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.
Domestic
Online with block course(s)
Online
Wellington
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:
- 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!
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:
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) - studied during semester one starting in February.
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) - studied during semester two starting in July. ..
.
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.
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:
- 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 Employment Pathways (Level 3) - studied during semester one starting in February.
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) - studied during semester two starting in July.
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.
2025 block course dates (for those studying online)
Semester one block courses - North Island (Whitireia Weltec Campus, Porirua)
- Saturday 22 February - Sunday 23 February (2 days)
- Saturday 5 April - Sunday 6 April (2 days)
- Saturday 7 June - Sunday 8 June (2 days)
Semester one block courses - South Island (Otago Polytechnic Campus, Dunedin)
- Monday 24 February - Tuesday 25 February (2 days)
- Monday 7 April - Tuesday 8 April (2 days)
- Monday 9 June - Tuesday 10 June (2 days)
Semester two block courses - North Island (Whitireia Weltec, Porirua)
- Saturday 19 July - Sunday 20 July (2 days)
- All prospective Midwifery students also attend the Midwifery Presentation on Mon 21 July (1 day)
- Saturday 6 September - Sunday 7 September (2 days)
- Saturday 8 November - Sunday 9 November (2 days)
Semester two block courses - South Island (Otago Polytechnic Campus, Dunedin)
- All prospective Midwifery students also attend Intro to Careers - Midwifery Presentation on Mon 21 July (1 day)
- Tuesday 22 July - Wednesday 31 July (All new and returning students need to attend both of these days) (2days)
- Monday 8 September - Tuesday 9 September (2 days)
- Monday 10 November - Tuesday 11 November (2 days)
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.
Health and vaccination information
Please note that while you don't need to provide evidence of your vaccination status to apply for this Level 3 or Level 4 health bridging programme, you may need to provide evidence of your vaccination status as part of your enrolment in one of our health diplomas or degrees when you successfully complete this programme. Please check the relevant programme page for further information.
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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
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.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
Applying and enrolling
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.
*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) from 2025.
When you apply with us and receive confirmation of the programme you have been enrolled into, it will state the programme name above - rather than Health Bridging Certificate.
We call it the Health Bridging Certificate in all of our promotional material as it makes the information easier for you to find on our website.
However, the NZQA approved programme name shown above has to be included in your official enrolment documentation.
This name will also appear on your graduation certificate.