Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced clinical assessment, pharmacology and therapeutics with practical prescribing skills, legal and ethical frameworks, and cultural safety. Core topics typically include:

• Advanced pharmacology and therapeutics: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug–disease and drug–drug interactions, dose adjustment and monitoring.
• Clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning: history-taking, physical examination relevant to your scope, use of diagnostic tests, and formulation of management plans.
• Prescribing practice and decision-making: evidence-based prescribing, clinical guidelines, risk assessment, deprescribing and medication reconciliation.
• Legal, ethical and professional responsibilities: New Zealand regulatory requirements for nurse prescribing, documentation, confidentiality and accountability.
• Cultural safety and Te Tiriti obligations: working effectively with Māori and diverse populations, incorporating cultural considerations into prescribing decisions.
• Patient safety and medicines management: adverse event reporting, safe storage and supply, patient education and shared decision-making.
• Clinical practicum and supervised prescribing: workplace-based clinical hours under an approved clinical supervisor, case-based assessments and portfolio development.

Teaching typically uses blended delivery with online learning, workshops and simulation, together with workplace-based clinical supervision and assessed prescribing encounters. Assessment methods commonly include case reports, written assignments, clinical portfolios and observed clinical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate issued by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and to have relevant post-registration clinical experience. Typical requirements include employer support for study and a willing, approved clinical supervisor who can provide the required supervised practice hours.

• Current registration and an annual practising certificate as a registered nurse.
• Demonstrated clinical experience in the area in which you intend to prescribe (employers and the programme will specify minimum experience expectations).
• Evidence of employer support and an approved clinical supervisor for workplace-based learning.
• Satisfactory fitness to practise and any required background checks.
• English language competence where applicable, in line with professional registration requirements.

Applicants should check with AUT and the Nursing Council for specific documentation and any additional conditions required to meet endorsement pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to apply for endorsement as nurse prescribers and to take on expanded clinical responsibilities. Typical roles and settings include:

• Primary care and general practice clinics, prescribing for common conditions and chronic disease management.
• Community nursing services, long-term care and home-based care, with medication management responsibilities.
• Hospital and specialty outpatient clinics where nurse-led clinics operate.
• Rural and iwi health providers, where prescribing endorsement increases local access to care.
• Advanced nursing roles, clinical leadership, quality improvement and service development that involve medicines management.

Endorsement to prescribe can increase clinical autonomy, improve patient access to medicines, and open pathways to further advanced practice study or roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or leadership positions within healthcare services.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT delivers the programme through its health sciences teaching teams with strong links to district health boards, primary health organisations and community providers, enabling workplace-relevant learning. The university offers modern clinical simulation facilities and experienced teaching staff with clinical and research expertise in prescribing and medicines management.

Programme design aligns with national regulatory expectations and places emphasis on culturally safe practice, reflecting AUT’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to preparing graduates for diverse New Zealand healthcare settings. Flexible blended delivery supports working clinicians to combine study with ongoing practice and employer responsibilities.