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Health Bridging Certificate (Level 4 only)

This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma or degree level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent, e.g. NCEA Level 3.

Domestic
International
Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
1 Year Part-time
Level
4
Credits
60
Fees
$4,448
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee - see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Online with block course(s)
Location
Dunedin, Online, Wellington
Intakes
July
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About the programme

This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the academic entry requirements for our diploma- or degree-level health programmes. 

During this certificate, you'll study core courses such as Function of the Human Body and Introduction to Careers in Health. You'll gain further study skills and knowledge in a supportive environment with 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 at our Dunedin Campus or at Whitireia Polytechnic Campus in Porirua. Check the Workload section below for block course dates.

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

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 one year part-time.

Qualification title 

You will be awarded the following qualification when you successfully complete this programme: 

  • New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) - studied during semester two starting in July.  
What you study
Workload
Entry
Fees
Application

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 by distance, you are also required to attend three compulsory block courses, either in Dunedin or at Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Porirua.

It's important to note that some courses incorporate practical laboratory sessions which involve chemicals and animal tissue.

Course name Description Credits
Skills for Successful Tertiary Study Learn how to access and use information technologies for academic and/or vocational purposes. (Level 4, 15 credits)
Building Communication Competence Discover how to communicate and collaborate as a speaker and a listener in a learning group. (Level 4, 15 credits)
Human Biological Science 2 

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

 (Level 4, 15 credits)
Introduction to Careers in Health

Progress your personal goals for career development in the health profession. 

 (Level 4, 15 credits) 

Moving into our health-related degrees

Due to the high demand for places, successful completion of 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.   

Cancellation of a programme

Any programme of study, course or course occurrence may be cancelled or postponed where there are insufficient numbers. As far as is practically possible, we avoid cancelling or making other significant changes less than two weeks before the programme starts (or five working days for short courses). If this happens, we will do our best to suggest alternative study options for you. If you don’t want to do the alternative programme, we will give you a full refund. For international students, if a programme change affects your visa status, we will let you know and support you to find an alternative option. We also advise Immigration New Zealand of any programme change that will affect international students.