New Zealand Diploma in Rural Animal Veterinary Technology (Level 6)
This new programme is designed to provide a clear, industry-relevant pathway for those wishing to start a career as a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician. As a graduate you will work directly and indirectly with veterinarians in rural practice to meet the healthcare needs of our primary production animals.
Domestic
About the programme
This new two-year programme is designed to make the Rural Animal Technician training pathway clearer and more industry-relevant. It recognises the level of skill and knowledge required to become a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician.
As a graduate you will work directly and indirectly with veterinarians in rural practice to meet the healthcare needs of our primary production animals in a wide range of dynamic settings.
You’ll also be able to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Allied Veterinary Professionals.
Please note: this programme replaces our one-year New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Rural Animal Technician).
How you'll learn
This programme is delivered through what we call a ‘flexible facilitated’ format, which is a combination of online and in-person teaching, combined with a work placement.
You will study online and attend compulsory block courses, one each semester, in a location near you, with venues in either the South Island or the North Island.
This flexible approach means you will enjoy a varied course of learning and be supported by our staff both remotely and in person.
What You Study
What you’ll study
This programme focuses on caring for farmed commercial animal species.
Among other things, you’ll learn about
- Functional anatomy and physiology
- Animal behaviour
- Veterinary microbiology and infection control
- Pharmacology
- Animal husbandry
- First aid and emergency processes
- Animal nutrition
- Veterinary diagnostic procedures
- Wound physiology and bandaging
- Surgical nursing skills.
You’ll also complete 750 hours of work placement.
Entry
Entry requirements
- NCEA (Level 2) including:
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2, and
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in Maths at Level 1, and
- a minimum of 12 credits of relevant Science at Level 1
- Or New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training; Companion Animals; Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles; and Zookeeping
- Or a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above
- Or a recognised equivalent.
- Special and Discretionary Admission are available.
- International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 6.0 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5.5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
- In addition to meeting the requirements for admission all applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme. (Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority. )
- Please note: Selection processes may apply where the number of applications exceed the number of available places
Fees
Domestic fees
Multi-year fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Fees Free for domestic learners
If this is your first time doing tertiary study, or your first tertiary study was covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship (TTAF) initiative, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access Fees Free by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
We are part of Te Pūkenga
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.