New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)

Please Note: This programme replaces the old NZ Certificate in Animal Technology (NZCAT) and NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (NZDVN).

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 small animal veterinary 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 Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council of New Zealand.

Highlights

• Build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at small animal veterinary clinics across 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)

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 compulsory 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 will provide once you enrolled. 

Note: Second year courses will be made available as soon as the timetable is finalised.

Career Options

• Laboratory technician
• Pet food company representative
• Pharmaceutical company representative
• Qualified veterinary nurse
• Veterinary clinic practice manager
• Veterinary supply company representative

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,224

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits only) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application start your early.

For specific semester dates by study options, please see the detailed “Study options schedule” below

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students