New Zealand Diploma in Rural Animal Veterinary Technology (Level 6)
This programme is designed to provide a clear, industry-relevant pathway for those wishing to start a career as a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician. As a graduate you will work directly and indirectly with veterinarians in rural practice to meet the healthcare needs of our primary production animals.
Domestic
About the programme
This new two-year programme is designed to make the Rural Animal Technician training pathway clearer and more industry-relevant. It recognises the level of skill and knowledge required to become a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician.
As a graduate you will work directly and indirectly with veterinarians in rural practice to meet the healthcare needs of our primary production animals in a wide range of dynamic settings.
You’ll also be able to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Allied Veterinary Professionals.
Please note: this programme replaces our one-year New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Rural Animal Technician).
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 (one each semester). These will be held in Dunedin and Wairarapa. You have the choice of which location to attend.
This flexible approach means you will enjoy a varied course of learning and be supported by our staff both remotely and in person.
What You Study
What you will learn
This programme focuses on caring for farmed commercial animal species.
Among other things, you’ll learn about
- Functional anatomy and physiology
- Animal behaviour
- Veterinary microbiology and infection control
- Pharmacology
- Animal husbandry
- First aid and emergency processes
- Animal nutrition
- Veterinary diagnostic procedures
- Wound physiology and bandaging
- Surgical nursing skills.
You’ll also complete 750 hours of work placement.
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- NCEA (Level 2) including:
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2, and
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in Maths at Level 1, and
- a minimum of 12 credits of relevant Science at Level 1, or
- New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training; Companion Animals; Fish; Amphibians and Reptiles; and Zookeeping, or
- A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above, or
- A recognised equivalent.
Special and Discretionary Admission are available.
All applicants must also complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme. Convictions may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
English Language requirements
- IELTS 6.0 (general or academic) with no individual band score lower than 5.5 from one test taken in the last two years, or equivalent.
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Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
All fees and costs are approximate.
Fees
Domestic fees
Multi-year 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
Visit Welcome to StudyLink studylink.govt.nz to apply for a student loan to cover your course fees, course-related costs or living costs, or to apply for a student allowance.
Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
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.