Master of Nurse Practitioner Practice
The Master of Nurse Practitioner Practice (MNPP) degree is a clinical graduate program that prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice in the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP).
Why Pursue NP Studies
- Re-energize your nursing career and pursue career aspirations!
- Develop advanced clinical skills to support and lead nursing practice in your area of focus/expertise
- Clinical leadership opens doors for diverse career pathways
- Continue your studies toward PhD for academic and research career pathways
Program completion is required for eligibility to write the national nurse practitioner licensing exams for entry-to-practice as an NP in Canada in either the All Ages All Settings or Neonatal category of practice. The program offers preparation in advanced clinical knowledge for assessment, intervention, and clinical management across the lifespan, with diverse populations and in a variety of practice settings (acute, primary, and specialty settings).
The MNPP degree expands upon registered nurse competencies based on advanced understanding of pathophysiology of disease, diagnosis and management of medical conditions, and enhanced primary care prevention and screening. Graduates integrate nursing knowledge and health research to inform decisions related to clinical practice, policy development, educational approaches, leadership within clinical settings, and quality improvement and research.
Specializations
The MNPP program prepares students to enter practice at a novice NP level, meeting the basic entry-level competencies for the profession, as certified by a national NP licensing exam for AAAS specialization, or a provincial NNP licensing exam in Alberta for NNP specialization.
There are two specializations available with the MNPP program: All Ages All Settings (AAAS) Nurse Practitioner and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP):
- All Ages All Settings (AAAS) Nurse Practitioner: Graduates are prepared to practice in diverse settings (including hospital, outpatient clinics, primary care, long-term care, and community settings).
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): Graduates are prepared to practice in neonatal intensive care settings. Graduates will initially obtain a license in the province of Alberta and will apply to other provincial colleges for transfer of license to the province where employment will be secured following graduation.
What to Expect in the MNPP
- Focused degree preparing NP graduates through didactic courses on NP competencies, complemented with extensive clinical practice.
- Hybrid, online and on-campus study options, offering flexibility for rural and remote students.
- Full-time studies span 20 consecutive months, including courses and clinical hours during spring and summer terms following Year 1.
- Part-time studies typically span 32 months, including courses and clinical hours during the spring and summer terms of the second year of study.
- Early integration of case-based simulation experiences ensures a smoother transition to advanced clinical care courses.
- Practicum hours are distributed across the final 12 months of the program, across advanced health assessment, clinical management and transition to practice courses, totalling 800 clinical hours.
- Practicum placements are arranged and supported through the Faculty of Nursing Clinical Placement Office, led by the Nurse Practitioner Clinical Placement Lead.
- Whenever possible, placements are arranged within a student’s home province or territory (within Canada only). Students completing the MNPP from outside Alberta may be required to assist with placement arrangements.
- Please note: The Faculty reserves the right to accept applications based on potential placements in the student’s provincial jurisdiction. Given the unique licensing conditions in Quebec, applicants residing and planning to work in Quebec are encouraged to enroll in an NP program in their home province.
- One week on-campus intensive during Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning I - all students are required to be on campus (typically the first week of the spring term). There will be a second on-campus component in the final winter term, likely 3-4 days in length.
Clinical Practice Requirements Prior to Entry
MNPP applicants require 4,500 hours of registered nursing practice appropriate to the program category prior to entering the program.
- All Ages All Settings (AAAS): Experience across adult and pediatric populations and in multiple settings
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): Experience in at least level III or higher NICU environments.
- Potential neonatal RN applicants from smaller centres without access to a level III NICU environment are encouraged to contact the Director of NP Programs to discuss application requirements.
MN Graduates Entering the MNPP
Nurses who have already completed a Master of Nursing degree are eligible to apply to the MNPP and receive exemptions for equivalent courses, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis. As a degree program, the MNPP makes students eligible for various awards, student loans, and graduate student employment opportunities.
Apply Early
Now is the time to think about graduate studies.
It takes time to gather reference letters and complete your application form. Start your application early!
Applications
The application deadline is January 6 for a September start date of the same calendar year.
Questions?
Contact us through your or email nugrad@ualberta.ca