New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant)

Credits 120 (1.0 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Career opportunities

• Veterinary nurse assistant (NZ or overseas veterinary clinics)

• Animal shelter/rescue centre employee

• Kennel/cattery employee

• Pet product industry representative

• 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.

Start dates February

Duration Full-time for one year or distance learning options available

Annual fees $7,300 (NZD)

(Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

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.

Programme overview

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. 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. 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.

You’ll also learn the communication and business aspects needed to work effectively in animal industries. 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

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.

Distance learning

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 experience, as well as complete your self-directed study (research, reading, revision) and assessment writing.

You’ll also need to have consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and appropriate office software i.e. Microsoft Office which we’ll provide once you’re enrolled.

Admission requirements

For this programme, you’ll need:

Academic

1. 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in English

2. 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in one science subject

3. 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics or Pāngarau

4. Sign a consent form allowing a Ministry of Justice convictions database search

5. Complete a medical declaration form

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).

• 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.

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll need one or more of the following:

• Achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance

• Provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS

Achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available.

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, we may accept an equivalent qualification. You could also apply for special or discretionary admission.

Note: International graduates will not be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/vet

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international