Program Overview

Master of Nursing Practice

The Master of Nursing Practice is a two-year program that enables graduates from a wide range of disciplines to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand to practise as a Registered Nurse.

Program Overview

This program will prepare students to respond to the health needs of the Midland and Aotearoa populations with a particular focus on equity for Māori and Pacific, mental health and addiction, primary and community health. The program combines high academic standards with hands-on learning in a real healthcare setting from day one.

Career Opportunities

• Registered nurse
• Primary and community health care
• Hospital-based care

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification is 240, and it is expected to take 2 years to complete full-time.

Locations

The study location where the qualification is offered is Hamilton.

Area of Study

This qualification can be studied under the Division of Health.

Start Dates

This qualification can be started in Trimester A (February).

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

The Master of Nursing Practice program consists of two years of study, with a range of papers and practicum experiences.

• Year 1:
  • NURSE520 Navigating Hauora for Nurses
  • NURSE570 Professional Nursing Practice in Aotearoa Society
  • NURSE571 Applied Science for Nursing Practice I
  • NURSE572 Nursing Practicum I
  • NURSE573 Nursing Practicum II
  • NURSE574 Applied Science for Nursing Practice II
• Year 2:
  • NURSE575 Applied Science for Nursing Practice III
  • NURSE576 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
  • NURSE577 Nursing Practicum III
  • NURSE578 Research in Healthcare Practice
  • NURSE579 Transition to Registered Nurse Practice

Entry Requirements

Selection of applicants for the Master of Nursing Practice is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

• To apply, you must have:
  • A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject and achieved at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers of your degree, OR
  • Completed the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters of the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average.
• The Nursing selection process also includes a personal statement, references, and a criminal record check.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees: $10,266 per 120 points plus additional Ancillary Cost
• Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Visit the Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Outcomes

On completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Critically discuss the place of research in generating knowledge for clinical practice and service development
• Articulate the relationship between health problems, research questions, and research methods
• Engage with research issues and service development for Māori, Pacific, and other indigenous communities
• Articulate the implications of the research study for health equity
• Write a structured research report that follows the steps of the research process

Practical Experience

You will undertake clinical placement throughout the program in a variety of settings (minimum of 1,100 hours to meet Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements). Within each trimester, there are both teaching and clinical blocks.

Regulations

For admission into the MNursPrac and regulations, please see the University of Waikato Calendar.

Nursing Immunisation Report

Before commencing clinical placement, you must provide evidence of immunity to some diseases. Please have the Nursing Immunisation Report form completed and signed by a GP or Practice Nurse. If you do not have evidence of your vaccinations, serology testing (blood test) is required to confirm your immunity.