About the NP program & frequently asked questions

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

What is the Nurse Practitioner Program?

Information about the Program

The Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Windsor is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (www.cno.org). Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for Extended Class registration as a Nurse Practitioner in Ontario. See flyer for details.

This program is only for students who have a completed BScN (or equivalent nursing degree, e.g. BN, etc.), with a current Registered Nurse (RN) status, and a completed  Master's degree in Nursing. If you do not have a completed Master's degree in Nursing, you may apply to the Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Field.

Other Resources and Information

Tuition information


Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner?

  • A registered nurse with advanced education, skills, and extended class (EC) registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario 
  • RN(EC)s have the independent authority to perform additional controlled acts, including: diagnosing of common diseases, prescribing & administration of certain treatments and medications, and ordering basic diagnostic tests (i.e., lab tests and x-rays)
  • This also includes health promotion, disease prevention and wellness care for families, individuals, and communities

2. Where do nurse practitioners work?

  • Community Health Centres
  • Long Term Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Aboriginal Centres
  • Community-based facilities (public health, occupational health, correctional services)
  • Ambulatory Care Centres (i.e., urgent/emergency departments, primary care clinics)
  • Family Health Teams (FHT)

3.  What is the deadline to apply for the program?

February 1 (with all required documents submitted with application)

4. Can it be done through Distance Education?

  • Currently, learners are required to attend labs and tutorials at the university on a regular basis.
  • There is a strong component of distance education, and a computer with Internet access is required
  • Delivery methods include: CD-ROM, computer-mediated conferencing, print-based materials, tutorials, clinical labs and placements, library resources

5. What are the minimum eligibility requirements?

  • Current Ontario Certificate of Competence (RN)
  • Completed undergraduate nursing program (BScN) or equivalent nursing degree (e.g. BN, etc.) with a minimum B average
  • Equivalent of two years of direct nursing (RN) experience in the last five years (> 3,640 hours)
  • Preference will be given to Ontario residents.
  • For the Nurse Practitioner Graduate Diploma program only - must also have a completed Master's degree in Nursing.

6. Where can I get more information on nurse practitioners and the program?

7. How long does it take to complete the Nurse Practitioner program?

  • MN - NP field - 2 years if registered full-time (minimum two courses taken/semester).
  • Nurse Practitioner Graduate Diploma only - 12 months. If registered full-time, minimum two courses taken/semester.
  • Students have up to three years to complete the NP courses.

8. Will I be qualified to work in a family practice setting (i.e. A doctor's office) with the PHCNP Certificate? What is the difference between the PHCNP and the ACNP (acute care NPs)?

The PHCNP role is analogous to a family doctor’s office --working in the community. Acute Care NPs are specialists who work with a very discrete population of ill patients i.e. oncology, cardiology.

9. Under the Admission Requirements section of the NP program, it says that I need at least 2 years’ full-time working experience. Does this mean I need to be employed full-time for 2 years? Or can I have 2 part-time jobs and be considered as working full-time hours?

To be eligible for the PHCNP Program you must meet certain criteria. One of these is that you have direct nursing (RN) experience for the equivalent of two years (> 3,640 hours) within the last 5 years.