Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (MScN/PHC-NP)

The Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (MScN/PHC-NP) program at the University of Windsor prepares registered nurses to deliver comprehensive, autonomous, and collaborative care across diverse populations and communities. Rooted in a strong foundation of health promotion and illness prevention, the program emphasizes the development of advanced assessment, diagnostic, and clinical reasoning skills essential for primary health care practice. Students gain the expertise to order and interpret diagnostic tests, communicate diagnoses, prescribe medications, and perform controlled medical procedures. Approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario, the program enables graduates to apply for Extended Class registration as Nurse Practitioners specializing in Primary Health Care within Ontario.

Designed around a philosophy of practice-based and self-directed learning, the PHCNP program encourages students to take an active role in their professional growth. Learners engage in a blend of online modules, case studies, seminars, and labs that foster critical thinking and independent clinical decision-making. With over 700 hours of supervised clinical placements integrated throughout five clinical courses, students gain hands-on experience within the university’s regional placement network. Graduates emerge as skilled, reflective, and adaptive Nurse Practitioners, equipped to advance primary health care delivery and improve health outcomes in their communities.

Admission Requirements

• CNO (College of Nurses of Ontario) – approved Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Perform comprehensive health assessments and apply advanced diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills.
• Integrate evidence-based knowledge to promote health, prevent illness, and manage acute and chronic conditions.
• Prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and perform controlled medical procedures.
• Provide autonomous and collaborative primary health care that supports individuals, families, and communities.