Veterinary Nursing
Make a real difference in the lives of animals and their owners with a rewarding career in Veterinary Nursing. Study how to care for and work with animals alongside a team of dedicated professionals in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Gain the real-world skills needed to work with animals as a veterinary nurse across a range of clinical settings. Study companion animal biology, husbandry, medicine, surgery and patient nursing, while following a clear pathway to becoming a professional veterinary nurse.
Our veterinary nursing programmes offer flexible study options, with both classroom-based learning on campus and distance learning with regional block courses. Through hands-on learning, including work placements and practical experience in our simulation veterinary clinic, you'll develop the skills to confidently enter the workforce or continue your studies with a bachelor's degree in veterinary nursing, or a veterinary nursing / technology specialist qualification.
Otago Polytechnic was the first New Zealand polytechnic to hold the Certified Low-Stress Handling for Dogs and Cats Award, which means you’ll also graduate knowing the best way to handle and care for an animal.
Our graduates are known for their professionalism, work-ready abilities, and passion for making a meaningful difference in animal healthcare. Upon graduating, you'll be eligible to become a registered veterinary nurse in New Zealand.
Veterinary Nursing qualifications
Animal Healthcare and Farming
If you want to be a Veterinary Nurse, this pathway with a companion animal focus and 750 hours of practicum will give you the skills to thrive in a wide range of veterinary settings.Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with some face-to-face teaching
Location
Online, Dunedin
Career potential
Animal Research Technician, Companion Animal Veterinary Nurse
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
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
For the first time in the South Island, and in collaboration with the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), we are now offering the third year of this qualification online. Otago Polytechnic Veterinary Nursing learners can now pathway through the Level 5 Certificate during year one, the Level 6 Diploma during year two and then move into this EIT qualification to complete their degree-level Veterinary Nursing study.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
Online with a work placement
Location
Online
Career potential
Animal Career Educator, Specialist Clinic Roles, Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Nurse Educator
Study Animal Care
Check out our suite of courses in Animal Care working with rural or companion animals.
Student Story
Gina Martelli
I decided to pursue the NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing because I wanted to bring my qualification up to current industry standard, as I had been nursing for so long. I also wanted a qualification that reflected my experience.
Specialise in Avian Wildlife
Our specialist avian wildlife courses are tailored to qualified veterinary nurses and vets.
Discover our Te Kura Oraka Kararehe | School of Animal Health
Get a taste of what it's like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all programmes offered
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen area
- Hear about our latest news and events
- Learn first-hand what it’s like to study with us from real students and graduates
- Read about our postgraduate research and projects
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.
