New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Credits 120 (1.0 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Career opportunities

• Veterinary clinic practice manager

• Pet food company representative

• Veterinary supply company representative

• Pharmaceutical company representative

• Laboratory animal manager

• Laboratory animal technician

• Breeding centre manager

Highlights

• Build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at our on-campus veterinary facilities and at external clinics across Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Develop a thorough understanding of what’s considered best practice in a clinical environment, and the ethical and welfare implications of veterinary care.

• Learn from experienced lecturers who are knowledgeable in veterinary medicine/science, animal health and welfare, microbiology, genetics and animal behaviour.

• Benefit from a varied learning approach that includes practical sessions, group work, online/small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision.

• The opportunity to apply for a practical placement at the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo (placements limited).

• If you’re interested in further study, it only takes one extra year to gain a degree qualification in veterinary nursing - the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (see pg. 22).

Start dates February

Duration Full-time for one year, part-time for two years, or distance learning options available

Annual fees $6,900 (NZD) (Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

Studying this programme will develop your technical skills and medical knowledge to become an effective and efficient veterinary nurse within a professional clinical team. You’ll graduate as a qualified veterinary nurse and be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.

Programme overview

This programme provides a platform for you to build the hands-on skills and knowledge to become a qualified veterinary nurse in a clinical environment, and help animals maintain the best possible health and quality of life.

Through demonstrations, practical sessions, group work, small group tutorials and real-life case studies, you'll learn how to manage patients and animal clients, and contribute to the treatment and care of animals.

There are plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice at Unitec’s sister vet clinic Vet Care Grey Lynn, as well as your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You’ll graduate as a qualified veterinary nurse who is able to work effectively and efficiently in a clinical setting, and you’ll be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.

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.

Scholarships

To help you with your veterinary nursing career, we have the Kate Edger Educational Charitable Trust Veterinary Nursing Award, available to female domestic students, along with a whole range of scholarships and awards that you may be eligible to apply for (see pg. 6).

Admission requirements

For this programme, you’ll need:

Academic

1. To have successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) or equivalent

2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

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

4. Complete a medical declaration which provides evidence of your ability to practice safely as a veterinary nurse

5. Provide the details of 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 that 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, you could still 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