Nurse Practitioner

Dalhousie University’s Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP) Program is a rigorous, practice-based graduate program designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical roles as accredited Nurse Practitioners. This 36-credit hour program emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and clinical expertise to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care across the lifespan. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Exam: Family/All Ages, positioning them for certification and practice within diverse healthcare settings.

Throughout the program, students engage in a combination of academic coursework and extensive clinical practicums that foster critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, and advanced clinical competence. Core clinical practice courses include Advanced Health Assessment (50 hours), Principles and Theories for Nurse Practitioner Practice (150 hours), Principles and Theories for Health and Disease Management in Family All Ages Nurse Practitioner Practice (150 hours), and the Advanced Practice Role Practicum (350 hours). This comprehensive structure ensures that graduates not only master theoretical frameworks but also gain substantial hands-on experience in real-world healthcare environments, preparing them to excel as autonomous and collaborative primary care providers.

Admission Requirements

• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (active practitioner) in Canadian province or territory (provide proof of current RN licensure).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
• Minimum of the equivalent of 2 years full-time recent relevant clinical practice as a Registered Nurse at the time of application.

What You’ll Learn

• Conduct comprehensive health assessments and apply advanced diagnostic reasoning across all age groups.
• Integrate evidence-based theory and research into clinical decision-making and patient care.
• Manage acute and chronic health conditions through advanced therapeutic interventions.
• Demonstrate leadership and collaboration within interprofessional healthcare teams to enhance patient outcomes.