Accredited pathway to prescribing
This program provides the recognised academic preparation required for Designated RN Prescriber endorsement, giving nurses a clear, supported route into prescribing practice.
Online learning that fits
This program is delivered online and part‑time, making it possible to upskill while managing shift work, family responsibilities, and the demands of clinical practice.
Practice‑ready clinical capability
Taught by experienced clinicians and grounded in evidence‑informed practice, the program builds the confidence and competence needed for safe prescribing and better patient outcomes.
The RN Prescribing Pathway at the University of Tasmania provides the accredited academic preparation required for eligible Registered Nurses to apply for endorsement as a Designated RN Prescriber. The program is delivered fully online and designed to support nurses who want to expand their scope of practice, strengthen clinical capability, and improve patient access to timely care.
You’ll learn from experienced clinicians, study within your area of specialty, and benefit from one of Australia’s highest postgraduate teaching quality ratings.
This pathway is accredited by ANMAC and approved by NMBA.
What is the prescribing pathway?
The RN Prescribing Pathway equips Registered Nurses with the knowledge and skills needed for safe, evidence‑informed prescribing. The curriculum focuses on advanced health assessment, pharmacological decision‑making, collaborative practice, and therapeutic medication management.
The pathway can be completed as part of the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing.
Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing (Specialisation)
2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years 
Online (*except for Child and Family Health)
The Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing (Specialisation) is designed for Registered Nurses who want to expand their professional scope and build advanced, evidence‑informed capability in their chosen field. Delivered fully online and part‑time, the course supports working clinicians with flexible study options and access to more than 20 specialisations taught by experienced practitioners.
For nurses interested in prescribing, the Graduate Diploma offers a dedicated RN Prescribing Pathway, providing the accredited academic preparation required for endorsement as a Designated RN Prescriber. This pathway strengthens advanced assessment, pharmacological decision‑making, and therapeutic medication management skills, making it a strong option for nurses progressing toward advanced practice roles.
* Noting, if students select a specialisation in Child and Family Health, this has an in-person placement component
This pathway at the Graduate Diploma level will allow you to be eligible to apply for endorsement as a Registered Nurse Prescriber. This pathway is accredited by ANMAC and approved by NMBA.
You must complete the following four units as part of your Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing:
- CNA672 Evidence-Informed Practice
- CSA524 Medication Principles for Advanced Nursing and Midwifery
- CNA533 Advanced Health Assessment
- CNA608 Clinical Perspectives of Therapeutic Medication Management
Endorsement as an RN Prescriber is also subject to the following additional regulatory requirements:
- Current General Registration as a Registered Nurse with no conditions or undertakings relevant to prescribing practice.
- Practice Experience: Equivalent of three years full-time post-initial registration (approximately 5,000 hours) within the preceding six years.
Please refer to the NMBA website for further information related to endorsement for scheduled medicines designated RN prescriber.
Understanding Workplace Suitability
Learn more about the workplace criteria needed to undertake the RN Prescribing Pathway and complete your assessments safely and appropriately.
Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and to apply
Who This Pathway Suits
The RN Prescribing Pathway is designed for Registered Nurses who are expanding or preparing for advanced practice roles, including:
- Nurses in rural and remote settings who often work with greater autonomy
- Primary health, community, and chronic disease nurses
- Acute and specialty nurses seeking deeper medication and assessment expertise
- Nurses preparing for Nurse Practitioner or other advanced practice pathways
Health partner scholarships
To help you advance your career, generous scholarships are available for the graduate certificate and graduate diploma degrees to employees of our valued industry partners. On completion of the graduate diploma, eligible students may progress to a master's degree. Search for your employer, speak to your workplace or contact us on 13 8827 to find out more.
Search for your employer, speak to your workplace or contact us on 13 8827 to find out more.
Useful information
Partner scholarships available
We offer generous scholarships for employees of our many partner organisations.
Search for your employer
Key dates
When starting uni, there are important dates to be aware of. These include Orientation, the start of semester, and census dates.
View key dates
Support
Need help? Our friendly team are here to guide you through the entire process. You can even book in a one-on-one session to enrol in your units.
Enquire
Take the next step
Applying to study with us is free using our simple online form.
Find out how to apply, to get started.
Whether you're contemplating the next step in your career, seeking a change, or looking to consolidate your experience with a qualification, a postgraduate degree will give you a competitive edge.
If you would like help applying, please enquire with our friendly team. You can even set up an appointment to be guided through the process.
Take the next step
Applying to study with us is free using our simple online form.
Find out how to apply to get started.
Whether you're contemplating the next step in your career, seeking a change, or looking to consolidate your experience with a qualification, a postgraduate degree will give you a competitive edge.
If you would like help applying, please enquire with our friendly team. You can even set up an appointment to be guided through the process.
Take the next step
Applying to study with us is free using our simple online form.
Find out how to apply to get started.
Whether you're contemplating the next step in your career, seeking a change, or looking to consolidate your experience with a qualification, a postgraduate degree will give you a competitive edge.
If you would like help applying, please enquire with our friendly team. You can even set up an appointment to be guided through the process.