RN and NP Programs in Australia

[kphelps248]

Hello everyone! I wasn't sure where to post this exactly, so please move if necessary. I am currently a certified nursing assistant in California. I currently hold a BA in Human Development and I'd like to further my education to become a nurse and then a nurse practitioner. I am a US citizen, but I am interested in studying and then potentially living in Australia after graduation. Samuel Merritt, a college in Oakland, California, has a joint RN/NP program. Does anyone know if a program like this exists in Australia? I know the job requirements are different. I've also heard that most nurse practitioner programs do not accept international students. OR does anyone know of any accelerated nursing programs in Australia? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[ceridwyn]

Most major universities have an accelerated master program 2 years for an initial nursing degree for holder of an undergraduate degree in any discipline. To be a Nurse Practitioner however is a masters program in nurse practioner.

To be a NP you need to have experience as an RN of at least 3 years full time, unlike the US - and then become a NP candidate with an employer to 'sponsor' you in your speciality while doing the Masters in NP before you can approach AHPRA for the endorsement of NP. This is why you have heard that they do not take international students.

More information at the AHPRA website.