Nurse Practitioner (NP) and NP Post Degree

The Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner (NP and NP Post-Degree) options prepare family nurse practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and conditions to people of all ages.

Family nurse practitioners will be prepared to demonstrate the advanced nursing competencies of clinical practice, leadership, research, consultation and collaboration, and health promotion.  They are part of the front-line team providing primary health care in a safe, ethical and compassionate way.

Family nurse practitioner graduates study advanced nursing theory and engage in practice experiences to prepare them to write exams for registration as an NP with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) 

Explore the courses you will take

MN Nurse Practitioner Option

Course-Based MN: 24.0 units
4 MN Foundation Courses -= 6.0 units
12 NP Required Courses = 18.0 units

Course sequencing for Nurse Practitioner option

MN Nurse Practitioner Post Degree Option

Course-Based MN: 19.5 units
1 MN Foundation Course = 1.5 units
12 NP Required Courses = 18.0 units

Course sequencing for Nurse Practitioner Post Degree option

Prepare for your practice education

The family nurse practitioner program has five required practice courses starting in the second term of the program.

Students are expected to travel outside their local community to complete practice experiences and must arrange transportation and accommodation. Any costs related to nursing practice experiences are the individual student's responsibility. 

Planning for your placement begins 5-6 months before the start of a practicum. A practica coordinator will contact you to discuss placement ideas and complete a student profile.

One month before the start of your practicum, ensure you have met and submitted the necessary school of nursing practica requirements.

Two weeks before the start of your practicum, you must connect with the practicum agency to complete student orientation (often online), an oath of confidentiality if required, and security clearance procedures. You may need to provide the agency with a criminal record review, immunization record, and health insurance coverage.

You are responsible for knowing the nursing practice requirements and expectations of the Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD), the School of Nursing, and the health regions/practice agencies where your practice experiences occur. Program requirements are the financial responsibility of students to maintain and provide evidence when required.

Please refer to the following:

Nurse practitioner students practice within the competencies outlined by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.

1. Entry Level competencies for Nurse Practitioners in Canada
2. Practice Standards: For Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
3. Professional Standards: For Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
4. Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners (Family): Standards, Limits, and Conditions

Read about the program objectives

Graduates of the nurse practitioner and nurse practitioner post-degree programs will:

  • Have advanced knowledge, skill, and expertise to meet the primary health care (PHC) needs of individuals and families across the lifespan and within the context of community; enact theEntry-Level Competencies for Nurse Practitioners in Canada (and endorsed by BCCNP) as applied to the family stream in a variety of primary health care contexts; and practice within the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners: Standards, Limits and Conditions
  • Demonstrate leadership through advocacy for optimal client care, optimizing the nurse practitioner role within the interprofessional team, and facilitating systems change
  • Identify and implement evidence-based innovations that improve client care and the functioning of organizations and/or systems