Course Summary
The aim of the Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Nursing Practice) programme are to enable experienced registered nurses to develop an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies for an expanded autonomous scope of practice. The finite characteristics are shaped by the: context in which the individual practices; the needs of patients/clients; and the challenges and developments within the health services.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
1. Be registered as a nurse or midwife on the register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
2. Have a minimum of an honours primary degree in Nursing or equivalent
3. Be currently employed as a nurse or midwife and in the areas of practice that you plan to undertake you Advance Practice Programme
4. Have support of both a Professional (DON, ADON/Practice Manager) and Clinical (medical consultant or general practitioner) Mentor for 500 hours of clinical mentorship, evidenced by a completed Site Declaration Form
5. Written commitment/memo of understanding or equivalent from the director of nursing/employer to support the student during the clinical practicum and to nominate a suitably qualified practitioner to act as a clinical supervisor during the student's clinical learning experience
6. Comply with current minimum entry requirements for admission to the programme of education for nurse prescribing. This includes:
- Have a minimum of three years’ recent post-registration clinical experience in nursing or midwifery (within the last five years)
- Have equivalent of ‘one year’ full time experience in the specific area of clinical practice that you will be prescribing and practicing in
- Possess the competencies recognised at Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications;
- Provide evidence of having undertaken continuing professional education;
- Have support of both a Professional (DON, ADON/Practice Manager) and Clinical (medical consultant or general practitioner) Mentor for 96 hours of clinical mentorship, evidenced by a completed Site Declaration Form.
Application Details
How to apply
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.
Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.
Online Application
Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").
Next start date: September 2024.
Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.
Fees
€6,555 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€6,450 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€105 p.a. 2024/25
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Graduates will be autonomous practitioners, who are clinically competent and skilled in the delivery of high-quality, direct care to a specific patient/client group. The Advanced Nurse Practitioner will be empowered to promote wellness, offer healthcare interventions and advocate healthy lifestyle choices for patients/clients, their families and carers in a wide variety of settings in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, according to agreed scope of practice guidelines. Graduates, equipped with such knowledge and advanced skills will be eligible to apply to the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) for registration as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP).