Overview
As a qualified veterinary nurse you can deepen your knowledge, or specialise in a particular area, without committing to full-time study.
These Certificate Of Proficiency (COP) courses from Unitec are a great way to stay current, grow your expertise, and take the next step in your career. The courses are level 7, and taught mostly online to provide flexibility for working professionals.
Why choose Veterinary Nursing PD courses?
- Study one course at a time – no need to enrol in the full degree
- Fully online options available – study from anywhere in Aotearoa
- Taught by industry-experienced lecturers
- Stackable towards the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing if you choose to continue
Course options
You can choose one or more courses in a single semester
Semester 1 (February – June)
Course name: Advanced Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Course code: NSCI7811
What you’ll learn: Master advanced anaesthetic techniques and pain management in clinical practice.
Course name: One Health
Course code: NSCI7421
What you’ll learn: Explore the connections between animal, human, and environmental health in a global context.
Semester 2 (July – November)
Course name: Emergency Veterinary Nursing
Course code: NSCI7812
What you’ll learn: Expand your skills in critical care and emergency procedures.
Online attendance: Optional.
Course name: Introduction to Nursing of Exotic Companion Animals
Course code: NSCI6105
What you’ll learn: Learn care for reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
Online attendance: Optional tutorials are held once each month on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Course name: Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing
Course code: NSCI7109
What you’ll learn: Apply research to enhance clinical decisions.
Online attendance: Compulsory on Mondays from10am to 11am, during weeks 5–12 of the course.
How the courses work
Each course is worth 15 credits (approximately 150 hours of study).
You’ll learn through:
- Pre-recorded lectures
- Guided readings
- Online discussions and support
- Assessments relevant to real-world veterinary nursing practice
Pathway to a degree
If you are wanting to stack your courses toward completion of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, please note there is a time frame for completion, and requirements for cross-crediting your Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Please reach out to us at EAS@unitec.ac.nz so we can provide you with information specific to your situation.
Entry requirements
To enrol, you must hold a New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or an equivalent qualification.
Fees
These courses are available to domestic students only. The prices listed below are inclusive of GST but exclude the Student Services Fee.
NSCI7811 - Advanced Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia - $991.50
NSCI7421 - One Health - $894.15
NSCI7812 - Emergency Veterinary Nursing - $990.90
NSCI6105 - Intro to Nursing of Exotic Companion Animals - $991.50
NSCI7109 - Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing - $991.50
How to apply
Follow our guidelines on how to apply for a certificate of proficiency.
Class schedule
Please note the class schedules vary by course. Full details, including optional and required online sessions, are shared upon enrolment.
