Dialog Box

What is a Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner


The VPCNPC is a fantastic resource – the forum days are valuable for education, collaboration, networking and mentorship. They also provide a safe place to practice presentation skills!

Jo Lane-Welsh – Nurse Practitioner Candidate


Nurse Practitioner Candidates

A Nurse Practitioner Candidate (NPC) is a registered nurse engaged by a service/organisation as they work toward meeting the academic and clinical requirements for endorsement as a NP. The period of candidacy is flexible. Medical and senior nursing mentorship is essential for the development of the skills and competencies needed to meet the requirements of the NMBA.

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner) students

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (NP) students must comply with several criteria before they can commence study.

These criteria are:

Current registration as a registered nurse (RN)

Minimum of two years FTE as an RN in a specialty field

Additional two years FTE of advanced nursing practice in the same specialty

Post Grad qualification at AQF Level 8 (Graduate Diploma) in a clinical field

To have negotiated and secured integrated professional practice and a support team. This team is to be assessed as satisfactory prior to the commencement and for the duration of the program).

The student must also complete a minimum of 300 hours of supernumerary integrated professional practice during the course of their study period.

There are several Masters of Advanced Nursing Practice (NP) courses in Australia, including the following courses at Victorian universities:

The University of Melbourne

La Trobe University

Deakin University

Monash University

Important Links

Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)

Victorian Department of Health

Furthering Your Nursing and Midwifery Career

Approved Programs of Study  

NP Accreditation Standards 2015  

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