New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Course details

New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing
NZQF Level	5

About the course

If you'd like to gain a formal qualification in nursing, this full-time, 18-month diploma programme will equip you with the theory and clinical nursing practice required to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.*

Your study comprises of a combination of theory, practice in simulated environments and clinical placements in different health care settings. Practise your skills in different nursing contexts such as rehabilitation, acute care and mental health while studying the fundamentals of nursing and the human body.

Your clinical practice may not all be within Christchurch and may include placements in the West Coast, Marlborough, Ashburton and North Canterbury. Clinical placements will require you to work shift work starting and finishing anytime from 6.30am - 11.30pm. Theory classes are timetabled between 8am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Following completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing, graduates must pass the NCNZ registration examination and meet other criteria to be issued with a practising certificate and be able to work as an enrolled nurse.

*This programme is also available to students based in Nelson, Marlborough, South Canterbury and the West Coast. Please note: students based in these areas are required to attend five compulsory workshops (totalling five weeks) in Christchurch at specific times during the 18-month programme. There is also a compulsory two-week orientation at the commencement of the programme.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

NCEA Level 2 which must include 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Health Pathway or equivalent

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Additional requirements

In addition you need to:

provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.

provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s). Your referee reports, personal statement and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study in the nursing profession. In your personal statement you should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.

meet various Health Authority requirements in order to participate in the clinical components of the programme. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.

buy a uniform.

Consent to Disclosure of Information 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 Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

you may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.

English requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart .

If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.

If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS, Pearson or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS test report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.