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Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice (Registered Nurse Prescribing)

Take the next step towards specialist health roles.

If you have a degree in nursing, meet NCNZ criteria, have employer support and wish to become a registered nurse prescriber, this is a one year full time or up to four year part time programme.

It will equip you with advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills. You will spend time in independent study, critical reflection and field work in your place of study or place of work.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice (RN Prescribing) comprises four specified courses.

Employer support is required. Please contact us at deptofhealthpractice@ara.ac.nz for details.

Please note:

  • This programme is not open to international applicants
  • This programme is delivered primarily online
  • Some courses involve compulsory onsite classes at Ara in Christchurch
  • This programme can be studied part-time up to four years

See also our Frequently Asked Questions.

An undergraduate degree in a health science/health discipline or Postgraduate Certificate in Health Practice or equivalent

Where preparation is sought for an endorsement, you must also: - be a Registered Nurse with a current Practising Certificate OR -be a Registered Midwife with a current Practicing Certificate.

If you do not meet the Academic entry criteria above, you may:

  • provide evidence of having completed a relevant professional qualification; and
  • provide evidence of successful completion of a relevant qualification or programme of study which is equivalent to those of first degree graduates, through the submission of a portfolio of evidence.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

  • 6.5 Listening
  • 6.5 Reading
  • 6.5 Writing
  • 6.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

At the successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to be involved in the implementation of change in your area of practice.

Study pathways

Beyond this qualification you could consider a Masters in either health science or health practice.

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice

FULL-TIME - 1 Year

Take the next step towards specialist health roles.

Information
Type Postgraduate
Code CH4082
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
Credits 120
Level 8
Additional Equipment/Fees Advised before enrolment
Reference CH4082-RNPR
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With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

Where preparation is sought for an endorsement, you must also: - be a Registered Nurse with a current Practising Certificate OR -be a Registered Midwife with a current Practicing Certificate.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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