Programme overview
The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing is an extension of the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) programmes.
First Year: You can learn the fundamentals of animal nursing, with lots of opportunities to put theory into practice within select clinical environments.
Second Year: you’ll have the opportunity to gain voluntary registration as a veterinary nurse, and develop technical skills and medical knowledge through practical experience to become an effective veterinary nurse within a professional team.
Third Year: You’ll take your learning one step further by developing research and critical thinking skills. You will have the opportunity to work on a real world research project relevant to the veterinary industry.
Highlights
- You’ll have lots of work experience; in your first two years you’ll complete at least 750 hours of work experience, and you can also extend this in your third year
- You’ll have the opportunity to do your placements in interesting organisations ranging from the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo, to a specialist veterinary hospital, to your community first opinion veterinary clinic.
- You’ll build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at your choice of small animal veterinary clinics across Aotearoa
- You’ll develop an advanced understanding of what’s considered best practice in a clinical environment, and the ethical and welfare implications of veterinary care
- You’ll have opportunities to conduct a supported and collaborative research project
- You’ll learn from experienced lecturers who are knowledgeable in veterinary medicine /science, animal health and welfare, microbiology, genetics, and animal behaviour
- You’ll benefit from a varied learning approach that includes practical sessions, group work, online/small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision
Study options schedule
We have two study options available for this programme.
Onsite Learner study options
Students studying onsite must attend classes in person at our Mt Albert campus during the semester dates.
Semester start and end dates:
- Semester 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
- Semester 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
Year 1 and 2:
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Orientation: 19–20 Feb, Mt Albert Campus (Compulsory attendance)
Year 3:
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Orientation: 19–20 Feb, Mt Albert Campus
Distance learning option
For distance students, courses will run online during the following semester dates.
Please note: The distance learning option is available to Year 3 students only. This includes current students progressing to Year 3, as well as those transferring from the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or an equivalent qualification. Applications are open for Sem 1 and Sem 2 entry. Students wishing to complete Years 1 and 2 by distance learning should apply for the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Semester start and end dates:
- Semester 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
- Semester 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
Year 3:
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Orientation:
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Semester 1 2026: 23–24 Feb, Online
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Semester 2 2026: 20–21 Jul, Online
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Block Courses: None (no in-person requirements)
Courses you will study -Third Year
In your final year, you can choose to study onsite or by distance learning.
View the relevant study plan below:
View the relevant study plan below:
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) or
- New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) (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:
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- An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 or
- University Entrance literacy: 10 Credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in reading, 5 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.
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
- Veterinary Clinic Recommendation
Referee Requirements
You must provide two referees:
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One from an employer where you have worked with the public
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One from a teacher or similar, who can speak to your character
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 464 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Nursing Practice(ANML5001TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work in a professional, safe, and effective manner in an animal health care environment. |
| Anatomy and Physiology(ANML5002TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to basic animal anatomy and physiology to support animal health and welfare. |
| Animal Husbandry and Behaviour(ANML5103TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide safe and appropriate husbandry and handling to support companion animal health and welfare. |
| Companion Animal Practicum I(ANML5104TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to manage the husbandry, hygiene and handling of animals as part of a multidisciplinary team. |
| Introduction to Anaesthesia and Analgesia(ANML5105TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to assist with anaesthesia and analgesia. |
| Introduction to Medical Nursing(ANML5106TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to care for companion animals in a veterinary clinic. |
| Introduction to Surgery and Diagnostics(ANML5107TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to understand diagnostic procedures and assist with the nursing of routine surgical patients. |
| Companion Animal Practicum II(ANML5108TPB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide nursing care for surgical and hospitalised patients as part of a multidisciplinary team. |
| Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare(NSCI5702) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To promote an understanding of the basic principles of animal behaviour and welfare as it applies to a range of animal species. |
| Principles of Animal Husbandry(NSCI5738) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable the student to develop an understanding of the theoretical basis and application of animal husbandry in a range of animal species. |
