The Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) diploma program is a change in credential designation from a post-baccalaureate certificate to a graduate diploma. The new PHCNP diploma program is offered as part of a nine university consortium – known as the Council of Ontario University Programs of Nursing Consortium.

 In Ontario, Nurse Practitioners (NP) are Registered Nurses in the Extended Class who have completed additional specialized nursing education enabling them to diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic and screening tests, prescribe pharmaceuticals and perform procedures. This program equips NPs with advanced knowledge and decision-making skills enabling them to assess and promote health, treat and prevent disease and injury, and provide rehabilitation and support to individuals, families and communities. PHCNP diploma graduates may provide vital access to primary health care services in isolated, underserved, remote and rural communities where shortages of primary care physicians are compounded by issues of poverty, unemployment and poor education.