The ACNP receives a large amount of contact requests each day.  Please answer the following questions so that we can direct you to timely information:

The ACNP has a webpage dedicated to National Conference activities:  

ACNP National Conference

The ACNP has developed extensive resources for ACNP Scholarships, Aged Care Scholarship and Primary Health Nursing and Midiwfery Scholarships programmes:

Scholarship Information

Becoming an NP

Prospective and New Members

Q: How many clinical hours do I need to become an NP?

The NMBA specifies you need a minimum of 5000 advanced clinical practice hours within the previous six years before application for endorsement. 

Universities have minimum advanced clinical practice placement requirements for their NP education programs, with 300 hours (inclusive of the 5000 hours for endorsement) being the minimum.

Q: What is “supervised practice” and who can supervise me?

It is the ACNP's view that supervised practice should involve oversight by:

• A nurse practitioner (ideal); and

• A medical practitioner
  

Supervision must occur within the context of your NP specialty area and meet university and NMBA requirements.

ACNP does not allocate supervisors, but members often find mentors through:

• ACNP Chapters

• University networks

• Workplace senior clinicians

• Professional contacts

Q: Do I need a clinical mentor to complete my NP program?

All NP programs require:

• A clinical supervisor/supervisors; and
  

• Access to appropriate patient populations to consolidate your advanced practice experience and prepare you for the NP role

Check with your university for exact expectations.

ACNP does not assign mentors, but networking through Chapters can help.

Q: Is RN Prescribing a step toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner?

No.
RN Prescribing and NP endorsement are separate pathways.

RN Prescribers:

• Prescribe from a limited formulary

• Work under specific clinical governance

Nurse Practitioners:

• Practise independently 

• Diagnose, order tests, and prescribe independently

• Are advanced practice nurses with a clinical focus

RN Prescribing does not replace NP requirements, but may be viewed as a pathway towards endorsement.

Q: Can international Nurse Practitioners work as NPs in Australia?

Not automatically.

International NPs must apply to Ahpra/NMBA for registration as a Registered Nurse.  Once registered, they may seek endorsement as an NP. Most international NP qualifications do not directly transfer to NP endorsement, so NPs from international jurisdictions must undertake a "Pathway 2" assessment.

Start here:
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Overseas-Practitioners.aspx

Q: Do I need to specialise before applying to an NP program?

Yes.
NPs must deliver care within a defined:

• Clinical specialty;

• Population group; or

• Setting or service context

Most candidates build specialty expertise through postgraduate study and clinical roles prior to applying.  As they grow in their expertise and experience, some NPs become generalists within their specialty area of practice.

Q: How long does it take to become an NP?

Most RNs take 5–10 years from graduate RN to NP endorsement, depending on:

• Clinical experience

• Specialisation

• Postgraduate study

• Access to supervisors

• Employment model

The timeline varies widely.

Q: Can ACNP advise me on my individual NP pathway or portfolio?

ACNP can provide general guidance, but cannot:

• Review individual portfolios

• Assess eligibility

• Advise on specific university requirements

• Determine whether you meet NMBA criteria

• Provide legal or regulatory advice

• Influence Ahpra/NMBA endorsement decisions

Universities and employers are best placed to assist with personalised planning.

Q: Where can I get more information about NP education?

Reliable sources include:

• NMBA — NP standards, endorsement processes
  https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au

• Ahpra — regulatory requirements and applications
  https://www.ahpra.gov.au

• Australian universities offering accredited NP programs

• ACNP — advocacy, professional support, and member resources

Q: How can I connect with other NP students or practising NPs?

ACNP members can engage through:

• State/Territory Chapters

• ACNP events and webinars

• NP Week activities

• Networking at the ACNP National Conference

• Committee and working group participation

Q: What career opportunities exist for Nurse Practitioners?

NPs work in diverse areas including (but not limited to):

• Primary healthcare

• Emergency and acute care

• Mental health

• Aged care

• Rural and remote services

• Women’s health

• Indigenous health

• Alcohol and other drugs

• Chronic disease management

• Private practice

NPs may lead clinics, work in interprofessional teams, or direct NP-led models of care.

Q: Can I work as a Nurse Practitioner in private practice?

Yes.
NPs can practise in private settings depending on:

• Legislative scope of practice authorisations in the jurisdiction

• Access to Medicare and PBS items

• Clinical governance

• Employer/service model

• Local policies

ACNP provides policy information but cannot offer legal or business advice.

Q: How do I join the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)?

You can join online at any time by completing the membership application form on the ACNP website.
You’ll need to select the membership category that best reflects your current role and upload any required documents.

Join the ACNP

Q: What membership categories does ACNP offer?

ACNP offers several categories:

• Full Membership – for endorsed Nurse Practitioners

• Associate Membership – for RNs, students or health professionals working toward advanced practice or are scholarship recipients

• Corporate Supporter – for organisations wishing to support the ACNP 
  

Each category has different entitlements and voting rights as defined in the ACNP Constitution.

Full and Associate Memberships

Corporate Supporters

Q: I’m an RN planning to become a Nurse Practitioner. Which membership should I choose?

If you do not have NP endorsement by the NMBA you should choose Associate Membership.
You can change categories later when your circumstances change.

Q: How do I renew my ACNP membership?

Log into the Member Portal and select Membership → Renewal.
If your membership has lapsed, you can usually reinstate it online without penalty.

Q: My membership lapsed. Will I lose access to my CPD certificates or conference history?

No. Your records remain in the system. You will regain access once your membership is reinstated.

Q: I didn’t receive my renewal reminder. What should I do?

This is commonly caused by:

• An outdated email address

• Employer firewalls blocking automated messages

• Emails landing in spam/junk folders

Update your details in the Member Portal or contact ACNP for assistance.

Q: I can’t log into the Member Portal — what should I do?

1. Check that you’re using the email linked to your membership.

2. Click Forgot Password to reset your login.

3. Check your spam/junk folder for the reset link.

4. If still unable to log in, contact ACNP with:

   • Your full name

   • Preferred email

   • Screenshots of any error messages

ACNP can manually reset your account if needed.

Q: I didn’t receive my password reset email.

Reset emails may be blocked by employer systems.
Try:

• Checking your spam folder

• Using a personal email

• Asking ACNP to verify or update your email address

Q: The system says my email already exists, but I can’t access my account.

This usually means a duplicate account was created.
Contact ACNP so we can merge or correct your account details.

Q: How do I access the scholarships platform?

The Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery and Aged Care Scholarships platform is linked to your ACNP member record.
If you’re unable to access the system, contact ACNP to confirm your email and membership status.

Aged Care Scholarship Program Information

Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program Information

Q: How do I update my contact details or email address?

Log into the Member Portal → My Account → Personal Details.
For email updates that affect login access, ACNP can change your email manually.

Q: I have changed my name and/or gender — how do I update my record?

ACNP can update your details confidentially.
For sensitive changes, ACNP can route your request directly to the CEO or Operations Manager if you prefer.

Q: How do I change my chapter or state affiliation?

This will change automatically when an address is changed through the ACNP member portal.  You can update your chapter preferences in your Member Profile or request assistance from ACNP.

Q: I’ve just been endorsed as an NP. How do I upgrade to Full Membership?

Email ACNP with:

• Your full name

• Evidence of NP endorsement
  ACNP will update your membership category and issue a confirmation.

Q: How do I get a copy of my membership tax invoice or receipt?

You can download it from the Member Portal under Invoices & Payments.
If you cannot access your account, ACNP can reissue a copy.

Q: Can I pay by invoice?

No. You must pay for your membership using a credit or debit card.  If you are still having any issues with your payment please contact our office so that we may assist you.

Q: Can membership fees be refunded?

Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis and may require review by the Operations Manager.

Q: How do I download a certificate of membership?

If you require a specific format or letter, the ACNP can provide one by contacting us below.

The ACNP needs feedback to continuously improve its services.  We take concerns and sensitive issues seriously.  Depending on the specific feedback you are reporting, you will be provided with different information:

Q: Can the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) investigate complaints about a Nurse Practitioner?

No. The ACNP does not manage or investigate complaints about individual nurse practitioners or their clinical practice. As a professional peak body, ACNP represents the NP profession, provides advocacy and education, and supports best practice — but we are not a regulatory authority and cannot intervene in individual complaints.

Complaints about a nurse practitioner’s conduct, health, or performance must be managed by the appropriate regulatory body in the relevant state or territory.

In Australia, this is usually:

• Ahpra and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for registered health practitioners

• State/Territory health complaints entities (e.g., HCCC NSW, OHO QLD, HCC VIC) for service or care complaints

• Local health services or employers if the complaint relates to workplace processes or service delivery

The ACNP cannot access, review, or influence complaints lodged with regulators.

Q: What should I consider before making a complaint?

Before making a formal complaint, it’s important to understand:

1. The scope of practice of nurse practitioners

Nurse practitioners are endorsed by the NMBA to practise autonomously at an advanced level. Their scope includes:

• Assessing and diagnosing health conditions

• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests

• Prescribing medicines (within legislative limits)

• Managing episodes of care independently or collaboratively

• Referring to other health professionals

Their scope differs from that of general practitioners or registered nurses, and this sometimes leads to misunderstandings that are not breaches of professional standards.

2. The individual NP’s authorised scope

A nurse practitioner’s practice is further shaped by:

• Their clinical area of expertise

• Their education and experience

• Local service models and employer policies

• Jurisdictional legislation

Concerns about differences in approach or service models may not indicate wrongdoing and may be resolved by speaking directly with the service.

Q: Where can I lodge a complaint if needed?

Complaints about the professional conduct, performance, or health of a registered nurse practitioner should be directed to:

• Ahpra / Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
  For concerns about professional standards, conduct, impairment, or public safety.

• State/Territory health complaints authorities
  For concerns about service delivery, communication, access, or administrative issues.

• The employer or service provider
  For complaints relating to wait times, fees, booking issues, or clinic policies.

Q: Can ACNP provide advice about whether I should make a complaint?

ACNP can provide general information about the role and scope of nurse practitioners, but we cannot:

• Give legal advice

• Review clinical notes

• Comment on individual practitioners

• Advise on whether a complaint will be upheld

• Intervene in regulatory matters

If you are unsure, it may help to contact the relevant health complaints authority for guidance.

Position Statement on Advanced Practice Nursing

Q: What does “Advanced Practice” mean in nursing?

“Advanced practice” refers to a level of nursing characterised by a high degree of autonomy, complex clinical decision-making, expert knowledge, and expanded skills. It is not a job title, but a description of a level of practice demonstrated by registered nurses working at an advanced level in their specialty.

Advanced practice nurses may work in areas such as:

• Chronic disease management

• Emergency and acute care

• Mental health

• Primary care

• Aged care

• Rural and remote practice

• Leadership, education, and research

The NMBA defines advanced practice for the purposes of NP endorsement as practice that is beyond the level of a competent registered nurse, drawing upon extensive clinical experience and postgraduate education.

Q: Is “advanced practice nurse” the same as a Nurse Practitioner?

No.
Advanced practice is a broad level of nursing practice. A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a protected title requiring:

• Registration as a RN

• A postgraduate qualification in a clinically-relevant area

• Completion of a Master’s degree (or equivalent)

• Demonstration of 5,000 hours' advanced practice nursing in the last six years

• Endorsement by the NMBA

All Nurse Practitioners operate at an advanced practice level, but not all advanced practice nurses are Nurse Practitioners.

This distinction is frequently misunderstood and is one of the most common sources of enquiries to the ACNP.

Q: What education or training is needed for advanced practice?

There is no single mandatory qualification that demonstrates advanced practice, as it depends on:

• Clinical experience

• Postgraduate education relevant to the specialty

• Demonstrated capability at an advanced level

However, common pathways include:

• Graduate Certificate or Diploma in a specialty

• Master’s-level coursework

• Evidence of leadership, clinical expertise, and extended decision-making

Nurse Practitioners require a Master of Nurse Practitioner degree (or equivalent) plus formal NMBA endorsement.

Q: How do I know if I am practising at an advanced practice level?

Indicators include:

• Independent clinical decision-making

• Managing complex or unstable presentations

• High-level assessment and diagnostic reasoning

• Leading models of care

• Clinical teaching and mentoring

• Service development, quality improvement, or research

• Working with a high degree of autonomy

If you’re preparing for NP endorsement, you must demonstrate these capabilities with evidence such as logs, portfolios, or supervised practice records.  The ADVANCE Tool is an empirically-validated tool that can be used by nurses and a supervisor familiar with advanced practice to assist in determining whether an individual nurse is practising at an advanced level.

ADVANCE Tool

Q: Is advanced practice regulated?

Advanced practice is not a protected title and is not directly regulated by Ahpra.
However:

• Your work must remain within the RN scope of practice

• You must meet NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice and relevant Guidelines

• Employer policies and enterprise agreements may define levels, responsibilities, or pay grades

• Advanced practice roles vary between organisations

Only Nurse Practitioners and Designated RN Prescribers hold NMBA-protected and regulated titles.

Q: What’s the difference between advanced practice and RN Prescribing?

These are separate concepts:

• Advanced practice refers to a level of clinical nursing expertise.

• RN Prescribing refers to the ability for RNs (under specific national arrangements) to prescribe a limited range of scheduled medicines that are enacted at the jurisidictional (State/Territory) level.

RN prescribing does not make an RN a Nurse Practitioner and does not imply NP-level practice.  However, it can be viewed as a pathway towards demonstrating advanced practice and subsequent NP endorsement.

Q: Where can I find trustworthy information about advanced practice and NP roles?

Reliable sources include:

• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) — standards and definitions

• Ahpra — legal and regulatory requirements

• ACNP — information on Nurse Practitioner roles, pathways, and advocacy

• Employer policies — relevant to scope and service models

The ACNP can explain the NP role and advanced practice nursing, but cannot provide regulatory advice.  At this time, the ACNP cannot provide career counselling.

Q: Can the ACNP assess or verify whether I am working at an advanced practice level?

That depends.
The ACNP does not make regulatory or scope of practice determinations.

The ACNP holds the view that assessment of advanced practice should only be undertaken by those who understand the construct, and are usually advanced practice nurses themselves.  This may include:

• Employers 

• Universities

• Supervisors

• Credentialling committees

• The NMBA (for NP endorsement only)

The ACNP can provide general information about advanced practice but cannot:

• Review clinical portfolios

• Confirm an individual’s scope

• Validate eligibility for NP endorsement

The ACNP will provide up to 1 (one) hour of free advice annually to members on a case-by-case basis.

Position Statement on RN Prescribing

Q: What is Designated RN Prescribing?

Designated RN Prescribing (RN Prescribing) is an emerging national model that enables eligible Registered Nurses to prescribe a limited range of medicines within a defined scope and under specific regulatory and clinical governance arrangements.

The model is supported by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing as part of Australia’s nursing workforce reform agenda.

RN Prescribing does not replace or replicate the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role.

NMBA information on RN Designated Prescribers

Q: Is RN Prescribing currently available in Australia?

In part — Designated RN Prescribing (RN Prescribers) is moving towards a staged national implementation. RN Prescribing was enabled through national regulation through the NMBA.  It is anticipated that RN Prescribers from some international jurisdictions, as well as RIPERN nurses, will immediately be able to seek endorsement through the NMBA.  However, domestic education programs for RN Prescribers will begin in 2026.

Importantly, the Designated RN Prescriber endorsement does not authorise you to practise in your jurisdiction.  

Availability varies depending on:

• State and territory legislation

• Employer clinical governance frameworks

• Local service models

• Commonwealth funding of PBS-subsidised medicines

At this time no jurisdictions have legislation that enables Designated RN Prescribing.  You should check with your employer and jurisdictional regulator to confirm whether RN Prescribing will be enabled in your setting.  There are national competencies that all prescribers must demonstrate:

National Prescribing Competencies Framework

Q: What medicines can RNs prescribe?

The medicines RN Prescribers can prescribe are:

• Limited, targeted to defined clinical conditions

• Include S2-S8 medicines within a defined prescribing agreement

• Determined by state/territory legislation

• Governed by local clinical protocols

• Usually low-risk and commonly used medicines

RN Prescribers do not have the same prescribing range as Nurse Practitioners.

Q: How is RN Prescribing different from NP Prescribing?

Both are important contributors to Australia’s advanced nursing workforce, but the levels of practice are distinct.

Q: How do I become an RN Prescriber?

Eligibility generally includes:

1. Current registration as an RN with NMBA
   

2. 5000 post-registration hours of clinical experience in a specified area or practice within the last six years

3. Completion of an approved RN Prescribing education program 

4. Working within an employer-endorsed clinical governance model

5. Access to supervision or mentorship as required by local policy

Because RN Prescribing is jurisdiction-dependent, you must confirm requirements with:

• Your employer

• Your state/territory health department (for authorisation to practise)

• The NMBA (for endorsement and professional standards)

Q: Does RN Prescribing allow me to practise as an NP?

No.
RN Prescribing does not change your registration type or expand your scope to that of a Nurse Practitioner.

Nurse Practitioner is a protected title under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, requiring:

• NMBA-endorsed qualifications

• Evidence of advanced practice

• A Master of Nurse Practitioner (or equivalent)

• NP endorsement

RN Prescribing does not create a pathway to NP endorsement on its own. However, it is anticipated it will create a pathway towards NP endorsement when considering the broader construct of advanced clinical practice. 

Q: What clinical governance arrangements are required?

Clinical governance arrangements must ensure:

• Safe prescribing practice

• Access to supervision or consultation

• Protocols for prescribing within defined conditions

• Clear documentation requirements, including a written prescribing arrangement with a nurse practitioner or medical practitioner

• Alignment with local formulary or standing orders

Q: Does RN Prescribing exist in every state and territory?

Implementation varies. Each jurisdiction determines:

• What medicines RNs may prescribe

• Where they can prescribe (e.g., public services, community health)

• Whether private sector prescribing is supported

• How protocols are authorised

For current updates, refer to the NMBA and/or your respective State/Territory Health Department.

Q: Can ACNP provide advice about whether I’m eligible?

ACNP can offer general information, but cannot:

• Assess eligibility

• Review portfolios

• Provide regulatory advice

• Determine scope of practice

Eligibility and implementation decisions rest with:

• Ahpra/NMBA

• State/territory governments

• Employers

• Approved education providers

This information is current as of 20 November 2025.  The ACNP is not able to provide any additional information at this time.  This FAQ will be updated as more information from the Commonwealth and the Jurisidictions becomes available.

Q: Can ACNP promote my event, course, webinar, or conference?

ACNP receives a high volume of requests to promote external events.
We are only able to share external events that align directly with the interests, needs, and professional development of Nurse Practitioners or the advanced nursing workforce, and that meet ACNP’s standards for quality and independence.

If your event meets these criteria, you can submit it via the ACNP contact form.

ACNP assesses all requests individually and cannot guarantee promotion.

Application to Promote External Events

Q: Can I advertise a job vacancy with the ACNP?

Yes — the ACNP offers a Jobs Board for roles that are:

• Nurse Practitioner positions (preferred), and/or

• Senior advanced practice nursing positions

Listings must align with ACNP’s standards and legislative requirements.

Application to Post a Job

Q: Can ACNP promote my research study or survey?

ACNP may promote research that:

• Has ethics approval

• Is clearly relevant to nurse practitioners

• Is non-commercial

• Uses non-intrusive recruitment methods

• Demonstrates public benefit to the profession

Commercial research, low-quality studies, or broad spam-style recruitment requests will not be promoted.

Research Promotion

Q: What information should I include when submitting an ACNP education endorsement request?

To expedite review, please see our webpage:

Education Endorsements

Q: What types of events will ACNP consider promoting?

ACNP may consider promoting:

• High-quality clinical education relevant to NPs

• Events run by universities, professional bodies, and government agencies

• National health policy events relevant to the NP role

• Public health campaigns connected to NP practice

• Evidence-based professional development opportunities

• Health workforce research that includes or benefits NPs

Events that are commercial, promotional, or sales-driven are generally not accepted.

Q: What types of events or materials will ACNP not promote?

ACNP does not promote:

• Industry-driven or product-based promotional events

• Commercial marketing or sales activities

• Events that are not relevant to nurse practitioners

• Unaccredited education that could mislead participants

• Repeated or mass-marketing requests

• Content that conflicts with ACNP advocacy or professional standards

• Events seeking access to ACNP member data

Q: Will ACNP send my event or research directly to its members by email?

No.
ACNP does not distribute external content directly to members via email.

The College protects member privacy and does not provide direct access for:

• Marketing

• Research recruitment

• Event advertising

• Commercial promotions

Relevant items may be added to the ACNP website or newsletter at ACNP’s discretion, but member data is not shared.

Q: Can ACNP approve use of its logo for my event, flyer, or publication?

ACNP’s logo is protected and may not be used without prior approval.

Requests must include:

• The exact context of use

• Draft artwork with placement

• Confirmation that the event aligns with ACNP’s mission

• Any partnering organisations

Misuse of the logo is not permitted.

Q: How long does it take for ACNP to review my promotion request?

Requests are typically reviewed within 10–15 business days, depending on workload and relevance.

Timeframes may be longer during:

• NP Week

• Conference season (Oct–Nov)

• End-of-year shutdowns

• Scholarship rounds

• Periods of high system demand (reflected in your dataset)

Urgent turnaround cannot be guaranteed.

Q: Does ACNP guarantee that my event or advertisement will be published?

No.
ACNP reserves the right to decline requests based on:

• Relevance

• Quality

• Commercial intent

• Alignment with professional standards

• Conflicts of interest

• Volume of competing requests

Declined decisions are final.

Q: Where will my event appear if accepted?

At ACNP’s discretion, accepted items may be shared via:

• ACNP website — Events or Notices section

• ACNP monthly e-newsletter

• Social media channels (rare; high threshold)

Direct email to members is not provided.