Nurse practitioner pathway
A guide for registered nurses and employers on the clinical and educational requirements needed to register as a nurse practitioner.
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
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In March 2025, the Minister of Health announced a number of initiatives to support an increase in timely access to primary care for all New Zealanders, including supporting more doctors and nurses into the primary care workforce.
One of the initiatives announced was the investment of 120 funded places for registered nurses in primary care to undertake nurse practitioner (NP) training in primary care settings. Health NZ is taking this opportunity to reshape the NP training support and replace the current Nurse Practitioner Training Programme (NPTP) with a new Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme.
The Request For Proposal (RFP) for the new scheme is open now on the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) website. The RFP will close at 1pm, Monday 30 June.
We are calling for all prospective providers to develop a scheme which supports NPs in training and provides a rounded experience to nurses and their employers, enabling registered nurses a successful transition to a NP scope of practice.
Nurse practitioners
Mātanga tapuhi nurse practitioners (NP) are highly skilled, autonomous, health practitioners who have advanced education, clinical training and demonstrated competency. NPs have a clinical master’s degree level of education and legal authority to practise beyond the level of a registered nurse.
More information about nurse practitioners:
Nurse practitioner training programme
If you are a registered nurse and are considering developing your clinical expertise and pursuing the educational requirements to register as an NP in New Zealand, it may be important to discuss your aspirations with your clinical leader. There is certain support systems required for success, including clinical preparation and mentorship, to meet the competency requirements to pathway into an NP position.
Find out more information about nurse practitioner training programme (external link)
It is recommended that registered nurses are already practising in the area they will work in as an NP before completing the required post-graduate studies and competency requirements.
If you have trained outside of New Zealand, please note the New Zealand requirements for a clinical master’s degree with the appropriate course content and mentorship requirements. It is important to work with Nursing Council of New Zealand to understand if your preparation and experience meets the New Zealand requirements.
Read the Guide to advance from registered nurse to nurse practitioner [PDF, 562 KB]