New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Nursing) provides a platform for you to build the hands-on skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified veterinary nurse and help animals maintain the best possible health and quality of life in a clinical environment. Through demonstrations, classes, practical sessions, group work, small group tutorials, and real-life case studies, you'll learn how to manage animal patients and clients, and contribute to the care of animals. There are plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice at your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa. You will 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. Onsite Learners You will attend classes onsite at our Mt Albert campus two to three days a week depending on your timetable. Your other two to three days will be spent in your practicum placement or self-directed study. Distance Learners 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. For this delivery you will be mainly studying online. In addition to this, you will have four block courses to attend at our Mt Albert campus each year.  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. Note:

You must have completed at least one of the following: NCEA Level 2 or higher including a minimum of: 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher 12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care with strands in Companion Animal (Level 3) New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training or Companion Animals or Zookeeping And meet one of the English entry requirements; Domestic learners who have completed the majority or all of their education in New Zealand are deemed to have met this requirement An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 or equivalent. Don’t meet these Academic requirements? If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply 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 will also need to complete the Health and criminal conviction information ​ Academic requirements Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement ; And English entry requirements; ​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications: An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 or University Entrance literacy: 12 Credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in English or Māori (6 in reading, 6 in writing) 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 will also need to complete the Health and criminal conviction information