Programme overview
Due to high demand, semester 2, 2025 applications for this programme are being added to a waitlist.
This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in nursing. You’ll learn the relevant literacy, numeracy and biological science skills you will need to excel in your dream career. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.
In this programme, you’ll also learn more about the anatomy of the body, psychology, how to calculate drug quantities, and key research skills which will set you ahead of the pack for an exciting healthcare career.
Highlights
- Tailored content for Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing; this means the content is highly relevant to the Unitec programme in which you want to enter;
- In this programme you’ll already be a part of a Nursing student body – you’ll be learning with other aspiring nurses;
- A chance to complete a collaborative project in order to develop the skills you'll need for a career in nursing;
- A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning;
- Learn from an experienced and multi-cultural team whose value of partnership and care is reflected in quality teaching, support, and innovative curriculum delivery
- A chance to take engage with Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore mātauranga Māori and the role of culture in communication.
Where to from here?
Upon successful completion of this programme, you can apply for study in Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing, where you will be eligible to become a registered nurse.
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.
Admission requirements
To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Academic requirements
- General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
- English language requirements
- You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session
General Admission
- You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts
- If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form and meet the pathway specific requirements
Special Admission
- You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts, and you will
- Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history) and
- You will complete a pre-entry Skills review
Discretionary Admission
- You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements
- Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for the Healthcare Pathway, you must meet one of the following:
-
UE numeracy or equivalent
- A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including a minimum of:
- 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher
- 12 credits in Science at Level 1 or higher
Or
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge)
Or
- The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), including FSTU 3921 Bioscience)
English language requirements for international students
You must meet one of the following:
- IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 in all bands from a single test within the last 2 years,
- or the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3 - Applied) or equivalent
For more information, download the programme regulations.
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
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| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Human Biology for Healthcare(BEHC4403) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces pathway-related concepts in human biology and healthcare as well as developing skills to prepare tauira for further study and/or employment in their chosen pathway. |
| Academic Skills for Science, Healthcare and Social Work(BPED4001) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills to prepare tauira for further academic study or employment in their chosen pathway. |
| Bioscience 4(BPED4004) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop a working knowledge of fundamental biological concepts, problems and communication skills needed for further academic study and/or employment. |
