The Faculty of Nursing offers a graduate program which, upon completion of the Nurse Practitioner focus, leads to a Masters of Nursing degree. This degree is achieved through a course-based, non-thesis program of study comprised of 36 credit hours and a minimum of 700 clinical hours at the advanced practice level.

The goal of the Nurse Practitioner focus is to prepare nurses with the advanced knowledge and skills to function as first line providers of health care and health promotion to clients throughout the life span. The program of study, taught by an interdisciplinary faculty, provides a strong basis in physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, community health, and role development. Three clinical courses are designed to address the common health needs of individuals and families, including health promotion and wellness strategies, and management of episodic and stable chronic illnesses.

Admission Requirements

An application fee of $100 (subject to change) for Canadian and International applicants.

Applicants are required to meet the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the following requirements of the Faculty of Nursing:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an approved or accredited university. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a degree in another discipline may be considered on a case by case basis, providing the applicant is a Registered Nurse (RN). For these individuals, up to an additional year of course work may be required prior to consideration for admission to the graduate program as a regular student. RPNs are not eligible for the Nurse Practitioner stream.
2. Official transcript(s) (statement of course work and grades obtained) of all academic records from courses taken at all degree-granting institutions. Please note that you do not need to provide an official transcript from the University of Manitoba. Contact the Graduate Program Student Advisor in Nursing for clarification.
3. Completion of a Research Methods course and an introductory Statistics course with a minimum grade of 2.5 (C+) in each course. It is highly recommended that Statistics be taken within the last 5 years and Research Methods be taken within the last 8 years to ensure currency. Students are advised to check with the Graduate Program Student Advisor as to whether courses completed meet this requirement. Please note that applications are accepted from students currently enrolled in these two prerequisite courses.
4. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) in the last 60 credit hours of university study. In rare instances, the Faculty of Nursing may recommend admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of applicants who have a non-competitive GPA, but who have demonstrated evidence of recent academic achievement, long-standing commitment, leadership, and outstanding achievement in the nursing profession. Applicants who fit in this category must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours of university study.
5. Three (3) letters of reference indicating the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications.
6. Proof of active practicing nurse registration in Canada is needed. Applicants from other countries may apply provided they have active practicing nurse status in their home country.
7. A minimum of two years or equivalent (3,600 hours) full time clinical practice within the past five years is required.
8. A resume/curriculum vitae that includes the following:
   • past educational preparation;
   • employment experience, indicating level of responsibility;
   • community service including involvement in professional associations;
   • awards and honours;
   • research projects;
   • publications;
   • continuing education;
   • innovation in clinical practice; &
   • any other supporting information.
9. Statement of Intent (500 words) - statement of career goals and reasons for applying to the Nurse Practitioner focus, Master of Nursing Program.
10. Proficiency in English (see Graduate Calendar).
11. Upon acceptance to the Master of Nursing Program, students must submit a completed Immunization Record by September 1 of the year of admission.
12. An interview may be required.

Note: The Graduate Studies Committee in the Faculty of Nursing reviews all applications, but final approval rests with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Program admission is on a competitive basis and submission of the above requirements in no way guarantees program acceptance.

Preference will be given to those who indicate full-time study on their application.

All application materials must be received in the Faculty of Graduate Studies no later than April 1 for the year in which admission is sought. LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. 

Full and Part Time Study

Full time study in the NP focus takes place over 2 years, each with three academic terms. A student is considered to be full time in the NP focus if she/he takes an academic load of 24 credit hours in the first year and 12 credit hours, clinical practice, and the final Clinical Consolidation course in the second year. Part time study takes place over 4 years. Students have to apply for part-time studies.

All students will be assgined an advisor upon admission. Students must meet, at a minimum, annually with their advisor. Any changes to program plan must be approved by the advisor.

The student/advisor relationship is important in assisting the student to navigate the university system. Students are responsible for initiating and maintaining regular communication with their advisor. Students are also responsible for understanding and knowing the Faculty of Graduate Studies policies and regulations, as well as the Supplementary Regulations which provide the guidelines for graduate study.

The program at a glance