Veterinary Nursing Assistant (Level 5)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
This programme is for those with previous animal handling experience who wish to work in a veterinary-related field or in a veterinary clinic. Students will develop skills in the care, management, handling, and nursing of a range of companion animals. This programme is the first year of a two-year veterinary nursing programme.
Students will gain 240 hours of work experience made up of rotations through the Wintec teaching surgery, in veterinary clinics, and in animal health-related businesses and charities.
Students will get daily opportunities to care and handle companion animals in our purpose-built facility that houses commonly kept companion animals. They will also gain exposure to the on-site vet clinic while studying.
Successful completion of this programme is required to advance to the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) to become a veterinary nurse.
Please note: It is a requirement of this programme that you have a form of transport and/or someone that can transport you around the Waikato/Waipa areas to complete your work placement hours each week. We cannot guarantee you will be able to complete hours within your area of residence.
Entry requirements
Based on your school achievement (secondary school study)
- 60 credits at NCEA Level 2; including 12 literacy credits at NCEA level 2; and 12 numeracy credits at NCEA level 1; and 12 credits in a science subject at NCEA level 1;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)
- Completed a relevant course at New Zealand qualification level 3;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on Discretionary Entrance
If you don't meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications is decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.
Selection criteria
- Candidates may be required to participate in an interview and selection process. The following will be considered in the selection process:
- Where applicable, the completion of a study skills assessment to demonstrate the level of academic skill necessary to successfully complete the programme;
- previous experience working with animals. Suitable experience may include three or more days observing in a veterinary clinic or equivalent;
- an aptitude for working with the public demonstrated through a reference from an employer where the candidate has worked with the public, or from a teacher attesting to social skills
- personal qualities such as responsibility, teamwork and practical orientation.
To meet legal and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programmes, including the ability to perform practical demonstrations and assessments. Candidates with disabilities are eligible to enrol in this programme and will be provided with the necessary resources to attain the learning outcomes where practicable, but at the time of enrolment must notify the Equity/Disability Co-ordinator of their needs.
Prior to commencing the programme all candidates will be required to undertake a Police check at a level sufficient for safe and effective practice within the field of veterinary nursing.
All candidates will be required to make a declaration they are physically able to safely handle and restrain domestic animals and that they have no known health condition that could preclude their close proximity to the common range of animals (e.g. cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds).
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5; or equivalent.
About the provider
Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.
At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.
Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us. Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.