Master of Nursing Practice

Why study the Master of Nursing Practice at UNE?

Students who successfully complete the Master of Nursing Practice are eligible to seek Registered Nurse status with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) as a professional nurse in Australia and by mutual recognition in New Zealand. This is a graduate entry-level course designed for those who hold an existing AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and who are not registered to practise as a nurse in Australia, and who are seeking a career change to the nursing profession. UNE offers a safe, pleasant rural environment for study and equips nursing graduates with the knowledge and skills to function in both metropolitan and rural healthcare settings. This is important as nursing staff shortages are more acute in the rural sector. UNE nursing graduates are well regarded by employers in the healthcare sector.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Note: The first 2 units are offered in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3 and are available on campus only. If a student receives advanced standing for these units (see below) they will commence their studies in Trimester 3 or Trimester 1 and have the option of studying on or off campus.

Career Opportunities

Qualified nurses have a wide variety of career options and pathways. Registered Nurses can readily gain employment in the public or the private healthcare sectors and work in hospitals, community health centres and clinics in rural, regional and metropolitan settings. Nurses are also employed in doctors' surgeries, schools, government departments, by insurance companies, cruise lines and large corporations. Nurses have the options of many different work modes. For example, they can work full-time, part-time or flexible hours; they can work casually or on short-term contracts for nursing agencies. Australian trained nurses are sought after in many countries including the UK, US, South Africa, Canada and Saudi Arabia, so there are lots of travel options. Nursing careers are available in clinical settings, or in nursing management, nursing research or education.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

2.5 Years Full-time
Up to 5.5 Years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2017 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, On Campus

Official Abbreviation MNP
Course Type Postgraduate
CRICOS Code 075433K
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 On Campus
Course Duration
  • 2.5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 5.5 Years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 108
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) have successfully completed an AQF Level 7 or equivalent Bachelor degree in any discipline area from a recognised university in Australia or overseas, and not be currently registered to practice as a nurse in Australia; and

(b) at least one of the following criteria must be met:

(i) English is the applicant's first language; or

(ii) an IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5 with no sub-band score less than 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 91 in the Internet-based Text with not less than 22 in the written component and 20 in Listening, Speaking and Reading); or

(iii) successful completion of an advanced EAP program at the University of New England English Language Centre (equivalent to IELTS 6.5).

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Clinical Requirements

Clinical Placement is an essential part of the UNE Nursing Pre Registration Programs. There are several mandatory requirements that need to be completed as part of the University enrolment process. Please note a number of these requirements take some time to complete, thus students are advised to commence processes immediately to ensure early compliance requirements are met. Please note that there are NSW Ministry of Health and UNE requirements that must be met by all students before placement.

NSW Ministry of Health requirements

To be eligible to attend clinical placement all Master of Nursing Practice students must meet NSW Ministry of Health verification requirements within the ClinConnect system by week 9 of the first trimester of study (as per the nursing planner for the year of study). These include:

1. Adult Vaccination** as per the NSW Ministry of Health requirements for Category A Health Care Workers (Any interim compliance issued by NSW Ministry of Health has individual dates of issue and expiry)

2. National Criminal History Check**:

Students must have a current (expires 3 years from date of issue) National Criminal History check and International students must also have an International Police Check or statutory declaration. A valid National Criminal history check must comply with the following requirements:

· It must be from a CrimTrac Accredited Broker Agency (as listed on the CrimTrac website) or an Australian State NSW Police or Territory Police Force or the Australian Federal Police, and

· It must state that it is a National or Australia wide check, and

· It must include the student's full name and their date of birth, and

· It must not have any offences listed (students with criminal history must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the Employment Screening and Review Unit, NSW HealthShare), and

· The name on the Police Certificate must be the same name as on the Student's ID card.

3. Completion of mandatory NSW Ministry of Health forms.

UNE specific placement Requirements

In addition to the above, students must meet UNE requirements by week 9 of the first Trimester of Study (as per the nursing planner for the year of study).

These include:

· Current Adult First Aid Certificate issued by a Work Cover approved provider (expires 3 years from date of issue) OR for Enrolled Nurses, current (less than one year old) Health Service issued CPR certification.

· A NSW Working with Children Check** ( Valid for 5 years from date of issue)

· A Mental Health 1st Aid Certificate

** Indicates requirements that have expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for the student's entire candidature.

Pre-Registration Nursing Uniform and Personal Protective Equipment

Students are advised that the approved UNE Pre Registration Nursing Uniform MUST be worn at all times during clinical placement. All students are required to purchase the approved UNE Nursing shirt and Trousers from UNE Campus Essentials. Other garments may be purchased elsewhere however MUST comply with approved guidelines. Further information regarding additional garments will be made available to students once they have enrolled into the course and given access to the Clinical placement Moodle site.

Additionally students must ensure that they comply with NSW Ministry of Health and Private Health organisation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. All facilities require that students purchase individual PPE eyewear for use on placement.

Student Declaration/Fitness for Practice Form

All new students of the UNE nursing courses will be required to complete an electronic Student Declaration form at the commencement of the degree, by the due date. Students must read the document carefully and ensure that they fully understand and comply with all compulsory requirements for the clinical component of the program. Students MUST complete the document prior to commencement of their first Clinical Placement.

It is the individual student's responsibility to ensure that they are aware of the contents of the declaration, including all associated documents and abide by it at all times when enrolled in the nursing degree.

Students who are aware of any chronic or acute injuries, illnesses or other such issues that may affect the safety of themselves or others in the clinical setting will be required to provide a Fitness for Practice Certificate signed by their Medical Practitioner prior to commencement of placement

More detailed information regarding each of the specific requirements including TB screening can be found on the ClincConnect website and the School of Health Nursing Clinical Placements site. Additional screening arrangements for tuberculosis (if required) will be advised once students have arrived at UNE.

Non-compliance with the above requirements will result in students being ineligible for placement. This will result in a fail grade for the attached unit. Compliance with all the above requirements at all times remains the sole responsibility of the student.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

800 hours of clinical practice, as specified in the Program of Study

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be given for students who hold an AQF equivalent Bachelor degree from any discipline, and who have completed and passed all of Year 1 of the current UNE Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent. Such students would have completed HHSC157 (or equivalent) already and would gain advanced standing for this unit and could be granted advanced standing for HSNS206. Students who have successfully completed any additional units in a Bachelor of Nursing may be granted further advanced standing towards the Master of Nursing Practice (pre-registration) program but would be required to complete six units at 500 level.

All other advanced standing requests would be considered on an individual basis as per the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

No advanced standing will be granted for HSNS565.

Academic Colours

Peony Red (BCC 37)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Master of Nursing Practice in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) have successfully completed an AQF Level 7 or equivalent Bachelor degree in any discipline area from a recognised university in Australia or overseas, and not currently registered to practice as a nurse in Australia; and
(b) at least one of the following criteria must be met:
(i) English is the applicant's first language; or
(ii) an IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5 with no sub-band score less than 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 91 in the Internet-based Text with not less than 22 in the written component and 20 in Listening, Speaking and Reading); or
(iii) successful completion of an advanced EAP program at the University of New England English Language Centre (equivalent to IELTS 6.5).

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Clinical Requirements

Clinical Placement is an essential part of the UNE Nursing Pre Registration Programs. There are several mandatory requirements that need to be completed as part of the University enrolment process. Please note a number of these requirements take some time to complete, thus students are advised to commence processes immediately to ensure early compliance requirements are met. Please note that there are NSW Ministry of Health and UNE requirements that must be met by all students before placement.

NSW Ministry of Health requirements

To be eligible to attend clinical placement all Master of Nursing Practice students must meet NSW Ministry of Health verification requirements within the ClinConnect system by week 9 of the first trimester of study (as per the nursing planner for the year of study). These include:

  1. Adult Vaccination** as per the NSW Ministry of Health requirements for Category A Health Care Workers (Any interim compliance issued by NSW Ministry of Health has individual dates of issue and expiry)
  2. National Criminal History Check**:

Students must have a current (expires 3 years from date of issue) National Criminal History check and International students must also have an International Police Check or statutory declaration. A valid National Criminal history check must comply with the following requirements:

  • It must be from a CrimTrac Accredited Broker Agency (as listed on the CrimTrac website ) or an Australian State NSW Police or Territory Police Force or the Australian Federal Police, and
  • It must state that it is a National or Australia wide check, and
  • It must include the student's full name and their date of birth, and
  • It must not have any offences listed (students with criminal history must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the Employment Screening and Review Unit, NSW HealthShare), AND
  • The name on the Police Certificate must be the same name as on the Student's ID card.Completion of mandatory NSW Ministry of Health forms.
  1. Completion of mandatory NSW Ministry of Health forms.
UNE specific placement Requirements

In addition to the above, students must meet UNE requirements by week 9 of the first Trimester of Study (as per the nursing planner for the year of study).
These include:

  • Current Adult First Aid Certificate issued by a Work Cover approved provider (expires 3 years from date of issue) OR for Enrolled Nurses, current (less than one year old) Health Service issued CPR certification.
  • A NSW Working with Children Check** (Valid for 5 years from date of issue)
  • A Mental Health 1st Aid Certificate

** Indicates requirements that have expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for the student's entire candidature.

Pre-Registration Nursing Uniform and Personal Protective Equipment

Students are advised that the approved UNE Pre Registration Nursing Uniform MUST be worn at all times during clinical placement. All students are required to purchase the approved UNE Nursing shirt and Trousers from UNE Campus Essentials. Other garments may be purchased elsewhere however MUST comply with approved guidelines. Further information regarding additional garments will be made available to students once they have enrolled into the course and given access to the Clinical placement Moodle site.
Additionally students must ensure that they comply with NSW Ministry of Health and Private Health organisation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. All facilities require that students purchase individual PPE eyewear for use on placement.

Student Declaration /Fitness for Practice Form

All new students of the UNE nursing courses will be required to complete an electronic Student Declaration form at the commencement of the degree, by the due date. Students must read the document carefully and ensure that they fully understand and comply with all compulsory requirements for the clinical component of the program. Students MUST complete the document prior to commencement of their first Clinical Placement.
It is the individual student's responsibility to ensure that they are aware of the contents of the declaration, including all associated documents and abide by it at all times when enrolled in the nursing degree.
Students who are aware of any chronic or acute injuries, illnesses or other such issues that may affect the safety of themselves or others in the clinical setting will be required to provide a Fitness for Practice Certificate signed by their Medical Practitioner prior to commencement of placement.
More detailed information regarding each of the specific requirements including TB screening can be found on the ClinConnect website and the School of Health Nursing Clinical Placements site. Additional screening arrangements for tuberculosis (if required) will be advised once students have arrived at UNE.

Non-compliance with the above requirements will result in students being ineligible for placement. This will result in a fail grade for the attached unit. Compliance with all the above requirements at all times remains the sole responsibility of the student.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be given for students who hold an AQF equivalent Bachelor degree from any discipline, and who have completed and passed all of Year 1 of the current UNE Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent. Such students would have completed HHSC157 (or equivalent) already and would gain advanced standing for this unit and could be granted advanced standing for HSNS206. Students who have successfully completed any additional units in a Bachelor of Nursing may be granted further advanced standing towards the Master of Nursing Practice (pre-registration) program but would be required to complete six units at 500 level.

All other advanced standing requests would be considered on an individual basis as per the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

No advanced standing will be granted for HSNS565.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) two and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to five and a half years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 108 credit points with at least 36 credit points at 500 level, including 800 hours of clinical practice, as specified in the Program of Study.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 108 cps
Total 108 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Nursing Practice.

Progression Requirements

(a) Candidates must successfully complete HHSC157 and HSNS206 to progress to the remainder of the program; or
(b) Candidates who do not successfully completed both HHSC157 and HSNS206 may not progress to the remainder of the program and may seek admission to the Bachelor of Nursing.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to build on the existing generic skills of students who have already completed an AQF Level 7 or equivalent Bachelor level degree and who wish to become Registered Nurses with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency. The focus will be on giving these students the necessary, discipline specific knowledge and skills required to become a competent, beginning level, professional Registered Nurses in a variety of settings and to provide evidence-based, creative, sensitive and responsible nursing care to the clients with whom they work. The course also aims to produce graduates who appreciate the value of life-long learning and who have a firm foundation for further study at postgraduate levels.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. provide safe, thoughtful, creative, responsive and evidence-based nursing care at a beginning practitioner level;
  2. analyse and evaluate assessment findings to apply advanced critical thinking and the appropriate knowledge and skills to the provision of nursing care to people in a variety of health care settings;
  3. demonstrate an appreciation and respect of the rights of individual people to make choices regarding their own health and the care they receive;
  4. demonstrate support, facilitative skills and advocacy for vulnerable people who are unable to make or implement choices for themselves by virtue of their condition;
  5. exhibit an understanding of nurses' roles in the provision of primary health care and generate and implement education strategies for health and health promotion;
  6. demonstrate the ability to apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to act as a change agent within the health care system; and
  7. maintain and extend their nursing knowledge and skills by a process of experiential learning, reading and research.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students build on existing knowledge and progressively develop a sound knowledge of the discipline of nursing in preparation for their roles as professional nurses through participation in online and face-to-face learning activities and clinical practice. Knowledge of the discipline will be assessed through written assignments, online tests, examinations, assessment of clinical skills in the clinical laboratory and clinical practice competence assessment on clinical placements. Students will engage in learning activities in which global perspectives of nursing practice will be discussed and debated. They will be expected to show their understanding of the global nature of nursing in written assessments and demonstrate this understanding on assessed clinical placements.

Communication Skills

Students will be taught and build on existing knowledge in the practise of relevant oral, written and non-verbal communication skills in all the units of this course. Assessment of communication skills will occur through written assignments and through assessment of clinical competence in practice.

Problem Solving

Students will be taught and build on existing problem-solving skills as they engage with issues of clinical governance and practise development in online, face-to-face and clinical practice activities. Their ability to solve problems is assessed across all assessment tasks in the course.

Information Literacy

Existing knowledge of information literacy is built on, practised and assessed through the assignment tasks attached to each unit of the course. Students are taught advanced research skills and how to access and assess relevant information from a variety of online and paper based information sources.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students learn about and develop the capacity to make ethically sound, morally just and socially responsible decisions in all the nursing units of this course. They apply this knowledge specifically to patient advocacy, safety and quality issues. They are assessed on this knowledge across all assessment tasks and apply it in practice while on assessed clinical placements.

Lifelong Learning

Students are required to set ongoing learning objectives at each stage of the course and as they prepare to transition to practise and to progressively refine their plan for continuing professional development in their nursing career. These approaches to lifelong learning will be assessed in the student's professional portfolios and in practise on clinical placements.

Independence and Collaboration

Students are taught theories of team dynamics and teamwork as they relate to a range of health care settings in all nursing units of this course. They participate as members of a health care team where they will develop and refine their skills, understanding and ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a health care team during their assessed clinical placements.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International

For more information, click here

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