Explore your options
Our veterinary nursing programmes teach you the practical skills, knowledge and attributes that you need for a fulfilling career caring for animals in a clinical environment.
Want to get professional registration? You can start with our two-year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), which gives you a firm grounding in the principles that underpin the health, husbandry, welfare, behaviour of animals, and you’ll also have the opportunity to gain registration as a veterinary nurse, and develop the technical skills and medical knowledge you need to become an effective veterinary nurse within a professional team.
Want to go the extra mile? Take the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, which includes New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) (second year), plus an additional third year, where you can take your learning one step further, by extending your research and critical thinking. You can also choose to work on a real-life research project for a Vet Nursing organisation in Aotearoa or overseas.
Please note: Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) automatically gain entry into the second and third year of the Bachelors.
Distance Learning
- Studying from a distance is somewhat different from studying on-site, however, the approximate overall study time is the same as it would be for any full-time campus-based programme.
- A large number of online resources will be provided through our web-based learning platform.
- Lecturers will also provide online assessments which will automatically provide feedback to you. Discussion forums are set up for all students to participate in, some of which may be assessed.
- Lecturers and course coordinators may use online learning platforms to contact individual students by email, and will often load important announcements for the whole class to view. It is imperative that you access our online learning platforms consistently during the week (including weekends) to keep on track in all aspects of the programme. You will receive training on how to use our online learning platforms in your orientation.
Programmes and study path
| PROGRAMME | LEVEL | DURATION | CAREER OPTIONS | START DATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) | 5 | Full-time for one year or distance learning options available. | Veterinary nurse assistant (NZ or overseas veterinary clinics), Animal shelter/rescue centre employee, Kennel/cattery employee, Pet product industry representative, Laboratory animal assistant, Own business options such as pet minding, product retail, etc | February |
| New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) | 6 | Full-time for two year or distance learning options available | Veterinary clinic practice manager, Pet food company representative, Veterinary supply company representative, Pharmaceutical company representative, Laboratory animal technician, Breeding centre manager, Qualified veterinary nurse (with opportunities to advance to senior levels) | February |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing | 7 | 3 years' full-time, with distance learning available in Year 3, and part-time options available in Years 2 and 3 | Qualified veterinary nurse (with opportunities to advance to senior levels), Breeding centre manager | February |
