The development of nurse practitioners via flexible learning: toward an innovative Masters degree curriculum in Thailand.

The changing health system in Thailand has provided Thai people with more equitable opportunities in accessing health care services. As a result of medical practitioner shortages and a strong desire for nurses to expand their scope of practice, the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNC) plans to increase the number of nurse practitioners at master degree level to staff primary care units (PCUs) and Health Centres around the country. Nursing master degree curricula in Thailand are currently offered using the traditional on-campus face-to-face mode of delivery and have low numbers of student enrolments.