Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a Registered Nurse in New Zealand is the first step to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in New Zealand.

Work experience

Once you are a Registered Nurse in New Zealand, you will need at least four years’ experience in your area of practice, and you will need to pass an assessment against the nurse practitioner competencies, given by an approved assessor.

Visit 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