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Nursing: Advanced Practice Nursing (PDip)

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Course Overview

Advanced Practice curriculum is reflective of contemporary trends, policy, and developments concerning the nursing profession, health care practices, legislative and regulatory requirements and the societal and demographic changes and associated healthcare needs.

Within the programme, the student initially focuses on attaining the knowledge, competencies, and skills for nurse prescribing and the core theoretical perspectives underpinning clinical decision-making, good governance, leadership, and research awareness. Standardised modules are included to support the development of core and some specialist knowledge, skills, and competencies.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

researcher
Ms Catherine Meagher
RGN,RM,RNT,BNS, MSC
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researcher
Dr Linda Biesty
M.Sc. B.Sc. PgDip
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery
NUI Galway
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researcher
Dr Maura Dowling
MSc,BNs,RNT,RGN,RM Cert Oncology,PhD
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researcher
Dr Catherine Houghton
RGN, RSCN, RN, HDip, MHSc, PhD.
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researcher
Dr. Fionnuala Jordan
RPN, PG.Dip.,PhD
Lecturer Above The Bar
T: 019- 493818
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researcher
Prof John Kelly
B.Sc., Ph.D.
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researcher
Dr Heike Schmidt-Felzmann
M.A., DIPL PSYCH, Ph.D
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researcher
Mr Bernard McCarthy
RGN, R.N.M.H, Bsc, Msc
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researcher
Dr Peter Carr
M.Sc., PhD
SENIOR LECTURER
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Aras Moyola
NUI Galway
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researcher
Ms Brona Mooney
MSc, BNS(HONS), PhD.
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Requirements and Assessment

Students are assessed using a variety of methodologies including MCQ, OSCE, Assignment, Portfolio, Case Study.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

For nurses seeking admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Advanced Practice Nursing) applicants are required to: 

  1. Have a minimum of an honour’s primary degree in Nursing or equivalent.

  2. Have a master's degree in Nursing or equivalent.

  3. Hold current active registration on nursing division of the professional register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

  4. Comply with current minimum entry requirements for admission to the programme of education for nurse/midwife prescribing and must have three years’ recent post-registration clinical experience in midwifery (this must be within the past five years) with the equivalent of ‘one year’ full time experience in the specific area of clinical practice.

  5. A copy of current NMBI registrations (e.g., RGN, RM, RNP, RNID, RPN, PHN, RCN as required) (NMBI 2017 & 2018).

  6. Evidence of academic achievements including copies of all academic transcripts from completed educational courses.

  7. Copies of official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses.

  8. Evidence of current clinical specialist area.

  9. A completed Site Declaration Form ‌signed by the Director of Nursing and Medical Mentor.

Provide evidence of support from an employer and completed Site Declaration Forms containing confirmation of a clinical supervisor who will provide supervision, support and learning opportunities, including shadowing opportunities to gain the required competencies and clinical competence to practice at an advanced level in midwifery (including midwife prescribing).


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2022

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

60

Award

CAO

Course code

1PNA1

Course Outline

Course Modules

Year One

  • Decision Making, and Advanced Practice Professional Roles
  • Advanced Health Assessment Pharmacology and Medicinal Prescribing
  • Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues of Nurse and Midwife Prescribing
  • Pharmacology and Medicinal Prescribing
  • Clinical Practicum

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Students who successfully complete this programme are eligible to register as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RAnP) with NMBI.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€4,340 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Tuition

€4,200 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Non EU

€13,690 p.a. 2023/24


Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here

Downloads

  • Postgraduate Prospectus 2023

    Postgraduate Prospectus 2023 PDF (20.6MB)