Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa)

IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5; Band minimum 6.5; Listening 6.5; Reading 6.5; Writing 6.5; Speaking 6.5.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to this programme, applicants must have:

University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), including:

Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of:

• a minimum of 14 credits in English or Te Reo Māori or English-rich subject (such as Classical studies, English, Geography, History, History of Art, Media Studies)
• a minimum of 14 credits in Biology, or Physical Education or Chemistry
• a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in one other approved subject or domain on the National Qualifications Framework.

For examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), applications will be assessed for academic entry equivalency.

OR

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Biological Science, Health Pathway; or a recognised equivalent.

Alternative requirements

Applicants, who are over 20 years, must have evidence of academic equivalence of the above (academic admission); or demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree level.

Applicants who are under 20 years must meet the academic admission criteria as listed above, as required by Nursing Council.

All applicants interested in nursing should apply for entry into the Bachelor of Nursing in the first instance. The WITT School of Nursing will contact you to confirm you meet the academic entry criteria for the Bachelor of Nursing or assist you in designing your study pathway into the Bachelor of Nursing.

English Language Proficiency

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA.

All applicants, for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language, must demonstrate the necessary language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants are required to demonstrate capability in English as evidenced by an IELTS Academic core of 6.5 with no individual band lower than 6.5 from a single test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in the Nursing Council Handbook under English Requirements.

Additional Admission Requirements

All applicants must provide a self-declaration providing information regarding how they meet the programme specific requirements.  This includes:

• A personal statement

  • Applicants are required to demonstrate effective communication skills to outline why they have chosen nursing as a career, describing personal qualities and relevant aspects from life experiences which will enhance the application.

• Criminal convictions

o    Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal conviction may result in the NCNZ refusing to register a person as a registered nurse.

• Health status

  • Applicants are required to indicate if they have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate that they are fit for practice as a registered nurse. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of physical or mental conditions may result in the NCNZ being unable to register a person as a registered nurse. A medical report may also be required, as per NCNZ requirements.
  • Any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in the programme to be identified; this will be used to activate support services

• At least two written references.

o   The references are required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and personal attributes and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse, as required by the Children’s Act 2014. 

o   One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.

• A CV or chronological summary of work history (part time, full time, voluntary, including care of own children) for the preceding five years.

Applicants who meet academic entry criteria may be required to attend an interview to ensure they will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.

Additional requirements for students in nursing programmes include:

• A safety check to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children’s Act 2014 will be undertaken on all successful applicants.  This may include but is not limited to:

  • Police Vetting Check - Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form. The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Head of Nursing. Information of the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
  • References
  • A CV which provides an account of all experience – part time, full time and voluntary, including care of own children for the preceding five years.
  • A risk assessment

Unsatisfactory results arising from the full safety checking process may result in the ākonga being declined entry or withdrawn from the programme of study.

• Health Screening

  • Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of immunisation status as required by Health NZ, Te Whatu Ora and other healthcare organisations before commencing a clinical learning experience. Clinical learning experiences are an integral part of this programme and ākonga must complete these elements to successfully achieve their qualification. Clinical learning experiences cannot be guaranteed without this evidence, as per clinical access agreements with clinical learning experience providers.

Selection Criteria

Limits on enrolment may be applied due to health and safety reasons, availability of resourcing and/or availability of clinical practice placements. A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be based on application information (including referee reports, CV and personal statement)

Where the number of applications exceed the number of available places, applicants may be waitlisted. The waitlist order will be based on the criteria above. Preference may be given to priority groups in recognition of the commitment to inclusiveness.

Required Forms

Note that the following forms will be required when applying to study Bachelor of Nursing at WITT. Please make sure to complete an application before submitting these forms.

Additional Information Required

Health Screen & Vaccination Requirements

Referee Reports (You must provide two referees. Examples include: teacher, doctor, employer, club leader, etc)

Police Vetting Form (External link. Note that this form will have to be emailed, or printed out and handed in to reception staff)