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Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

Take your passion for veterinary nursing to the next level. This programme will set you up for registration as a veterinary nurse, enable you to increase your critical thinking, and provides plenty of research opportunities to develop and further your career.

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February
Duration
3 years' full-time, with distance learning available in Year 3, and part-time options available in Years 2 and 3

Programme overview

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

Programme Structure

The programme structure for the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing in 2024 is:
 
 Year 1Year 2Year 3
Course 1NSCI5705-SA Animal Clinical Care (Sem A)
Class number(s): 1732, 1733 or 1165
7.5 credits
NSCI6101-SA Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care Practicum (Sem A)
Class number(s): 1905, 1273 or 1277
15 credits
NSCI7101 Global Issues in Animal Welfare
Class number(s): 1691, 1692 or 1693
15 credits
Course 2NSCI5710-SA Clinical Animal Care Practicum (Sem A)
Class number(s): 1738, 1258 or 1867
15 credits
NSCI6104-SA Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care (Sem A)
Class number(s): 1734, 1274 or 1278
15 credits
NSCI6730 Research Methods
Class number(s): 1683, 1685 or 1684
15 credits
Course 3NSCI5712 Introduction to Veterinary Clinical Practice
Class number(s): 1739, 1259 or 1166
15 credits
NSCI6300 Veterinary Anaesthesia
Class number(s): 1275, 1868 or 1279
15 credits
NSCI7731-SA Negotiated Research-SA/SB (Sem A)
Class number(s): 1768, 1769, 1695, 5694, 5693 or 5695
15 credits
Course 4NSCI5720-SA Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (Sem A)
Class number(s): 1740, 1256, 1257 or 1167
7.5 credits
NSCI6504 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures
Class number(s): 1869, 1280 or 1276
15 credits
Elective
Level 6 or 7
15 credits
Course 5NSCI5738 Principles of Animal Husbandry
Class number(s): 1679, 1680, 1681 or 1168
15 credits
  
Course 6NSCI5702 Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Class number(s): 5814, 5815, 5811 or 5172
15 credits
NSCI6101-SB Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care Practicum (Sem B)
Class number(s): 5286, 5995 or 5290
15 credits
NSCI7109 Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing
Class number(s): 5690, 5691 or 5692
15 credits
Course 7NSCI5705-SB Animal Clinical Care (Sem B)
Class number(s): 5269, 5803 or 5174
7.5 credits
NSCI6102 Animal Disease and Pharmacology
Class number(s): 5287, 5291 or 5825
15 credits
NSCI7421 One Health
Class number(s): 5835, 5807 or 5808
15 credits
Course 8NSCI5710-SB Clinical Animal Care Practicum (Sem B)
Class number(s): 5812, 5943 or 5270
15 credits
NSCI6103 Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Class number(s): 5292, 5826 or 5288
15 credits
NSCI7731-SB Negotiated Research-SA/SB (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1770, 1771, 1772, 5828, 5827 or 5829
15 credits
Course 9NSCI5711 Veterinary Anaesthetic and Surgical Procedures
Class number(s): 5816, 5271 or 5175
15 credits
NSCI6104-SB Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care (Sem B)
Class number(s): 5804, 5293 or 5289
15 credits
Elective
Level 6 or 7
15 credits
Course 10NSCI5720-SB Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (Sem B)
Class number(s): 5813, 5272, 5273 or 5176
7.5 credits
  
 
This example programme overview is a guide only and assumes full-time study. Please check timetables carefully as not every course is offered each semester. Programme requirements and class numbers are subject to change.

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 


Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

You need to provide 4 supporting documents with your application.

Include a 1-page overview that outlines:

  • what do you consider the role of a veterinary nursing assistant to be
  • why you wish to study this programme, and
  • any animal-related experience you have had.

Fill in the following forms:

Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public and one from a teacher (or similar), who can talk about your character.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 865 KB)


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:

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

  • 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?

Non-academic requirements

You need to provide 4 supporting documents with your application.

Include a 1-page overview that outlines:

  • what do you consider the role of a veterinary nursing assistant to be
  • why you wish to study this programme, and
  • any animal-related experience you have had.

Fill in the following forms:

Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public and one from a teacher (or similar), who can talk about your character.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 865 KB)


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.
Courses Credits Aim
Veterinary Medical & Surgical Care Practicum (Sem A) (NSCI6101-SA) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to employ advanced veterinary nursing skills required to support the medical and surgical team within a veterinary clinic and a specialist veterinary hospital.
Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care Practicum (Sem B) (NSCI6101-SB) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to employ advanced veterinary nursing skills required to support the medical and surgical team within a veterinary clinic and a specialist veterinary hospital.
Animal Disease & Pharmacology (NSCI6102) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to understand disease processes as well as the prevention, identification and treatment of diseases.
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (NSCI6103) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical application and the use of diagnostic tools within a veterinary clinic setting.
Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care (Sem A) (NSCI6104-SA) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to manage and apply the principles and practices of veterinary nursing care in a range of clinical situations.
Veterinary Medical and Surgical Care (Sem B) (NSCI6104-SB) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to manage and apply the principles and practices of veterinary nursing care in a range of clinical situations.
Veterinary Anaesthesia (NSCI6300) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply the principles and practices of anaesthetic and analgesic procedures in the role of the veterinary nurse.
Veterinary Laboratory Procedures (NSCI6504) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable the student to integrate microbiology knowledge with laboratory procedures to detect and identify pathogens and parasites that cause diseases relevant to the New Zealand Veterinary Industry.
Research Methods (NSCI6730) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop skills in research methodology that will allow students to plan and initiate research, to analyse data and to critically appraise research findings.
Courses Credits Aim
Global Issues in Animal Welfare (NSCI7101) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate historical and recent issues relating to animal welfare research and practices in a global context.
Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing (NSCI7109) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate historical and current veterinary nursing techniques and animal health issues using evidence based processes.
One Health (NSCI7421) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course develops the knowledge and skills of students about critically evaluating historical, current and predicted animal and public health threats in the context of `one health’, and critically evaluate historical and current veterinary practices as they relate to public health.
Negotiated Research-SA/SB (Sem A) (NSCI7731-SA) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an opportunity to complete an in-depth applied science study using research skills and to disseminate their findings in an appropriate format.
Negotiated Research-SA/SB (Sem B) (NSCI7731-SB) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an opportunity to complete an in-depth applied science study using research skills and to disseminate their findings in an appropriate format.
Courses Credits Aim
Introduction to Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Companion Animals (NSCI6105) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course provides an overview of clinical care of exotic small mammals, avian and reptile companion species commonly seen in New Zealand?s general practice veterinary clinics. The students will develop their knowledge of husbandry, restraint, common presentations and the applicable veterinary nursing care.
Companion Animal Behaviour (NSCI6731) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply animal behaviour concepts to a range of applied situations focussing on the welfare of companion animals.
Animal Health and Welfare (NSCI6732) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to evaluate the methods used in assessing the welfare status of animals and to develop an understanding of how animal health is impacted by environmental factors.
Animal Breeding and Nutrition (NSCI6737) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable the students to develop an understanding of the management of breeding and nutrition in a range of animal species.
Captive Wild Animal Management (NSCI6738) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable the student to understand the philosophical, scientific and practical basis for the maintenance of wild animals in captivity.
Behavioural Ecology (NSCI6739) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the ecological and evolutionary basis of animal behaviour, and the role behaviour plays in enabling animals to adapt to their environment.
Vertebrate Physiology (NSCI6741) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To promote an understanding of the physiological responses of animals to environmental challenges and stressors.
Courses Credits Aim
Anthrozoology (NSCI7103) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to the multidisciplinary field of Anthrozoology, illustrating the conceptual links between research in this relatively new academic field and use in understanding the interaction between animals and humans.
Applied Animal Behaviour Science (NSCI7106) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To assess and interpret observed behaviour of selected animals (in a range of situations) in relation to their environment. To explain how an understanding of applied animal behaviour can be used to improve animal management and welfare.
Internship (NSCI7810) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to undertake a short-term work and/or training experience related to practice in their chosen field of study. It provides an opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge and practice through a strategy of applied learning in the workplace.
Advanced Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (NSCI7811) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course aims to enhance students’ ability to apply critical thinking and apply evidence-based practice in the veterinary nursing anaesthesia role, expand knowledge of analgesia management and increase confidence when monitoring the compromised veterinary patient.

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