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. This programme is made up of two qualifications - the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a health context and the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) with a health context.
Domestic
Online with block course(s)
Online
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.
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:
- New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Social Services
- Bachelor of Applied Science
These programmes also have non-academic entry requirements, so you may need to plan ahead!
This programme is made up of two qualifications:
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) - studied during semester one starting in February
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - studied during semester two starting in July.
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme two years part-time.
International
Online with block course(s)
Online
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.
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:
- New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Social Services
- Bachelor of Applied Science
These programmes also have non-academic entry requirements, so you may need to plan ahead!
This programme is made up of two qualifications:
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) - studied during semester one starting in February
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - studied during semester two starting in July.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
What You Study
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 |
Workload
Your workload
This is a full-time programme and you should expect to spend around 40 hours per week accessing required learning resources, completing assignments and undertaking self-directed study.
Block course dates (for those studying online)
February 2022
- Porirua: Sat 26 Feb, Sun 27 Feb
- Dunedin: Mon 28 Feb, Tues 1 March
April 2022
- Porirua: Sat 9 April, Sun 10 April
- Dunedin: Mon 11 April, Tues 12 April
May 2022
- Porirua: Sat 28 May, Sun 29 May
- Dunedin: Mon 30 May, Tues 31 May
July 2022
- Porirua: Sat 23 July, Sun 24 July, Mon 25 July, Tues 26 July
- Dunedin: Mon 25 July, Tues 26 July, Wed 27 July
September 2022
- Porirua: Sat 10 Sept, Sun 11 Sept
- Dunedin: Mon 12 Sept, Tues 13 Sept
November 2022
- Porirua: Sat 12 Nov, Sun 13 Nov
- Dunedin: Mon 14 Nov, Tues 15 Nov
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: You must have access to the internet to be able to complete this programme.
Entry straight to Level 4
If you meet the below requirements, you will be able to apply for entry straight into Level 4. This six-month certificate starts in July every year. Click here for the Level 4 only programme.
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3), or equivalent.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
Please note: You must have access to the internet to be able to complete this programme.
Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Please note that while you don't need to provide evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this Level 3 or Level 4 health bridging programme, you will need to provide evidence of your vaccination status if you want to apply for one of our health diplomas or degrees when you successfully complete this programme.
Moving into our health-related degrees
Due to the high demand for places, successful completion of the this programme will not automatically guarantee you entry to our health-related degrees.
Progression to Bachelor of Nursing
- A minimum B+ average pass, achieved across the four courses during semester two, is required to meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing. This must include at least a B+ in Human Biological Science 2.
- These programmes also have non-academic entry requirements including language requirements for non-native speakers of English, so you may need to plan ahead!
- Nursing applicants for whom English is a second language will also need to meet the language requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing, which is an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5.
Progression to Bachelor of Midwifery
- Midwifery Council states that applications from applicants under 20 who have met the academic entry criteria to the Bachelor of Midwifery via the Health Bridging Programme will be assessed on their individual merits.
- A minimum B+ average pass, achieved across the four courses during semester two, is required to meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Midwifery. This must include at least a B+ in Human Biological Science 2.
- These programmes also have non-academic entry requirements including language requirements for non-native speakers of English, so you may need to plan ahead!
- Midwifery applicants for whom English is a second language will also need to meet the language requirements for the Bachelor of Midwifery, which is an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 7.0.
Please contact Otago Polytechnic to discuss your pathway to a health-related degree. Email info@op.ac.nz or phone 0800 762 786.
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786 and your message will be sent to the appropriate department.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
We recommend the text 'Introduction to the Human Body: The Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology' by Gerard J.Tortora and Bryan Derrickson (7th edition or later).
Tuition 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).
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, 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. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that 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.
