Charles Darwin University
1 year part-time
This postgraduate program prepares experienced Registered Nurses to prescribe scheduled medicines within an extended scope of practice. Delivered online over one year part-time, it combines contemporary research and evidence-based legislation to develop safe and effective prescribing competencies for nurses in diverse healthcare settings.
Applicants must hold current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with no conditions or notations and have completed the equivalent of 3 years full-time post-registration clinical experience within the past six years. Hospital-trained nurses with current Registered Nurse Division 1 NMBA AHPRA registration may also be considered. Domestic students must meet standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University, with evidence of previous study in English, Australian secondary schooling completion, or approved English test results.
The course comprises four core compulsory units totalling 40 credit points: NUR583 Safe and Quality Use of Medicines, NUR584 Prescribing in Nursing Practice 1, NUR585 Legal and Ethical Nurse Prescribing Practice, and NUR586 Registered Nurse Prescribing in Practice 2. The curriculum incorporates the National Prescribing Competencies Framework, Quality Use of Medicines principles, and the National Medicines Policy. Study is structured over two semesters in the first year, with units delivered online drawing on contemporary research and evidence relevant to nurse prescribing.
Charles Darwin University is ranked #2 in Australia for postgraduate nursing starting salary and #3 for postgraduate nursing employment outcomes (GUG 2024). The university offers flexible study options including online, on-campus, part-time and full-time delivery. Learning is guided by evidence, innovation and patient-centred care, delivered by passionate and expert lecturers. CDU provides practical experience through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located around Australia.
Subject to successful accreditation by ANMAC and approval by NMBA, graduates may be eligible to apply for Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines as a Designated Registered Nurse Prescriber, supporting career opportunities to practise within an extended scope of practice in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates may continue to the Master of Clinical Nursing or pursue advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner, subject to meeting relevant regulatory, educational and employment requirements.
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