Programme overview
The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) is a hands-on programme that teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to help assist with caring for animals in a clinical environment.
Through tutorials, group work, practical sessions, and demonstrations, you will learn to assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses and contribute to providing a high standard of care for animal patients. You will be able to put your skills into practice in Unitec’s veterinary simulation clinic and during placements at veterinary clinics.
As well as building practical skills, you will get a firm grounding in the principles that underpin the health, husbandry, welfare, and behaviour of animals. You will also learn the communication and business aspects needed to work effectively in animal industries. This combination will give you the ethical values and cultural understanding you need to be an effective member of a professional veterinary team.
Highlights
- Learn from lecturers who are experienced veterinarians and veterinary nurses and who work closely with the veterinary industry.
- Gain hands-on experience at your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa.
- Develop a solid understanding of best practice in a professional clinical environment.
- Benefit from a blended learning approach that includes group work, online tutorials, practical sessions, and one-to-one supervision
Work experience
As part of this programme, you must complete at least 240 hours of practical experience at a veterinary clinic.
Distance Learning
To study from a distance, you must be self-motivated, committed, and have excellent time management skills. You must attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, and work experience and complete your self-directed study (research, reading, revision) and assessment writing.
You'll also need consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and appropriate office software, i.e., Microsoft Office, which we'll provide once enrolled.
Students also need to participate in compulsory block courses throughout the year at our Mt Albert campus.
Where to next?
If you complete the programme, you can apply to enroll in the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. You’ll need to complete the diploma programme to be able to graduate as a qualified veterinary nurse and become registered with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.
You could also continue your studies with our Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Year 2).
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme. However, if you continue your studies into either the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, you will be eligible upon successful completion.
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:
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- University Entrance literacy: 12 Credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in English or Māori
- 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 have the following;
- All applicants must spend at least three days in a veterinary clinic before applying for this programme;
- Provide a letter of recommendation form from the veterinary clinic with their application;
- Submit two references showcasing public interaction skills: one from a previous employer in a customer-facing role like retail and another from a teacher or similar figure confirming social aptitude.
- Sign a consent form allowing a Ministry of Justice convictions database search by Unitec Institute of Technology;
- Complete a medical declaration form.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 293 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
Courses | Credits | Aim |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare (NSCI5702) | 15 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 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 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 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. |