Health Bridging Certificate (Level 3 and 4)

Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree.

About the programme 

Don't have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes?

This programme will help you bridge the gap! 

Gain confidence, study skills and knowledge in a supportive environment with the guidance and advice from experienced teachers, and benefit from the blended, flexible delivery format, allowing you to fit study around other commitments.

You can either study this programme via a mix of online and face-to-face teaching at our Dunedin Campus or online with three compulsory block courses (per semester) at our Dunedin Campus or at Whitireia Polytechnic Campus in Porirua. Check the Workload section below for block course dates.

During semester one (Level 3), you will study core courses such as Communication Skills and Study and Career Skills and progress to courses such as Function of the Human Body and Introduction to Careers in Health in semester two (Level 4).

Successful completion of this programme may help you meet the academic entry requirements for entry into:

These programmes also have non-academic entry requirements, so you may need to plan ahead!   

Studying part-time 

We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.

Qualification title

This programme is made up of two qualifications:

  1. New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)* - studied during semester one starting in February
  2. New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4)* - studied during semester two starting in July.  

*Please note: These programme names are currently under review and is proposed to change to the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) and (Level 4) from 2025. 

Courses

This programme is made up of health and community courses taught by blended delivery. Weekly tutorial attendance is required.

Tutorials will be held on campus if you are based in Dunedin and online if you are based elsewhere.

If you are studying online, you are also required to attend three compulsory block courses per semester, either in Dunedin or at Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Porirua.

It's important to note that the Bioscience for Health and Applied Structure and Function of the Human Body courses incorporate practical laboratory sessions, some of which involve chemicals and animal tissue.

SEMESTER ONE (Complete all)    
Course name Level Credits

Communication Skills

Learn how to communicate clearly using a range of appropriate media 

3 15

Personal and Study Skills

Develop focused skills for career and study pathways

3 15

Human Biological Science 1

Gain an underpinning knowledge of chemistry, cell biology, human anatomy and physiology, in terms of normal function within a healthy environment

3 15

Mathematics for Health

Gain essential numeracy skills and statistical knowledge relevant for health professionals in the healthcare sector

3 15
Total   60
SEMESTER TWO (complete all)    
Course name Level Credits

Skills for Successful Tertiary Study 

Learn how to access and use information technologies for academic and/or vocational purposes

4 15

Building Communication Competence

Build the skills to communicate and collaborate as a speaker and a listener in a learning group

4 15

Human Biological Science 2

Understand and apply the basic structure and function of major body systems

4 15

Introduction to Careers in Health

Progress personal goals for career development in the health profession

4 15

Total

  60