Programme overview
Please note: This programme is available only to students who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) and wish to continue their second year of studies to gain registration in veterinary nursing. If you are not a graduate or just starting your journey, please click below to learn more and begin your application
The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is an advanced qualification that builds the hands-on skills and knowledge you need in this important profession. This will allow you to help animals attain and maintain the best possible health and quality of life in a clinical environment. It is the ideal next step if you have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) or equivalent and want to advance your capabilities to the next level.
Through demonstrations, practical sessions, group work, small group tutorials and real life case studies you will learn how to manage patients and clients, and contribute to the treatment and care of animals.. There are many opportunities to put theory into practice at Unitec’s veterinary simulation clinic, the onsite specialist hospital, Veterinary Specialist Group, and external veterinary clinics across Auckland.
You will graduate as an informed professional in animal health who is able to function effectively and efficiently as a veterinary nurse in a clinical setting.
Highlights
- Build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at:
- Veterinary Specialist Group (VSG)
- An external veterinary clinic (or clinics) of your choice
- Unitec’s award-winning Veterinary Simulation Clinic
- Develop a thorough knowledge of best practice in a clinical environment, and a strong understanding of ethical and welfare implications of veterinary care.
- Learn from experienced lecturers who are experts in veterinary medicine/science, animal health and welfare, microbiology, genetics and animal behaviour.
- You are able to organise your own placements at a veterinary clinic(s) of your own choosing..
- Benefit from a blended learning approach that includes group work, online/small group tutorials, practical sessions and one-on-one supervision.
- The opportunity to apply for a practical placement at the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo (places limited).
- Once qualified, you will have the ability to become a full member of the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association, and be eligible to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
- Ability to progress to degree level study in the Bachelor of Applied Science at Unitec.
Further study
As a graduate of the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing you are able to cross credit 18 months (50%) of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare) and complete this programme in an additional 18 months.
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:
- New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) (cross-crediting available)
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?
- 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 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:
- Referee details form
- Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history form (only if you already live in New Zealand)
- Medical declaration form
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, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
