Athabasca University

What you'll study

The curriculum blends advanced nursing theory, pharmacotherapeutics and lifespan‑focused care with supervised clinical practicums. While specific course lists vary by student plan and advising, the program includes courses preparing students for evidence‑based practice, pharmacology and age‑specific care, and requires hands‑on clinical placements where students apply classroom learning under the supervision of nurse practitioners or physicians. Students who wish to pursue a thesis must take an additional four courses beyond the standard course‑based route.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be registered nurses with a four‑year baccalaureate degree and possess a minimum of 5,000 hours of recent full‑time RN work experience. All clinical practicum work must be completed in Canada and students must hold active RN licensure in the province where they undertake clinical practice. Note: due to limited clinical placements, Athabasca University is currently not accepting applications from British Columbia residents for its Nurse Practitioner programs while working with the BC Ministry of Health to resolve the issue.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for first nurse practitioner licensure and practice in primary care and other community and outpatient settings where NPs autonomously diagnose, prescribe and manage both physical and mental health conditions across the lifespan. The program is not intended to prepare NPs for acute‑care roles or narrow clinical subspecialties.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Estimated tuition cost information is provided by the university: an illustrative estimated total tuition for MN students living in Canada taking all courses from Athabasca University is quoted in university materials as $21,329 (based on a stated per‑course/course‑equivalent rate). Students seeking financial assistance are advised to apply for funding at least three months before the applicable course registration deadline. The program page also notes Indigenous graduate tuition adjustments applicable from Sep. 1, 2026 and lists program application and admission fees and other course‑related charges; prospective students should consult the university’s Financial Services and program pages for current, detailed fee schedules and available funding options.