Veterinary Nursing

Start a rewarding career as a Veterinary Nurse today by enrolling into a brand-new diploma due to commence in 2025.

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About the programme

The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) is a new diploma that is expected to commence in 2025.

This two-year, 240-credit programme will replace both the

  • New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), and
  • New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6).

Just want a one-year qualification? Apply now for the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4).

Please note: This programme is subject to final approval from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

You will still be able to complete this study pathway while we develop the new version for expected launch in 2025. We are still accepting enrolments into our current offering of or Level 6 New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in the meantime.

What will I study?

During this programme, you’ll complete 750 hours of work placement.

You’ll graduate with the technical knowledge and skills you need to perform this role and will have a high level of responsibility, allowing you to operate in a wide range of dynamic settings in the companion animal or equine veterinary sector.

You’ll be able to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Veterinary Nurses.

When you successfully finish this programme, you could study the third year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing to widen your career options.

Location

On campus or online with some face-to-face teaching

Available for international students

Yes, our on campus option is available to international students

Start

Feb 2025

Duration

On campus: 2 years full-time

Online/by distance: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time

Entry requirements (indicative only) 

  • 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 [Ref: 2489]; or a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above; or a recognised equivalent. Special and Discretionary Admission are available.
  • International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 6 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5.5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
  • In addition to meeting the requirements for admission all applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme. 
    (Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.)
  • Please note: Selection processes may apply where the number of applications exceed the number of available places. 

Fees

To be confirmed.

Fees Free 

If this is your first time doing tertiary study, or your first tertiary study was covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship (TTAF) initiative, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training.

All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access Fees Free by entering your National Student Number. 

If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.  

Check whether you can access funding here >

NZQA consultation

This qualification has reached a stage where it is listed with NZQA and we're finalising it for approval. You can find this qualification on the NZQA website here.

This programme will run subject to minimum numbers. 

How to apply

Click the button below to start your application for our New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)

Contact us

If you want to chat about the best option for you, please email us using the button below or call us on 0800 762 786. Our experienced and dedicated staff are here to find the right pathway for you to achieve what you want to.