Post-Master's Diploma – Nurse Practitioner

This post-master's diploma from Athabasca University's Faculty of Health Disciplines prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as nurse practitioners. The program totals 30 credits, at least 12 of which must be completed through Athabasca University, and coursework is delivered online in grouped study format with defined start and end dates; one in-person physical assessment lab session is required, along with a comprehensive examination in the final course. Students complete 800 clinical hours across the program, working in Canadian clinical settings, and gain experience across women's and men's health, children's health, adult health, and older adult health. Curriculum content spans advanced practice nursing foundations, pharmacotherapeutics, and health assessment across the lifespan. The diploma can be completed in as little as two years or extended up to five. It is intended for experienced registered nurses who hold current provincial licensure and are seeking to move into nurse practitioner roles; admission requires a master's degree in nursing and verified recent RN work experience, with the program noting that admission is competitive and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a place.