Program Overview

Professional Diploma in Advanced Nursing Practice (PDANP)

The Award & Mode of Study

This is a 1-year part-time programme leading to the award of a Professional Diploma in Advanced Nursing Practice from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Programme Description

The programme is designed to equip bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses with a solid foundation for advanced practice in specialty nursing or healthcare management. The emphasis is placed on the development of specialty knowledge and skills that are necessary to the provision of healthcare management or therapeutic nursing interventions at an advanced level.

Study Stream (2026/27)

• Management and Leadership

Programme Features

• Recognised Specialty Qualifications: Align with the curriculum for specialty training programmes endorsed by the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery to provide essential theoretical and clinical training for membership into the respective colleges of the Academy
• Pathway to Academic Advancement: Offer graduates a fast track to pursue the Master or Doctor of Nursing programme at our School with possible unit exemptions
• High-fidelity Simulation Training: Offer students access to innovative high-fidelity simulation training with comprehensive real-case simulated scenarios developed by an inter-professional team of clinical experts
• International Exposure: Connect with invited experts from local and overseas to enrich students’ learning experiences and develop international perspectives to enhance the quality of care in their specialties

Programme Recognition

• The programme is recognised by the respective College of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery as quotable qualification.
• The programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF).
  • QF Level: L6
  • QR Registration No.: 18//L6
  • Registration Validity Period: Ongoing validity effective from 21/03/2018

Programme Structure

• 1-year part-time programme (from September to June)
• Classes are usually held on two weekday evenings or Saturdays in the CUHK campus

Admission Requirements & Timeline

General Requirements

• Be a registered nurse with a valid practising certificate; and
• Have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or related discipline; and
• Have at least 2 years’ post-registration work experience in healthcare; and
• Preferably currently practising in a specialty area related to the chosen study stream.

Tuition Fee

• HK$39,600 (For intake)

Application Fee

• HK$300 (Non-refundable)

Application Timeline

• 1 October 2025 – 30 April 2026

Career Prospect

Competencies of our PDANP Graduates

• Graduates of the programme are:
  • Able to advance nursing knowledge and skills in their respective specialty areas of practice;
  • Able to assume leadership and management roles in wards, hospitals or other healthcare settings;
  • Eligible to pursue postgraduate studies in nursing or other health-related disciplines; and
  • Eligible to apply for membership in the respective colleges of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery, subject to the fulfillment of all other requirements.

Assessment & Graduation

Students are assessed in every course through a combination of examination, assignment, presentation, case study report, project, coursework, and/or laboratory demonstration. For graduation, students are required to have an overall attendance of at least 80% and pass all the courses with an overall GPA not lower than 2.0.