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Level 5 Programme
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) Credits 120 (1.0 EFTS)
Start dates February
Annual fees $7,300 (NZD)
Campus Mt Albert
Duration Full-time for one year or distance learning options available
(Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)
Career opportunities
This certificate is a hands-on programme that teaches the practical skills, knowledge and attributes needed to help assist with the care of animals in a clinical environment.
• Veterinary nurse assistant (NZ or overseas veterinary clinics) • Animal shelter/rescue centre employee • Kennel/cattery employee
Programme overview
• Pet product industry representative
Learn the fundamentals of animal nursing with lots of opportunity to put theory into practice at our sister clinic Vet Care Grey Lynn, as well as your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Laboratory animal assistant • Own business options such as pet minding and product retail
Highlights • Learn from lecturers who are experienced veterinarians and veterinary nurses – and work closely with the veterinary industry. • Gain hands-on experience at Unitec’s sister vet clinic Vet Care Grey Lynn, as well as your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa New Zealand. • Develop a solid understanding of best practice in a professional clinical environment. • Benefit from a varied learning approach that includes group work, online tutorials, practical sessions and one-to-one supervision.
Through tutorials, group work, practical sessions and demonstrations, you’ll learn to assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and contribute to providing a high standard of care for animal patients. You’ll be able to put your skills into practice in our veterinary simulation clinic as well as during placements at veterinary clinics.
experience, as well as complete your self-directed study (research, reading, revision) and assessment writing. You’ll also need consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection.
Admission requirements For this programme, you’ll need:
Academic 1. 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 2. 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in one science subject
As well as building practical skills, you’ll get a firm grounding in the principles that underpin the health, husbandry, welfare, and behaviour of animals.
3. 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics or Pāngarau
You’ll also learn the communication and business aspects needed to work effectively in animal industries.
5. Complete a medical declaration form
This combination will give you the ethical values and cultural understanding that you need to be an effective member of a professional veterinary team.
Work placement
4. Sign a consent form allowing a Ministry of Justice convictions database search 6. Demonstrate work experience with animals and an aptitude for working with the public: • Supply an employer letter of recommendation (you need to have spent at least three days working in a veterinary clinic before you start this programme).
As part of this programme, you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 200 hours practical experience at an external clinic. It’s recommended you find this placement before the beginning of the programme.
• Provide the details for two referees: one from an employer where you’ve worked with the public, and one from a teacher (or similar) attesting to your social skills.
Distance learning
Applicants will need one or more of the following:
The distance learning option for this programme is full-time and you’re required to attend four compulsory five-day block courses at our Mt Albert campus. To study from a distance, you need to be self-motivated, committed, and have excellent time management skills. You need to attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, work
English
• 12 credits at NCEA Level 2, or higher, in English • Provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS
