Why study this program?
For the MN program
The MN program prepares nurses to fulfil advanced nursing roles in diverse settings, including education roles in academic and clinical settings, formal leadership and management roles, emerging roles in health care organizations, and preparation for advanced research training. The program creates opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and skills that support inquiry and research to address issues in health care and nursing practice. Both course-based and thesis-based study options provide a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD in Nursing.
Effective September 2026, all successful applicants to nurse practitioner studies will be admitted to the Master of Nurse Practitioner Practice degree.
For the MNPP program
The Master of Nurse Practitioner Practice (MNPP) degree is a clinical graduate program that prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice in the role of a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Program completion is required for eligibility to write a nurse practitioner licensing exam for entry-to-practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Canada in either the All Ages All Settings or Neonatal category of practice. The program offers preparation in advanced clinical knowledge for assessment, intervention, and clinical management across the lifespan, with diverse populations and in a variety of practice settings (acute, primary and community).
The MNPP degree expands upon registered nurse competencies, developing advanced understanding of pathophysiology of disease, diagnosis and management of medical conditions, and enhanced primary care prevention and screening. Graduates integrate nursing knowledge and health evidence to inform decisions related to clinical practice, policy development, educational approaches, leadership within clinical settings, and quality improvement and research.
For the PhD program
The PhD (Nursing) program is designed to educate for excellence in the development and testing of nursing knowledge and research-based nursing practice. The number and types of courses included in the program will vary according to the individual needs of the student.
Course-based or Thesis-based Routes
Students in the MNPP program can select a course-based or thesis-based route.
The course-based master's program is offered on-campus only (North Campus).
The thesis-based master's program is offered either fully online, or as a hybrid delivery with a mix of course delivery online and on North Campus.
MNPP Course-based
On-campus only — North Campus
Students in the course-based MNPP program complete a minimum of 52 course credits, plus a 3-unit credit capping exercise (NURS 900).
The capping exercise is developed through coursework across the program of studies with guidance from a faculty advisor. This exercise is an inquiry that demonstrates a synthesis of the individual’s learning experiences, and explores a topic that is linked to the student’s coursework and nursing experience.
Course-based students should complete at least three courses (9 credits) per year. All part-time course-based graduate students must register in a minimum of 3 units in course-work or in M REG 800 each September to August period to maintain their student status.
MNPP Thesis-based
Available either fully online or as a hybrid delivery with a mix of course delivery online and on North Campus
Students in the thesis-based MNPP program are required to complete 64 credits including a thesis (52 course credits and a minimum of 12 thesis credits).
The thesis project demonstrates the student’s ability to develop and implement a research proposal using an accepted research method, and to present the findings in an appropriate scholarly manner. Students work closely with their supervisor to complete the research.
Residency Requirement
MNPP students have opportunities to study in courses that are offered in face-to-face or hybrid synchronous teaching modalities. During two courses, students are required to attend on campus for a residency of up to two weeks total (10 teaching days) as they engage in activities such as seminars, clinical simulations, and OSCE examinations in preparation for entry to WIL/practicum hours.
- NURS 547 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning I /NURS 537 - Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning - Neonate
- NURS 529 - Nurse Practitioner Practice Seminar IV in the winter term for both AAAS and Neonatal specializations
Clinical Requirements Prior to Engaging in Clinical Placement Courses
See additional details related to Clinical Requirements on the Faculty of Nursing website.
Students are responsible for the health and safety requirements for all clinical practice courses in their graduate program. All requirements must be met prior to starting the courses which include clinical hours. If there is an associated fee, students are responsible for the costs incurred.
- Must hold licensure as a Registered Nurse with the Canadian provincial or territorial nursing regulatory jurisdiction(s) for the duration of the program, and specifically must hold licensure in jurisdiction(s) where clinical placements will occur.
- Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification (BCLS) for all students, regardless of specialty
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS) for All Ages All Settings specialization
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) for Neonatal specialization
- Completion of all required health and safety forms and clinical placement forms
- Immunization Requirements: See University Infectious Diseases Regulation
- Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (Security Clearance Check)
- Professional Ethics/Code of Student Behaviour
GPS Graduate Requirements
MNPP students are required to complete the following University of Alberta requirements from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS):
- Professional Development (PD) Requirement
This entails completion of an Individual Development Plan as approved by the graduate supervisor, and completion of eight hours of professional development activities inspired by the career plan. - Academic Integrity and Ethics Requirement
MNPP students must complete INT D 710, which is an asynchronous online course on Ethics and Academic Citizenship.
MNPP (AAAS) All Ages All Settings
Graduates are prepared to practice in diverse settings (including hospital, outpatient clinics, primary care, long term care, and community settings).
MNPP (NNP) Neonatal Specialization
Graduates are prepared to practice in neonatal intensive care settings. Graduates will have a license initially in the province of Alberta, and will apply to other provincial colleges for transfer of license to the province where employment will be secured following graduation.
The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email nursing.graduate@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1