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School of Healthcare and Social Practice

Welcome to Healthcare and Social Practice, based at our Waitākere campus. We offer programmes in nursing, medical imaging, social work, and community development, and our core focus is on creating positive whānau and community change through wellness and modern health care. 

School overview

Nursing

A nursing qualification from Unitec opens up lots of career paths for students in primary health care, acute hospital care, and rehabilitation. During their studies, students have at least 1100 hours working in clinical environments such as North Shore Hospital, Waitākere Hospital, or the Mason Clinic. They also spend time at the Education and Practice Simulation Centre at Waitākere Hospital – a high-tech, simulated hospital environment. Students leave Unitec work-ready and prepared to make a difference. 

Medical imaging

Unitec’s Medical Imaging programme offers students lots of hands-on experience using the most up-to-date technology in a clinical environment. Students spend block periods of time practising what they have learnt in the classroom in a radiology facility. This practical approach to learning ensures our students graduate with both the theoretical and clinical knowledge needed to work as a medical imaging technologist. 

Social work

Social work students are taught in a learning environment which prepares them for highly-sought-after professions both in Aotearoa and overseas. Students are supported through their studies by passionate, knowledgeable staff who have real-world, first-hand experience. We work from a rights-based approach and our staff share an active commitment to social justice and community activism. 

Our teaching style is practice-based, and we have a collaborative relationship with a number of agencies and active professionals. Our research is focused on working with individuals, whānau and communities to improve practice and address inequalities. 

Our staff are active in their own communities and professions, often taking on leadership roles in local organisations. Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and bring new and interesting perspectives to classroom discussions. Our programmes reflect the importance of collaborative learning where diversity is celebrated. 

Programmes and study path

Start with a programme that suits your qualifications and/or experience, then progress to a level that achieves your goals.
PROGRAMME LEVEL DURATION CAREER OPTIONS
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing - Community Facilitation 4 Full-time for one year, part-time options available for domestic students. Disability support worker, Caregiver, Health and disability advocate, Whānau Worker, Youth worker, Forensic staff, Aged care worker, Navigator
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing - Mental Health and Addiction Support 4 Full-time for one year, part-time options available for domestic students. Mental Health Support Worker, Peer Support Worker, Addiction Support Worker, Psychiatric Assistant, Drug Treatment Support Worker
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing - Social Services 4 Full-time for one year, part-time options available for domestic students. Support worker, Caregiver, Health and disability advocate, Rehabilitation support worker, Whānau Worker, Housing Coordinator, Youth worker, Forensic staff, Aged care worker, Navigator
Liaison Interpreting Contexts (Social Systems, Culture and Ethics) 6 16 weeks In conjunction with the Liaison Interpreting Theory and Practice, graduates can seek employment as interpreters with NZ government departments and agencies, Move into further high-lever study in liaison interpreting
Liaison Interpreting Theory and Practice 6 16 weeks In conjunction with the Liaison Interpreting Contexts (Systems, Culture and Ethics), graduates can seek employment as interpreters with NZ government departments and agencies
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice 8 1 semester full-time, or 1 year part-time Community development worker, Counsellor, Not-for-profit practitioner, Social practitioner working for a government agency, Social practitioner working for a non-government agency (NGO), Social worker (both NGO and statutory)
Master of Applied Practice (Social Practice) 9 Full-time for 18 months or part-time for two to six years Community development worker, Counsellor, Not-for-profit practitioner, Social practitioner working for a government agency, Social practitioner working for a non-government agency (NGO), Social worker (both NGO and statutory)

Staff