New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)

Programme outline

Animal Healthcare Assistants work under supervision to provide support to veterinary nurses, veterinarians and others working in the animal healthcare sector.

In this one year programme you will learn the knowledge and practical skills required to provide healthcare support to companion animals.  You'll also learn to work safely, professionally and effectively as part of an animal healthcare team.

On completion you will be eligible for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council of New Zealand.

Programme structure

You will typically attend campus two days per week, with the remainder of your time spent in placement or self-directed study. 

A range of teaching methods are used to support your learning, including lectures, tutorials, learning packages, and online activities. You will also attend practical sessions in our simulation suites, which allow you to develop and practice essential clinical skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Some classes and learning activities will be provided through Moodle, our online learning platform, so you will need access to a computer and internet at home.

Placement

Clinical placements are an important part of the programme and allow you to apply your knowledge and build the skills and confidence needed for professional practice.  

During the year, you must complete at least 240 hours of supervised placements in animal care facilities such as catteries, kennels, rescues or doggy day-cares. If you are not already working or volunteering in one of these areas, you will need to find your own placements.

Detailed information about organising your placements will be provided on enrolment.

Course related costs

Confirmed programme related costs are sent out with offer letters. The costs below are intended as a guide only and may be subject to change

• Uniform: $100
• Placement travel costs: these will vary depending on where you live and where your placements are.

Entry requirements

40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or a recognised equivalent; OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above, or a recognised equivalent.

International

Proven equivalence of entry requirements plus an IELTS score of 5.5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission, all applicants must complete a health and criminal declaration form to ensure fitness to practice, prior to acceptance into the programme.

*Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.  

Selection processes may apply where the number of applications exceed the number of available places.

Credit recognition

If you have relevant skills and knowledge through study or experiences in work or other activities, you may be able to receive credit for them when enrolling in a programme of study. This is done through a process called credit recognition.

How to apply

Complete the health and criminal declaration form and save to your computer so you can attach it when you complete the online application.