New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 2 |
|---|
About the course
About the programme
The role of an Animal Healthcare Assistant is to support veterinary nurses, veterinarians and rural animal veterinary technicians in veterinary practices. Designed to create a training pathway for those wanting a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant, this new programme recognises the role as distinct from a Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.
This programme will equip you with the technical knowledge and skills you need to perform this job under broad supervision, including effective teamwork and communication skills. You'll choose from two focus areas: Companion Animal Healthcare - this starts in February and July.
Rural Animal Healthcare - this starts in July. An Equine Healthcare focus may also be available at a later date.
For all focus areas you will be required to complete 240 hours of work placement Keen for further study? Following graduation, you could study our two-year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), or our New Zealand Diploma in Rural Animal Veterinary Technology (Level 6) to widen your career opportunities.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, OR A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above, OR A recognised equivalent.
You must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal convictions to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.
Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment.
Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
English Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance, OR Overall academic or general IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme is not available to international students.
Selection process
Once your application is complete we will let you know whether you have been accepted via your application portal.
All enrolments will be contingent on your Criminal Convictions History.
Convictions of any kind may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment.
Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.
*This course is not available to international students.
About the provider
If you want to get a job and build a great career, Otago Polytechnic is a smart choice.
We’re known for offering the highest quality, hands-on training that helps students succeed. Our graduates are confident, skilled, and ready to work from day one. And, employers love that.
We’ve earned the highest ratings from the New Zealand Government for our teaching and support. Our flexible study options make it easier for you to learn in a way that suits your life.
At Otago Polytechnic, you’ll gain practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to make a real impact - in your career and in your community.