Rural Animal Health
Study how to care for and work with rural animals from the grassroots level through to being an allied professional in the veterinary team, working in a dynamic and hands-on industry.
Our range of Rural Animal Health programmes provide a blended learning model, allowing you to study online from anywhere in New Zealand, while gaining essential hands-on experience through regional block-courses, farm, and clinic placements.
Through hands-on training, including work placements and practical experience in real-world rural settings, you'll develop the skills to confidently enter the workforce or advance your career in rural veterinary animal health.
Our Diploma in Rural Animal Veterinary Technology is designed to provide a clear, industry-relevant pathway if you want to start your career as a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician. As a graduate you will work directly and indirectly with veterinarians in rural practices to meet the healthcare needs of our primary production animals. You will gain a deep understanding of rural animal health, disease prevention, and best-practice handling techniques to enhance animal welfare and support Aotearoa New Zealand's vital agricultural sector.
The Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting is designed to create a training pathway for those wanting a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant. This programme recognises the role as distinct from a Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.
As the only farming programme in New Zealand with a high-country focus, our Certificate in Agriculture takes a hands-on approach to learning, which will fully prepare you for a career in high-country farming. Covering a wide range of skills, you also have the added benefit of on-farm practical assessments, as well as work placements on local high-country stations. As a graduate, you could be employed in pastoral farming/rural-based workplaces under limited supervision.
Our graduates are highly regarded for their professionalism, technical abilities and industry-ready skills. You'll graduate with a deep understanding of rural animal health, supporting Aotearoa New Zealand's vital agricultural sector.
Rural Animal Health qualifications
Animal Healthcare and Farming
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.Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Delivery
Flexible facilitated
Location
Distance
Career potential
Rural Animal Technician
Animal Healthcare and Farming
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.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
Flexible facilitated
Location
Distance
Career potential
Animal Healthcare Assistant
Animal Healthcare and Farming
As the only farming programme in New Zealand with a high-country focus, this programme has a hands-on approach to learning to fully prepare you for a career in high-country farming. Covering a wide range of skills, you also have the added benefit of on-farm practical assessments, as well as work placements on local high-country stations. As a graduate, you could be employed in pastoral farming/rural-based workplaces under limited supervision.Duration
21 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Cromwell
Career potential
Agricultural Field Sales Rep, Farm Hand, Shepherd
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
