Price
Domestic learners
$2,352* per 30 point course
*Fees outlined are based on the 2025 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.
Qualification
PGDipNurs
120 points
Duration
2 years part-time
Learn online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, combined with up to 20 days onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Entry times
17 February 2025
July 2025
February 2026
July 2026
Overview
Are you a registered nurse looking to advance your career and lead positive change? Upskill through flexible online study supported with face to face learning onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch. You'll become a registered nurse prescriber in just two years of part-time study.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber) is designed to equip you with the competencies to apply for registration as a registered nurse prescriber in your area of practice.
Learn online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, combined with up to 20 days onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
You'll refine your advanced health assessment and communication skills to work with diverse populations with complex health needs. You'll study and practice skills essential for the provision of safe, appropriate and effective prescribing, including patient assessment, pathophysiology, clinical reasoning and monitoring, pharmacology, and communication. Utilising your advanced practice skills, you’ll play a pivotal role in diminishing health inequalities and meeting the health needs of individuals and communities.
Graduate with a PGDipNurs and apply for registration with Te Kaunihere Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand to work as a registered nurse prescriber, or credit these courses and continue onto our Master of Advanced Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) to become a mātanga tapuhi | nurse practitioner.
Requirements
To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber) is based on your previous studies in a relevant nursing degree, and clinical experience as a registered nurse.
To enrol in the PGDipNurs, you must have:
- A current Registered Nurse practicing certificate from Te Kaunihere Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand with at least three years' of clinical experience; and
- Completed one of the following:
- Qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand nursing degree with a grade average of B or greater in your 300-level (or equivalent) courses; or
- Completed a recognised nursing qualification requiring at least three years full-time tertiary study with a grade average of B or greater; or
- Successfully completed a qualifying course prescribed by the Amo Matua, Te Kaupeka Oranga | Executive Dean of Health or delegate; or
- Been admitted with Academic Equivalent Standing as fulfilling these requirements.
Your eligibility will be considered upon enrolment, with successful applicants approved as students by the Amo Pūtaiao | Executive Dean of Health or delegate.
Unsure about your suitability?
As part of our application process, your eligibility will be assessed by our nursing academic team to make sure that your academic and professional background meets the entry criteria. Unfortunately, our Tuihono UC | UC Online team cannot confirm your eligibility before your application is submitted, beyond referring you to the requirements above. We are happy to help answer any general questions you have about the programme or online learning, however. You can get in touch with us here.
For the full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Nurse Prescriber) or use the admission requirements checker.
Clinical requirements
Clinical practicum requirements mean that learners must also complete at least 150 hours of placements in clinical settings. These practicum requirements include opportunities to integrate theory with diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills in complex health situations, allowing learners to develop advanced practice, leadership, collaborative and innovative clinical practice skills. Students must work with population groups across at least two settings, and practicum locations will be discussed during the enrolment process. We will need confirmation of your ability to access suitable clinical experience.
Course requirements
All courses are compulsory, and HLTH661, HLTH662 and HLTH663 must be successfully completed as prerequisites before studying NURS664. Learners must attend up to 20 days of in-person intensives at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Specific dates will be discussed during the enrolment process.
Structure
The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber) comprises of four NZQF level 8 postgraduate courses, including a minimum of 150 hours of clinical practicum.
It can be studied part-time over 2 years, subject to course availability. Learners must complete the PGDipNurs in the time frame stipulated by the Nursing Council of New Zealand to be eligible to apply for registration (48 months).
Time commitment
Part-time learners complete one course per semester, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assignments.
Learners must attend a minimum of 150 hours of clinical practicum, and up to 20 days of in-person intensives at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Specific dates will be discussed during the enrolment process.
Upcoming dates
Specific learning dates for this programme can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our two-week period of marking and feedback).
- 17 February - 15 June 2025
- Study break: 7 - 27 April
- 7 July 2025 - 11 January 2026 (note that clinical practicum requirements may extend over the summer until February)
- Study break: 25 August - 7 September
Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
What you'll study
You’ll study four NZQF level 8 postgraduate courses for the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber).
Description
This course will facilitate learners to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the pathological basis and clinical manifestations of disease processes. This provides the foundation for clinical decision making related to assessment findings, investigations, and evidence to inform interventions and disease management.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the pathophysiological process of disease and health alterations.
- Critical interpretation of symptoms and clinical manifestations.
- Critically analyse the contribution of social and cultural determinants of health in relation to pathophysiology and clinical manifestations.
Description
This course will enable and prepare learners to utilise advanced knowledge of health assessment and diagnostic reasoning to formulate differential diagnoses and evidence-based plans and interventions. Learners will conduct holistic assessments, identifying current health issues, incorporating history, physical assessment, lifestyle, psychosocial factors, risks and potential complications.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Critically apply advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning principles.
- Critically analyse clinical assessment findings to generate diagnoses and differential diagnoses.
- Synthesise evidence-based practice to develop a therapeutic management plan.
- Critically apply a bicultural partnership approach to working with health consumers and whānau.
Description
This course facilitates learners to develop advanced knowledge in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics for clinical practice. Studying pharmacology will equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions, assess risks and collaborate effectively in relation to prescribing practice. This foundation is crucial for delivering high quality, patient centered care and optimising outcomes for consumers.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Critically review the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics.
- Critically review indications and contraindications, effects, adverse effects, drug interactions and client|whānau education associated with the use of prescription, Rongoā, Pacific healing health practice, over-the-counter and complementary medicines/remedies, and devices.
- Critically analyse and apply evidence-based practice to pharmacological interventions.
- Critically apply principles of equity to pharmacological practice.
- Explain the regulatory framework for pharmacological and other therapies within the Aotearoa | New Zealand context.
Description
This course is for Registered Nurses who wish to become a Registered Nurse Prescriber with the Nursing Council of New Zealand | Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa. It includes theoretical and clinical components in an area of specialty practice within a collaborative team. Learners will focus on the application of evidence-based practice to inform prescribing decisions to meet the competencies for Registered Nurse prescribing practice.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Synthesise knowledge of advanced health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology in advanced clinical practice.
- Articulate and practice within the legal framework for Registered Nurse prescribing.
- Meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) competencies for Registered Nurse.
Prerequisites: Advanced Pathophysiology (HLTH661), Advanced Health Assessment (HLTH662), and Advanced Pharmacology (HLTH663) with a grade average of at least B.
Our people
The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber) is coordinated by Dr Cathy Andrew and other Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury academics.
Cathy Andrews' nursing practice background is ICU and mental health. She has many years of experience in nursing and health educational leadership and management. Her research includes numerous collaborative projects between education and practice including curriculum development, evaluation and innovation in educational delivery.
Cathy's career has spanned New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the South Pacific. She has served on advisory groups, panels and committees for groups such as Health Quality and Safety, Nursing Council of NZ, Vanuatu Qualifications Authority, NZ Qualifications Authority and the National Nurse Leaders group.
Stay updated
If you’re keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open or ask a question, please sign up for updates below.
Cap & minimum enrolment threshold: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.
FAQ
The Tuihono UC | UC Online Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing is a 2-year (part-time) programme designed to develop advanced knowledge, skills and competencies to become a registered nurse prescriber through Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC | UC Online Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing gives you the same quality education as other university programmes with the flexibility of online learning.
This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study at your pace.
Graduates can apply to the Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand to become a registered nurse prescriber in a designated area of practice. Nurse prescribers work as part of a collaborative team in primary care or specialty teams prescribing from a list of medicines for common and long-term conditions. They work with an authorised prescriber such as a Nurse Practitioner or medical doctor. Find out more here.
The overall cost of tuition fees per 30 point course based on the 2025 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $2,352.50* incl GST
Total programme investment for the 120 point programme based on the 2025 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $9,410* incl GST
*Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2025 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.
Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.
The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $1.94 per academic point in 2025. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.
There are a range of options you can use to finance your study. We recommend a discussion with the postgraduate nursing education representative or team at your organisation to discuss your eligibility for health workforce funding and support.
The programme can be completed in two years of part-time study.
Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and Tuihono UC’s programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as other university programmes.
Please note that this programme also requires some study days onsite at University of Canterbury, and clinical practicum requirements.
The programme is delivered with a majority of coursework online, using a range of technologies including video conferencing, online discussion forums, and interactive learning experiences.
There are some intensive study blocks where learning will be onsite at the University of Canterbury (Ilam and Manawa (city) Campus).
There are also a minimum of 150 mandatory hours of clinical practicum requirements as part of NURS664.
Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.
Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.
Applications are made online through our Tuihono UC | UC Online website – view open enrolments and/or expressions of interest for when enrolments open.
Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact enrolment support for course information, technical help and enrolment support.
There are some intensive study blocks where learning will be synchronous. Learners are expected to be present and participate in the online learning and the intensive study blocks, as well as all clinical practicum requirements.
This degree equips you with all the competencies you need to apply for registration as a registered nurse prescriber with Te Kaunihere Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber) is a standalone professionally relevant qualification but is also a good pathway for further study.
If you complete the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing you may apply to continue onto the Tuihono UC | UC Online Master of Advanced Nursing (Nurse Practitioner). You may also apply to be admitted and credit points towards the on-campus Master of Health Sciences, or Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice at the discretion of the Amo Matua, Te Kaupeka Oranga | Executive Dean of Health or delegate. Read the full requirements in the UC general conditions for credit regulations.
Yes, once you've successfully completed the postgraduate diploma, you can apply to be admitted and credit 120 points towards a relevant further qualification, such as our Tuihono UC | UC Online Master of Advanced Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) or on-campus Master of Health Sciences, or Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice at the discretion of the Amo Matua, Te Kaupeka Oranga | Executive Dean of Health or delegate.
Read the full requirements in the UC general conditions for credit regulations.
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