Programme overview
The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary 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. It's the ideal next step if you have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) or equivalent, and want to advance your capabilities to the next level.
Through demonstrations, 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 treatment and 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.
Highlights
- Build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at external 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)
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.
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.
Students also need to take part in three compulsory five-day block courses throughout the year at our Mt. Albert campus.
Scholarships
To help you with your Vet Nursing career, we have a whole range of scholarships and awards that you may be eligible for.
What next?
Once you’ve completed this programme, you could continue your studies in the third year of our Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme, unless you've already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), in which case you will be eligible.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
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;
- or have completed one of the following:
- New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) (cross-crediting available)
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 need to provide 4 supporting documents with your application.
Include a 1-page overview that outlines:
- what do you consider the role of a veterinary nursing assistant to be
- why you wish to study this programme, and
- any animal-related experience you have had.
Fill in the following forms:
- Referee details form
- Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history form (only if you already live in New Zealand)
- Medical declaration form
Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public and one from a teacher (or similar), who can talk about your character.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 981 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medical & Surgical Care Practicum (Sem A) (NSCI6101-SA) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to employ advanced veterinary nursing skills required to support the medical and surgical team within a veterinary clinic and a specialist veterinary hospital. |
| Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care Practicum (Sem B) (NSCI6101-SB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to employ advanced veterinary nursing skills required to support the medical and surgical team within a veterinary clinic and a specialist veterinary hospital. |
| Animal Disease & Pharmacology (NSCI6102) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand disease processes as well as the prevention, identification and treatment of diseases. |
| Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (NSCI6103) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical application and the use of diagnostic tools within a veterinary clinic setting. |
| Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care (Sem A) (NSCI6104-SA) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to manage and apply the principles and practices of veterinary nursing care in a range of clinical situations. |
| Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care (Sem B) (NSCI6104-SB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to manage and apply the principles and practices of veterinary nursing care in a range of clinical situations. |
| Veterinary Anaesthesia (NSCI6300) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply the principles and practices of anaesthetic and analgesic procedures in the role of the veterinary nurse. |
| Veterinary Laboratory Procedures (NSCI6504) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable the student to integrate microbiology knowledge with laboratory procedures to detect and identify pathogens and parasites that cause diseases relevant to the New Zealand Veterinary Industry. |
