Master of Nursing Science Program in Community Nurse Practitioner

The Master of Nursing Science Program in Community Nurse Practitioner, School of Nursing, Walailak University, was first offered in the academic year 2004 (based on the 2003 curriculum). At present, the program is administered in accordance with the Announcement of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation regarding the Standards of Graduate Programs B.E. 2558 (2015), the Thai Qualifications Framework for Graduate Programs in Nursing Science B.E. 2560 (2017), and the Walailak University Regulation on Graduate Studies B.E. 2565 (2022).

Program Title
Master of Nursing Science Program in Community Nurse Practitioner

Institution
Walailak University, Thailand

Teaching Institution
School of Nursing, Walailak University, Thailand

Name of the Final Award
Master of Nursing Science (Community Nurse Practitioner)
Abbreviation: M.N.S. (Community Nurse Practitioner)

Details of Accreditation by Professional or Statutory Bodies

The Master of Nursing Science Program in Community Nurse Practitioner was approved by:
• Walailak University Academic Senate and University Council on 20 July 2022;
• Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC) on 20 October 2022 for professional program accreditation.

Objectives of the Program

1. Possessing advanced clinical knowledge, nursing science, and related disciplines to analyze, synthesize, make decisions, and integrate knowledge into community nursing practice.
2. Demonstrating advanced competency in designing and implementing care for general health issues, emerging diseases, acute conditions, emergencies, chronic illnesses, and end-of-life care, both at the individual and family levels, including developing community health systems within the framework of law, ethics, and cultural diversity
3. Improving the capacity to develop and apply research and innovation in health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation to improve the quality and outcomes of health care at the individual, family, and community.
4. Exhibiting leadership in nursing with strong ethics and working collaboratively with relevant partners and interprofessional teams to advance community health systems.
5. Demonstrating competencies in communication, the use of information technology, and lifelong learning to enhance the quality of primary health care systems for the public.

PLOs

PLO 1 (Ethics and Professionalism)
Demonstrate ethical and professional decision-making based on moral reasoning, academic and professional ethics, legal frameworks, and professional standards, and serve as a role model in community nurse practitioner practice.

PLO 2 (Knowledge)
Design, implement, and evaluate community health system development and provide holistic care for individuals with common health problems, emerging diseases, acute and emergency conditions, chronic illnesses, and end-of-life issues using evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary knowledge.

PLO 3 (Knowledge – Research & Innovation)
Develop research and innovation in community health nursing through the application of research methodology, statistical principles, systematic knowledge synthesis, and scholarly communication.

PLO 4 (Cognitive Skills)
Demonstrate analytical and creative thinking to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for individuals, families, and communities with complex health problems, integrating health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

PLO 5 (Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility)
Exhibit clinical leadership and change management, demonstrate professional accountability, self-development, and entrepreneurship, collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary networks, and foster a culture of excellence in community health practice.

PLO 6 (Numerical, Communication & IT Skills)
Analyze and synthesize health data to support research, decision-making, and problem-solving, and utilize digital health technologies and health information systems effectively and ethically in professional practice.

Admission Requirements

1. General RequirementsIn accordance with Walailak University Postgraduate Education Regulations (2022).
2. Specific Requirements for Nursing Programme
2.1) Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or equivalent with GPAX ≥ 2.50
2.2) Minimum 1 year of professional nursing experience
2.3) Valid first-level professional nursing license or nursing-midwifery license
2.4) Other criteria as required by the Graduate School Committee for this program
3. Requirements for International Students
3.1) Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or equivalent
3.2) Nursing license or official certification from the Nursing Regulatory Authority in home country
3.3) GPAX ≥ 2.50
3.4) Minimum 1 year of nursing experience
3.5) Demonstrated proficiency in Thai and English
3.6) Other qualifications required by the Graduate Committee
*The practicum training site is required to obtain accreditation that complies with established healthcare service standards.

Programme Structure and Requirements

Total Credits: 36 credits – Plan A (Type A2)

Tuition fees 34,000 THB per semester

Study Plan

Relevant Benchmark Reports and Reference Points

Relevant Benchmark Reports and Reference Points The PLOs were developed based on the following external and internal reference points:

External Reference Points
1) Thailand Qualifications Framework (TQF)
2) Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC) professional standards
3) ICN Nurse Practitioner Competencies
4) Alumni and employer feedback
5) External experts

Internal Reference Points
1) Mission and vision of Walailak University
2) Mission of the School of Nursing
3) Faculty members’ expertise
4) Students’ needs and feedback

Career Opportunities After Graduation

1) Community Nurse Practitioner in public and private healthcare facilities.
2) Lecturer in educational institutions in the fields of Nursing and Health Sciences.
3) Nursing Manager in primary and secondary healthcare services.
4) Independent Nursing Practitioner.
5) Nursing academing, Nursing Experts, and Researcher