About the NPTP
The NPTP is a national programme that includes the final year of preparation for NP registration.
Te Whatu Ora currently funds the NPTP as a national programme. There are 121 places in 2024.
In 2024, six providers – Auckland University of Technology, the University of Auckland, Massey University, the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Waikato – are delivering the NPTP across New Zealand. Nurse Practitioner training is provided through a coordinated programme between the partner universities. Nurses will apply to the programme of their choice from the approved providers to complete the NPTP.
The training programme provides increased coordination between potential NPs, their employers, tertiary education providers, and the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). All NP trainees will apply for registration as an NP with the NCNZ by the end of the NPTP practicum year.
There are priority areas for developing the NP workforce. These include primary health care, community and residential care settings, mental health and addiction, Māori health, Pacific health, populations with high health needs, rural and hard to reach areas communities and areas with high deprivation.
An overarching goal of the NPTP is to increase the number of Māori NPs, and the number of Pacific NPs. Ultimately, the aim is to improve equity through access to NP led services.
I completed the NPTP last year. I was well supported throughout the programme with clear expectations set out as to requirements for both the years study and the process and preparation to apply to The Nursing Council to achieve Nurse Practitioner registration. Significant focus and support centered around the transition from the senior nursing role to Nurse Practitioner. The calibre of the programme facilitators is high with their experiences growing the Nurse Practitioner role in NZ clearly evident which was beneficial in preparing myself for practice as an NP. I gained a broader understanding of the social, political and policy responsibilities associated with working as an NP in conjunction with having supported clinical learning time and supervision to consolidate my assessment and diagnostic skills.
– Frances McDonald NP (2020 NPTP Graduate)
Did it prepare me for life as a NP? The NPTP with University of Auckland was a challenging year. Although it felt like you were walking on quick sand as a senior RN you were challenged to think more widely, deeply and take a systematic approach to your practice. I initially struggled with this approach however as the year progressed, I realised why this was essential to my practice. As a qualified NP this has proven to be invaluable and it ensures you potentially do not miss key information. I have since mentored colleagues using the same approach.
The other key aspect of NPTP was the ability to work as an intern in a supportive environment as my GP supervisor was also able to protected time to mentor me. This protected clinical time allowed for me to discuss patients with my mentor and further develop clinical skills and diagnostic reasoning.
Academically, the OSCES, mock panels and presentations also supported my learning and prepared you well for Nursing Council. As most of our tutors were NPs, they understood the journey we were on as interns and able to support us.
I look back on my NPTP year and it still feels surreal however very rewarding.
– Pamela Campbell NP (2019 NPTP Graduate)
Watch a video from NP Sandra Oster (National Course Director of the NPTP) which provides an overview of both the NPTP and the role of a NP once qualified: