New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Companion Animal Healthcare) or (Rural Animal Healthcare)

Designed to create a training pathway for those wanting a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant, this new programme recognises the role as distinct from a Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.

About the programme

The role of an Animal Healthcare Assistant is to support veterinary nurses, veterinarians and rural animal veterinary technicians in veterinary practices.

Designed to create a training pathway for those wanting a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant, this new programme recognises the role as distinct from a Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.

This programme will equip you with the technical knowledge and skills you need to perform this job under broad supervision, including effective teamwork and communication skills.

You'll choose from two focus areas:

  1. Companion Animal Healthcare - this starts in February. 
  2. Rural Animal Healthcare - this starts in July. 
An Equine Healthcare focus may also be available at a later date.

For all focus areas you will be required to complete 240 hours of work placement

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 in Dunedin.

This flexible approach means you will enjoy a varied course of learning and be supported by our staff both remotely and in person.

Keen for further study?

Following graduation, you could study our two-year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing to widen your career opportunities.

What you'll study

We're a leader in the provision of online animal health education. You'll learn via online facilitated teaching sessions and discussion forums, as well as having access to online course resources and activities (written, audio and video)

Companion Animal Focus Area
Course Credits
Companion Animal Professionalism And Infection Control 15
Companion Animal Anatomy And Physiology 15
Introduction To Companion Animal Husbandry And Behaviour 15
Companion Animal Practicum 1 15
Companion Animal Health And Hygiene 15
Companion Animal Clinical Assistance 15
Companion Animal Preparation For Practice 15
Companion Animal Practicum 2 15

You'll choose from two focus areas:
  1. Companion Animal Healthcare
  2. Rural Animal Healthcare
An Equine Healthcare focus may also be available at a later date.

For all focus areas you will be required to complete 240 hours of work placement.