Master Of Health Sciences (Advanced Practice With Prescribing)

Course details

This programme has been developed to meet the educational requirements of nurses and Midwives who seek to become Advanced Practitioners. It provides not only the theoretical requirements but supports the clinical development particularly in relation the physical assessment and pharmacology related to the specialist area of advanced practice.

Outcomes of the programme include the developed portfolio and the masters qualification as required by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann. The programme also leads to registration as a nurse prescriber (subject to approval). The programme is delivered in a blended format.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

1. Have attained at least an upper Second Class Honours degree in Nursing/Midwifery or Nursing/Midwifery Studies at H2.1 or at H2.2 with appropriate experience OR a Higher Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing /Midwifery Studies with appropriate experience or meet the required standard in the MHSc Nursing Qualifying Examination;
2. Be a registered nurse or midwife on the General, Mental Health, Midwifery or Learning Disability Nurse Pisions of the active Register maintained by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann;
3. Have practised as a nurse/midwife for five years postregistration, three of which include experience in the chosen area of expertise (exclusive of post-registration/educational programmes;
4. Have support of the Director of Nursing in the place of employment, and written agreement for clinical supervision.

Course Outline

Theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of nursing practice; research methodology and evidence based practice; practice development and conduct of research form the framework for reflection on practice and exploration of aspects of practice. Specialist practice modules address the context of advanced practice, physical assessment skills, and clinical decision making. Substantive hours of clinical practice at an advanced practice level and supervised by appropriate healthcare professionals over the two years is integral to the programme.

Requirements And Assessment

Modules are assessed using a combination of coursework, objective structured clinical examination, and clinical assessment.