The Postgraduate Diploma in Registered Nurse Prescribing is an NZQF Level 8 qualification worth 120 points. It prepares eligible registered nurses to meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand's educational requirements for Registered Nurse Prescribing.

The programme advances nurses' knowledge in pharmacology, advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, prescribing practice and evidence-based clinical decision-making. It also serves as a pathway to further postgraduate education, including preparation for Nurse Practitioner study through AUT's Master of Health Science.

Why Study the Postgraduate Diploma in Registered Nurse Prescribing at AUT?

• Meet the educational requirements for Registered Nurse Prescribing in New Zealand.
• Gain advanced skills in clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning.
• Develop expertise in pharmacology and therapeutic decision-making.
• Complete supervised specialty practicum in your clinical area.
• Learn from experienced nurse practitioners and healthcare academics.
• Flexible study options designed for working registered nurses.
• Pathway to advanced nursing practice and Nurse Practitioner education.
• Improve patient access to healthcare through expanded nursing practice.

Programme Structure

Students complete the following compulsory courses:

NURS804 – Science for Advanced Practice (30 points)

Focuses on:

• Advanced pathophysiology
• Human biological sciences
• Clinical reasoning

PHMY803 – Pharmacology Science and Therapeutics (30 points)

Topics include:

• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics
• Drug interactions
• Therapeutics
• Safe prescribing

HEAL824 – Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (30 points)

Develops skills in:

• Advanced health assessment
• Diagnostic reasoning
• Clinical decision-making

HEAL849 – Specialty Practicum (30 points)

Supervised professional practice covering:

• Advanced diagnostic skills
• Therapeutic planning
• Prescribing interventions
• Clinical leadership
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Referral processes
• Patient monitoring and evaluation.

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study:

• Advanced Clinical Assessment
• Diagnostic Reasoning
• Pharmacology
• Therapeutics
• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Pathophysiology
• Prescribing Practice
• Evidence-Based Clinical Decision-Making
• Legal and Ethical Issues
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Leadership
• Medicines Management
• Professional Practice

Disciplines / Areas of Focus

The programme develops advanced expertise in:

• Registered Nurse Prescribing
• Advanced Clinical Nursing
• Primary Healthcare
• Chronic Disease Management
• Specialty Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Diagnostic Assessment
• Therapeutics
• Clinical Leadership
• Advanced Professional Practice

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• Meets educational requirements for Registered Nurse Prescribing.
• Strong emphasis on advanced clinical practice.
• Flexible study options for working nurses.
• Supervised specialty practicum.
• Taught by experienced nursing academics and clinicians.
• Excellent pathway towards Nurse Practitioner education.
• Industry-recognised curriculum aligned with Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may progress to positions such as:

• Registered Nurse Prescriber*
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
• Primary Healthcare Nurse
• Specialist Nurse
• Chronic Disease Management Nurse
• Community Health Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Outpatient Services Nurse
• Rural Health Nurse
• Specialty Service Nurse

Graduates may also continue into:

• Master of Health Science (Advanced Nursing Practice)
• Nurse Practitioner education pathway.

Visa Requirements

International students studying full-time generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT.
• Valid passport.
• Payment of tuition fees (where applicable).
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable).
• Approved medical and travel insurance.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3558.
• Qualification Level: NZQF Level 8.
• Credits: 120 points.
• Duration: 1 year full-time (part-time available).
• Campus: North Campus.
• Start Date: 22 February 2027.
• Completion of three years' equivalent full-time clinical practice is required before the final practicum.
• At least one year of practice in New Zealand within the intended prescribing area is required for the specialty practicum.
• Students must have employer support and an approved prescribing mentor before undertaking the practicum.
• Successful completion satisfies the educational preparation requirements for Registered Nurse Prescribing but does not automatically confer prescribing authority; graduates must also meet Nursing Council of New Zealand registration requirements.