New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (L6) (Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing)

Programme outline

As a veterinary nurse, you'll play a vital role in caring for animals and supporting their owners.

In this two year programme, you'll learn how to care for companion animals in a clinical setting and support veterinary teams in delivering high-quality animal healthcare. You'll develop the practical skills needed to help animals maintain, recover, and enjoy the best possible quality of life, as well as developing the communication and teamwork skills needed to work confidently with veterinary teams, clients, and animal owners.

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 integral part of the programme, allowing your to gain valuable industry experience. Over the two years you will complete 750 hours of supervised placements in a variety of settings, where you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and build the skills and confidence needed for professional practice.

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

Medical Equipment: $140

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

Entry requirements

To be admitted to this programme, applicants must meet the following academic admission requirements:

NCEA Level 2 or higher including a minimum of:

• 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher
• 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher
• 12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher

Or

• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4)
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3)

Or

• A recognised equivalent

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.