Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in New Zealand involves gaining significant clinical experience and advanced education after becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). To learn more about being a NP, go to Nursing Council of New Zealand and Nurse Practitioners New Zealand for more information.

Academic readiness

Candidates must be prepared to complete a Master of Nursing programme by the end of the Nurse Practitioner training practicum year or have already completed one. Confirm eligibility with your chosen university.

• Have completed the required prerequisite courses:

  • Advanced Health Assessment

  • Pathophysiology

  • Pharmacology.

• A ‘B grade’ average or higher is preferred, including any specific grade requirements for individual courses.

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

• Auckland University of Technology | Te Wānanga Aronui O Tāmaki Makau Rau

• Massey University | Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa

• University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau

• University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

• University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Ōtautahi

• University of Waikato | Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

• Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka

• Wintec | Te Pūkenga