Veterinary Nursing

Our veterinary nursing programmes teach you the practical skills, knowledge and attributes that you need for a fulfilling career caring for animals in a clinical environment.

Still deciding if this path is right for you? You can start with our one-year New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), which gives you a firm grounding in the principles that underpin the health, husbandry, welfare, and behaviour of animals.

Please note: Graduates of this programme must also complete the New Zealand Diploma (below) to be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.

Looking to continue your journey? If you’ve completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) or equivalent, you can move into the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, where you’ll have the opportunity to gain registration as a veterinary nurse, and develop the technical skills and medical knowledge you need to become an effective veterinary nurse within a professional team.

Want to go the extra mile? Take the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, which includes both the New Zealand Certificate (first year) and New Zealand Diploma (second year), plus an additional third year, where you can 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 Vet Nursing organisation in Aotearoa or overseas. 

Please note: Graduates of the New Zealand Certificate and New Zealand Diploma automatically gain entry into the second and third year (respectively) of the Bachelors. 

Distance Learning

• Studying from a distance is somewhat different from studying on-site, however, the approximate overall study time is the same as it would be for any full-time campus-based programme.
• A large quantity of reading material will be supplied, mainly by our web-based learning platform, and will come in a range of electronic formats.
• Lecturers will also provide online assessments which will automatically provide feedback to you. Discussion forums are set up for all students to participate in, some of which may be assessed.
• Lecturers and course coordinators may use online learning platforms to contact individual students by email, and will often load important announcements for the whole class to view. It is imperative that you access our online learning platforms consistently during the week (including weekends) to keep on track in all aspects of the programme. You will receive training on how to use our online learning platforms in your first block course.

Before you apply

Prior to enrolment in either the New Zealand Certificate, or the first year of the degree, applicants must complete at least three days’ work experience in a veterinary clinic, and provide a letter of recommendation from them. We recommend that you provide this letter as early as possible to speed up your application process.

During your programme of choice, you’ll also be required to complete at least 200 hours of practical experience in an external clinic. We recommend that this is also arranged prior to the start date. You’re able to complete this at the same clinic where you complete your initial work experience if this option is available.