Programme overview
Please note: In 2022, we are waiving the standard work experience entry requirement for all applicants, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing is an extension of two current veterinary nursing programmes.
First Year: Your first year is the same as our New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), where you can learn the fundamentals of animal nursing, with lots of opportunities to put theory into practice within select clinical environments.
If you have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), you automatically meet the entry requirements for the second year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (dependent on placement numbers).
Second Year: This is the same as our New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, where you’ll have the opportunity to gain 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.
If you have already completed the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, you automatically meet the entry requirements for the third year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
Third Year: You’ll take your registration one step further by extending your research and critical thinking. You can also choose to work on a real-life research project for a veterinary nursing organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas.
Graduates of the NZ Diploma who wish to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing are able to enter in Semester 2.
Highlights
- You’ll have lots of work experience; in your first two years you’ll complete at least 480 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-option veterinary clinic.
- You’ll build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa
- On successful completion, you’ll meet the requirements for both the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing) and the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, and will be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association at the end of your second year
- 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 lots of opportunities to conduct exciting and cutting-edge research, including a collaborative research project in an area of your interest
- 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
Admission requirements
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New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) - you can go straight into the second year
-
New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - you can go straight into the third year
Academic requirements
- At least 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in each of two science-related subjects;
- At least 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in at least two additional subjects;
- At least 14 credits at NCEA Level 1 in mathematics or Pangarau;
- At least 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English or Te Reo Māori
If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we have a range of Foundation and Bridging Education programmes that will help you prepare for further academic study.
Work experience and supporting documents
- Provide a brief overview (less than 1 page) detailing the following. This requirement replaces the standard work experience requirement in 2021:
- What you consider the role of a veterinary nursing assistant to be;
- Why you wish to study this programme;
- Any animal-related experience you have had.
- Complete this referee details form - one referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public, and one from a teacher (or similar), who can attest to your social skills.
- Complete this Ministry of Justice, criminal conviction history form.
- Complete this medical self-declaration form.
Note: During the application process, you will be asked to upload these documents to your application.
English requirements
If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
- At least 8 NCEA Level 3 credits in English;
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency.
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.
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.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Sem B) (NSCI5702-SB) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | To promote an understanding of the basic principles of animal behaviour and welfare as it applies to a range of animal species. |
| Animal Clinical Care (Sem A) (NSCI5705-SA) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | To enable the student to apply specific husbandry requirements for animals in clinical care and recognise the role of a veterinary assistant as part of a veterinary team. |
| Animal Clinical Care (Sem B) (NSCI5705-SB) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | To enable the student to apply specific husbandry requirements for animals in clinical care and recognise the role of a veterinary assistant as part of a veterinary team. |
| Clinical Animal Care Practicum (Sem A) (NSCI5710-SA) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to appropriately apply the practical application of ’best practice’ husbandry and veterinary nursing, required for range of animals within a veterinary clinic. |
| Clinical Animal Care Practicum (Sem B) (NSCI5710-SB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to appropriately apply the practical application of ’best practice’ husbandry and veterinary nursing, required for range of animals within a veterinary clinic. |
| Veterinary Anaesthetic and Surgical Procedures (NSCI5711) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply the principles and practices of anaesthetic, analgesic and surgical procedures in the role of the veterinary nursing assistant. |
| Introduction to Veterinary Clinical Practice (NSCI5712) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course prepares students to work effectively in the client interfacing areas of a veterinary business, with a focus on communication and job-readiness. |
| Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (Sem A) (NSCI5720-SA) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | To enable students to understand the concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to the maintenance of homeostasis and animal health |
| Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (Sem B) (NSCI5720-SB) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | To enable students to understand the concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to the maintenance of homeostasis and animal health |
| 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. |
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