Graduate Diploma - Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner

Program overview

The Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner at the University of Ottawa is designed to prepare enrolled nurses for advanced practice roles as primary health care nurse practitioners (NPs). This program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to take on leadership positions in enhancing the quality of nursing care across various primary health care settings. The curriculum emphasizes a rigorous academic foundation grounded in theory, research, and practical application, addressing health-related issues faced by individuals, families, and communities. The diploma is offered as a post-master’s degree option, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training to meet the demands of the evolving healthcare landscape.

Program structure

The Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a flexible structure to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. The program is designed to be completed in three full-time terms, spanning 12 consecutive months. Key features of the program structure include:

• Combination of face-to-face and distance learning modalities.
• Clinic placements assigned in Eastern Ontario, specifically in Ottawa and surrounding regions.
• Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical placements.

This program option allows students to engage in coursework while gaining practical experience, ensuring a well-rounded educational journey that prepares them for the challenges of primary health care practice.

Featured Experiences

The Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning process:

• Clinic Placements: Each student is assigned a clinic placement in Eastern Ontario, providing hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Students practice autonomously within a collaborative model, promoting client health through teamwork with other healthcare professionals.
• Rigorous Academic Preparation: The program emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
• Research Opportunities: Students engage in research that addresses community health needs and influences health policies.

These experiences are designed to prepare graduates for effective practice as nurse practitioners in diverse healthcare environments.

Career Options

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

• Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner: Provide comprehensive care to patients, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Focus on improving patient outcomes through advanced clinical practice and education in specific areas of health.
• Health Policy Advisor: Work with government and organizations to develop and implement health policies that improve community health.
• Public Health Nurse: Engage in community health initiatives, education, and disease prevention strategies to promote public health.
• Research Coordinator: Oversee research projects related to nursing and health care, contributing to evidence-based practice and policy development.

These roles highlight the diverse career paths available to graduates, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing health care delivery in Canada.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.