Nursing
Make a real difference in people’s lives with a rewarding career in nursing. Study how to care for and work with individuals, whānau and groups of clients alongside other health professionals.
Gain real-life skills needed to practice in all kinds of different healthcare environments, studying the human body, medicine, and how to care for patients.
You’ll learn a range of medical techniques while practicing from our state-of-the-art facilities, including nursing simulation suites.
Benefit from real-world placement experience, the latest industry knowledge and the expertise of our highly skilled and passionate nursing lecturers.
Our Nursing programmes are highly regarded throughout New Zealand, and our graduates are in high demand due to their professionalism and work-ready abilities.
Upon graduating, you’ll be eligible to sit globally recognised exams in which you can gain official Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse positions.
Nursing qualifications
Health, Health & Wellbeing
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Health, Health & Wellbeing
This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma or degree level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent, e.g. NCEA Level 3.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
1 Year Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Health
This programme will give you the skills you need to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) as an Enrolled Nurse. Upon graduation, you’ll then need to pass the NCNZ Registration Exam and meet other criteria to be issued with a practicing certificate to work as an Enrolled Nurse.Duration
18 Months Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Career potential
Enrolled Nurse
Health
Become qualified to the highest industry standards with our Bachelor of Nursing degree. You will study nursing practice, human behaviour, pharmacology and human body systems and gain vital hands-on experience in our nursing simulation suite and practice placements. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit the State Final Exam for registration as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand.Duration
3 Years Full-time
5 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Career potential
Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Researcher, Nursing Education, Registered Nurse
Health
This is New Zealand’s first and only qualification in wound debridement and provides competency in conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD). To apply for this Certificate, you’ll need to be an existing health professional (RN, Nurse Practitioner, EN, Podiatrist or Doctor) working with adults and performing wound care procedures (at least weekly). You’ll need organisational support from your employer to undertake mentor supervised CSWD procedures.Duration
26 Weeks Part-time
Delivery
Online with block course(s)
Student stories
Discover our School of Nursing
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all qualifications 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
Nursing news
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.
