Critically evaluate and integrate research in healthcare practice and service development, including designing and conducting clinical enquiries.
What You're Signing Up For
The Master of Nursing Practice at the University of Waikato is designed for graduates from any discipline wanting to launch a career in nursing. Over two years, students gain practical experience through extensive clinical placements (1100+ hours) and study a comprehensive curriculum covering health assessment, Hauora Māori and Pacific Health, applied sciences, pharmacology, and professional practice. The programme is delivered in partnership with Health New Zealand and enables graduates to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Course Content
- NURSE520: Navigating Hauora for Nurses – history and contemporary views of Māori and Pacific Health, cultural safety, personal values.
- NURSE570: Professional Nursing Practice in Aotearoa Society – therapeutic relationships, ethics, professional boundaries, socio-political healthcare context.
- NURSE571: Applied Science for Nursing Practice I – physiological processes, cognitive/emotional/social aspects, diagnostic reasoning.
- NURSE572: Nursing Practicum I – care planning, clinical learning, professional/ethical/legal requirements, cultural responsiveness.
- NURSE573: Nursing Practicum II – advanced application of nursing knowledge, health assessment, equity in health, lifespan and care continuum placements.
- NURSE574: Applied Science for Nursing Practice II – pathophysiological processes, clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills.
- NURSE575: Applied Science for Nursing Practice III – advanced physiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial functioning.
- NURSE576: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice – medicines management, professional and ethical competencies.
- NURSE577: Nursing Practicum III – transition to Registered Nurse, integration of knowledge, extended clinical practice.
- NURSE578: Research in Healthcare Practice – clinical research methods, literature review, research design.
- NURSE579: Transition to Registered Nurse Practice – extended clinical placement and achievement of Nursing Council competencies.
What you need to know first
A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any subject with at least a B grade average at 300 level, OR
Completion of the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters at Waikato with at least a B average.
Personal statement, references, and criminal record check.
Interview (at discretion of Selection Committee).
Current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate (NZQA US6400, US6401, US6402).
Meet New Zealand healthcare immunisation standards.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Healthcare Delivery
Nursing
Community and Hospital Care
Future employment opportunities might be
Registered Nurse
Primary and community health care
Hospital-based care
Preparation for Nurse Practitioner pathway (with further experience/papers)
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details