This course provides an introduction to the development of Nurse Practitioner (NP) practice in advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning to support comprehensive and evidence informed clinical decision making. Learners will examine approaches to gathering and synthesizing complex client information, including physical, psychological, psychosocial, family, cultural, and contextual considerations. Emphasis is placed on applying diagnostic reasoning principles, integrating clinical investigations, and communicating findings to guide collaborative therapeutic planning and evidence-informed clinical decision making.

A foundational understanding of the social determinants of health will inform assessment and decision making, with attention to equity in healthcare delivery, primary healthcare principles, risk appraisal, mental health and wellness, and the identification of clients and populations who may benefit from specialized or targeted services. Throughout the course, learners will integrate clinical, theoretical, and scientific knowledge to support evidence informed assessment across the lifespan.

Course content and NP entry to practice clinical competencies will be applied through practice-based learning, an on-campus residency, and a 75-hour clinical practicum. These learning experiences provide opportunities to develop advanced health assessment skills, perform focused and comprehensive physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and build foundational diagnostic reasoning skills.