The Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice is a Level 8 postgraduate qualification worth 60 points. It is intended for registered nurses who wish to enhance their clinical expertise, develop advanced assessment and decision-making skills, and build knowledge in specialty nursing practice.

The programme consists of postgraduate courses that can be credited towards the:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
• Master of Health Science
• Master of Health Practice

Why Study the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice at AUT?

• Develop advanced clinical nursing knowledge.
• Strengthen clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills.
• Study flexible postgraduate courses tailored to your professional interests.
• Build knowledge for specialty nursing practice.
• Credits can be transferred into higher postgraduate qualifications.
• Learn from experienced nurse practitioners, clinical specialists and researchers.
• Flexible study options for working professionals.
• Provides a foundation for nurses considering future Nurse Practitioner pathways (subject to meeting additional academic and professional requirements).

Programme Structure

Students complete 60 points selected from approved postgraduate courses.

Typical course options include:

Semester 1 and Semester 2

• HEAL816 – Special Topic (15 points)
• HEAL824 – Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (30 points)*
• NURS804 – Science for Advanced Practice (30 points)*
• PHMY803 – Pharmacology Science and Therapeutics (30 points)*

Semester 1

• PHMY801 – Pharmacology Science (15 points)

Semester 2

• HEAL823 – Innovation in Primary Health Care
• HEAL857 – Managing Long-term Conditions (30 points)
• HEAL866 – Mental Health Advanced Specialty Practice (30 points)
• PHMY802 – Applied Pharmacotherapeutics (15 points)

Subjects / Topics Covered

Depending on course selection, students may study:

• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Advanced Assessment
• Diagnostic Reasoning
• Clinical Decision Making
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Science for Advanced Practice
• Primary Health Care Innovation
• Long-term Condition Management
• Mental Health Specialty Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Clinical Leadership
• Special Topics in Nursing
• Advanced Professional Practice.

Disciplines / Specialisation Areas

Students can tailor their studies according to their clinical interests, including:

• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Primary Health Care
• Mental Health Nursing
• Long-term Condition Management
• Nurse Prescribing preparation
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Advanced Clinical Assessment
• Specialty Nursing Practice

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• Flexible study options for working nurses.
• Can be completed in one semester full-time.
• Pathway to postgraduate diploma and master's programmes.
• Practice-focused curriculum aligned with contemporary healthcare.
• Courses taught by experienced nursing academics and clinicians.
• Supports career progression into specialist and advanced nursing roles.
• Can contribute towards future Nurse Practitioner study pathways, subject to meeting additional requirements.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may advance into roles such as:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
• Primary Health Care Nurse
• Community Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse
• Chronic Disease Management Nurse
• Nurse Educator
• Clinical Coordinator
• Quality Improvement Nurse

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.
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3557.
• Qualification Level: NZQF Level 8.
• Duration: 60 points completed over one semester full-time or part-time.
• Intakes: 22 February 2027 and 12 July 2027.
• Applicants must provide evidence of current professional nursing practice.
• Some courses have special prerequisites or are specifically recommended for the Nurse Prescribing pathway.
• Students may be required to comply with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, the Children's Act 2014, and other relevant professional regulations before enrolling in certain courses.