Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

These requirements are subject to change by EIT.

Please check their webpage for the most up-to-date information.

Academic requirements

The academic entry requirement for Year 1 of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing: University Entrance, as defined by the NZQA; evidence regarded as sufficient by the Head of School of the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study; or at the discretion of the Head of School, where the applicant is over 20 years of age and demonstrates the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study.

International requirements and equivalence

To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).

This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.

English Language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance, or Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (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.

Programme specific requirements Curriculum Vitae (CV) Good character requirement - A completed Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions Record (copy of form is attached).

Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s police record be such that they would be considered unsuitable for veterinary nursing work.

Applicants with convictions for dishonesty or drug offences will likely be considered unsuitable.

A criminal declaration will be required every year of enrolment in the programme.

Health Declaration - All applicants must complete a health and privacy declaration to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.

Otago Polytechnic is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all learners.

We recognise that people learn and participate in different ways, and a range of learning resources, approaches and support services are available to help you succeed.

If you would benefit from additional support, adjustments or alternative ways of accessing learning, we encourage you to contact us early so we can work with you to identify what will help.

Please note: Convictions of any offence and/or declaration of health conditions will not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment.

Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.

Practical requirements Veterinary nursing includes practical activities and workplace learning in animal facilities and veterinary clinics.

Some activities involve handling animals, working with animal body fluids and participating in clinical procedures.

These are essential components of the programme.

If you have questions about how the practical requirements might work for you, or think you may benefit from support or adjustments, please contact us.

We can work with you to understand your needs and explore appropriate options while ensuring the requirements of the programme can be met.

Another pathway into the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Nursing) (Level 6) is a separate two-year professional qualification with its own entry requirements.

If you do not meet the direct entry requirements for the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree, you may be eligible to enter the Diploma.

After successfully completing the Diploma, you can progress directly into Year Three of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.

Check entry requirements for our Level 6 New Zealand Diploma here.

Direct entry to Year Three If you already hold the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), or an approved equivalent qualification, you can apply to enter directly into Year 3 of the degree and complete your qualification in just one additional year.

Study fully online, with flexible part-time options available to suit your schedule.

Entry with credit You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study.

This may take several different forms including study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work.

If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications.

You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.

RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills.

You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.

You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.

You must apply prior to enrolment.

CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course.

Overall RPL Credit Limit 50%.

The programmes maintain the ability to partially credit courses where evidence of current competence is presented.

For Year Three, no recognition of prior learning is available although there are some limited options for cross-crediting.

Overseas qualified veterinarians are advised to contact us in the first instance for recognition of prior learning options.

For further information and enquiries, please email [email protected]