ABOUT THE NPTSS

Supervision & Support

We’re committed to ensuring Nurse Practitioner (NP) candidates are well-supported throughout their practicum and transition into independent practice. Here's what you can expect:

Clinical supervision and release time

To help you succeed during your NP practicum, you'll have access to:

  • Up to 350 hours of release time for structured clinical supervision within your primary placement. Supervision is provided by experienced clinicians who understand the NP scope of practice and offer real-time feedback, case discussions, and reflective learning

  • Up to 80 hours of release time for secondary placements, giving you broader clinical exposure across different settings

  • Up to 12 days of study leave and full coverage of course fees for two postgraduate papers to support your academic progression and programme completion.

Cultural Supervision

To uphold equity and culturally safe practice, dedicated cultural supervision is available for Māori and Pacific NP candidates. These supervisors also support those working with Māori, Pacific, and other minority communities helping embed culturally responsive approaches into clinical care.

This support is essential for developing confident, competent practitioners who deliver care that is respectful, inclusive, and aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It also strengthens the NP workforce’s ability to meet the needs of Aotearoa’s diverse populations.

Peer support

You’ll have access to regular peer support sessions – both in-person and online – to foster community and shared learning among NP candidates. These sessions offer a safe space to:

  • Discuss challenges

  • Celebrate progress

  • Reduce professional isolation.

A secure digital platform will also be available for real-time communication and ad-hoc peer support.

This is especially valuable for those in rural or isolated placements, enabling timely collaboration and connection with mentors, supervisors, and peers across regions.

Transition and ongoing support for the 6-months post-registration

Transitioning into your new role as a registered NP is a critical phase. We’ll work closely with employers to ensure that:

  • Employers have a clear understanding of the NP role and realistic expectations around caseloads and responsibilities

  • Reception and administration teams are informed about the NP scope to allocate appropriate patients

  • Clinical teams allow time for relationship-building with inter-disciplinary teams and communities

  • Access to a transition toolkit outlining the NP model of care and scope of practice.

To support your growth and confidence during this phase, we will:

  • Establish regional NP champions to provide ongoing peer support and guidance

  • Offer opportunities to develop tailored Professional Development Plans

  • Continue formal mentoring for the first 6 months following NP registration with the Nursing Council.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NPTSS application separate from applying to the academic provider?

Yes, you must apply to both. NPTSS funding includes a contribution to course fees, but you still need to apply to your academic provider.

If you have queries about academic readiness or enrolment, please contact your academic provider:

Which region should I select if I live in one area but study in another?

Select the region closest to where you will be working. For example, if you live and work in the upper South Island, choose Christchurch.

When do applications close?

Applications for the 2026 practicum are now closed.

Can I use last year’s application templates for this year’s application?

No, please use the current forms available on the website, as there may be differences from previous years.

Can the clinical supervisor and referee be the same person?

Yes, the referee and clinical supervisor can be the same person.

What should be included in the application cover letter, and are there any length requirements?

The cover letter does not need to be long, treat it like a job application cover letter.

Does a clinical supervisor need to be a fellow, or can an experienced registrar or senior doctor act as a supervisor?

They do not need to be a fellow. The key requirement is that they can provide clinical support and commit to the role. If there are fellows in the practice, that is an added benefit.

Will there be an interview as part of the application process?

No, all communication will be via email.

Who completes the ‘Teaching-Leadership and Professional Activities’ table - the applicant or the referee?

The applicant completes this table. This is where you can showcase what leadership and teaching activities you have been involved in or led to support your application

If I change employment or internship location, do I need a new supervisor?

Yes. The supervisor must be from your area of employment to provide hands-on support.

Will my employer’s ‘intent to employ’ response on the support form affect my application?

No. It will not negatively impact your application. The response is for initial indication only and can change later.

Do I need to secure employer support for NP training before completing my postgraduate diploma?

No. You have time before enrolling in the NP practicum. However, if you plan to return to general practice, it’s a good idea to discuss support early with your employer.

Does ‘area of practice’ refer to my current role or the area I plan to work in as an NP?

It refers to the area you plan to work in as an NP. Primary care is a priority of the contract, so we suggest listing this if relevant to you.

Can I apply if I have already completed a Master’s degree?

Yes, if you are enrolling in an NP practicum course with an NCNZ-approved academic provider. Check the NCNZ website for approved providers.

Is a clinical mentor with two years’ NP experience acceptable?

We’d encourage you to direct any questions about clinical mentors to your chosen academic provider as it is the academic provider that ultimately approves the clinical mentor.

From the NCNZ education standards: The academic provider must negotiate the practicum and clinical mentors for each student, and have a process by which these are assessed as satisfactory to enable student learning before the commencement and for the duration of the practicum.

How are the 180 funded places allocated between primary care and other settings?

120 places: Primary care (priority). 60 places: Secondary care, mental health, emergency, and HNZ employees (private hospital applicants considered if spaces remain).

If I have completed an MNSc, do I qualify for the scheme?

It depends on the papers completed. If you have the three prerequisite papers and only need the prescribing practicum, you qualify. Confirm details with your academic provider.

Can I complete the practicum with a clinical mentor who is not based at my workplace?

This depends on your academic provider, as they approve practicum and mentor arrangements.

Is it possible to undertake the NP practicum in a private hospital setting?

The scheme prioritises primary care and HNZ employees. Private hospital applicants may be considered if spaces remain.

Will the NPTSS application open again next year?

Yes, applications for 2027 will open later next year.