Program Overview

Program Description

The Diploma in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Studies is designed to prepare registered nurses to practice at an advanced level in the role of Nurse Practitioner in primary health care settings. The program provides rigorous academic preparation based on theory, research, and practice related to health phenomena experienced by individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Program Details

• Duration: 12 months - 30 credits
• Location: On-campus
• Language: English and French
• Options: Coursework, clinical internship

Program Objectives

The objective of the program is to prepare graduates to assume leadership roles in improving the quality of nursing care as Nurse Practitioners in various primary health care settings. The program aims to integrate the experience of Nurse Practitioner practice with the skills required at the master's level in nursing, including theory, diagnostic reasoning, related knowledge, client and health team collaboration, to respond to the primary health care needs of Ontario residents.

Learning Outcomes

Competence and Knowledge Scope

Integrate the experience of Nurse Practitioner practice with the skills required at the master's level in nursing, including theory, diagnostic reasoning, related knowledge, client and health team collaboration, to respond to the primary health care needs of Ontario residents.

Research and Scholarship

Apply and disseminate knowledge and research findings to integrate evidence into practice.

Implementation of Knowledge

• Practice safely, ethically, competently, and with integrity as a primary care Nurse Practitioner in their area of specialization in primary health care and within the role, scope of practice, competencies, standards, and regulatory framework of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Understand and recognize the legislative and policy forces that govern health policy to manage the interaction between clients, health systems, and health outcomes.

Professional Competence and Autonomy

• Practice safely, ethically, competently, and with integrity as a primary care Nurse Practitioner in their area of specialization in primary health care and within the role, scope of practice, competencies, standards, and regulatory framework of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Demonstrate advanced leadership skills in nursing, such as acting as a change agent, advocating for primary health care policy and health service changes, resolving conflicts, and addressing professional and client ethical issues.
• Demonstrate intra- and interprofessional competencies related to practice, teaching, and knowledge development.
• Implement the philosophy and concepts of the PHCNP program, including advanced nursing practice, primary health care, research-based practice, relationship-based practice, and collaborative practice.

Communication Skills

• Understand and recognize the legislative and policy forces that govern health policy to manage the interaction between clients, health systems, and health outcomes.
• Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, and consultation skills with the health care team and clients.

Awareness of Knowledge Limits

Practice safely, ethically, competently, and with integrity as a primary care Nurse Practitioner in their area of specialization in primary health care and within the role, scope of practice, competencies, standards, and regulatory framework of the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Clinical Placement

Students in the NP/PNP program complete 78 hours of clinical practice in a primary health care setting with a NP preceptor for each of the following courses: SG 5370 / 5770, NSG 5375 / 5775, NSG 5380 / 5780, NSG 5385 / 5785, and NSG 5401 / 5801. They also complete 35 hours/week x 12 weeks (420 hours) in clinical placement during the NURS/PNP 5395 course. This final course is a consolidation of all clinical learning throughout the PNP program.

Cost and Funding

Tuition fees for this program are estimated and available under the section on financing your studies. For information on funding your graduate studies, please consult the section on scholarships and financial support.

Other Graduate Programs in Nursing

• Master of Science Nursing
• Master of Science Nursing / Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma
• Master of Science Nursing Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
• Accelerated Stream (PDF, 190 KB) from the M.Sc.N. to the Ph.D. program

Accreditation by the College of Nurses of Ontario

The University of Ottawa's Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Nurse Practitioner in Ontario.