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: 

1. Critically analyse the pathophysiological process of disease and health alterations.
2. Critical interpretation of symptoms and clinical manifestations.
3. 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: 

1. Critically apply advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning principles.
2. Critically analyse clinical assessment findings to generate diagnoses and differential diagnoses.
3. Synthesise evidence-based practice to develop a therapeutic management plan.
4. 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: 

1. Critically review the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics.
2. 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.
3. Critically analyse and apply evidence-based practice to pharmacological interventions.
4. Critically apply principles of equity to pharmacological practice.
5. 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: 

1. Synthesise knowledge of advanced health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology in advanced clinical practice.
2. Articulate and practice within the legal framework for Registered Nurse prescribing.
3. Meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) competencies for Registered Nurse

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.

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. UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $1.83 per academic point in 2024. 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.