Master of nursing programs in Australia: A desktop analysis.

Background: Master of Nursing (MN) programs serve as an important structured pathway to prepare the nursing workforce to develop advanced capabilities. Little research has been done to examine the key characteristics of MN programs in Australia and their responsiveness to meeting the health needs of the community.

Aim: The aim of this desktop analysis is to provide a detailed overview of the key characteristics of MN programs in Australia.

Method: A desktop analysis of MN programs in Australia utilising content analysis of publicly available information gathered from program websites of Australian Universities.

Results: A total of 70 MN programs were analysed from the 28 that offered these programs. Nine categories were developed that describe the key characteristics of these programs: nomenclature and program focus, program outcomes, regulation and professional recognition, structure, work integrated learning, delivery mode, admission, and tuition fees. Inconsistencies were identified across all categories.

Discussion: While Australian universities offer a diverse range of MN programs, inconsistencies across the programs can impact quality and intent and have implications for students, employees, and universities.

Conclusion: There is a pressing need to ensure the quality of MN education is maintained and adequate to meet healthcare needs. The benefits and risks of professional regulation of all MN programs should be considered as a mechanism for enhancing the quality of nursing education.