New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant)

The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) is a hands-on programme that teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to help assist with caring for animals in a clinical environment. Through tutorials, group work, practical sessions, and demonstrations, you will learn to assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses and contribute to providing a high standard of care for animal patients. You will be able to put your skills into practice in Unitec’s veterinary simulation clinic and during placements at veterinary clinics. As well as building practical skills, you will get a firm grounding in the principles that underpin the health, husbandry, welfare, and behaviour of animals. You will 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 you need to be an effective member of a professional veterinary team. As part of this programme, you must complete at least 240 hours of practical experience at a veterinary clinic. To study from a distance, you must be self-motivated, committed, and have excellent time management skills. You must attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, and work experience and 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 and appropriate office software, i.e., Microsoft Office, which we'll provide once enrolled. Students also need to participate in compulsory block courses throughout the year at our Mt Albert campus. If you complete the programme, you can apply to enroll in the . You’ll need to complete the diploma programme to be able to graduate as a qualified veterinary nurse and become registered with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association. You could also continue your studies with our (Year 2).

You must have completed the following: ​ NCEA entry requirements; 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 including; 12 credits in English; 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in one science subject; 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics; And meet one of the English entry requirements; University Entrance Literacy: 12 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori; or Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web page. Don’t meet these Academic requirements? If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps. If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply ; your eligibility will be determined at the interview. Non-academic requirements You need to have the following; All applicants must spend at least three days in a veterinary clinic before applying for this programme; Provide a letter of recommendation form from the veterinary clinic with their application; Submit two references showcasing public interaction skills: one from a previous employer in a customer-facing role like retail and another from a teacher or similar figure confirming social aptitude. Sign a consent form allowing a Ministry of Justice convictions database search by Unitec Institute of Technology; Complete a medical declaration form .​