Programme Outline
The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVN) programme is designed for individuals wanting to become highly regarded industry professionals within the veterinary nursing sector.
Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to make well-informed choices of a career or academic path and the language, literacy and numeracy skills required for study.
If you already hold the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), you can enter directly into the third year of the degree and complete your qualification in just one additional year. Study fully online, with flexible part-time options available to suit your schedule.
Year One
During your first year you will learn about the fundamentals of veterinary nursing practice, ethics and legislation, anatomy and physiology, animal husbandry, handling and behaviour, surgical and diagnostic services, anaesthetic and analgesia monitoring, and medical nursing.
Year Two
During your second year you will build on your foundation with a more in-depth focus on anaesthetic management, medical nursing, diagnostic techniques and surgical nursing. You’ll also learn about triage and emergency care, pharmacology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging and veterinary nursing services.
Year Three
During your third year you will learn: integrated medical nursing; anaesthesia and surgery; applied animal welfare, wildlife, conservation, emergency care; reflective and inquiry based practice.
As a graduate of the BVN you will:
- Place animal welfare at the forefront of every veterinary nursing task and procedure performed while also considering human and environmental factors.
- Integrate extensive knowledge and understanding of the professional, cultural, ethical and moral responsibilities of a veterinary nurse.
- Confidently apply advanced theoretical knowledge and skills in veterinary medical nursing, anaesthesia and surgical assistance in practice.
- Think and reflect critically to continuously improve animal well-being, your own practice and the industry as a whole.
- Pro-actively engage in continuous learning and undertake research to support evidence-based practice, solving complex problems in relation to patient care and health.
- Advise clients on the management of individual animal care based on contemporary evidence.
- Recognise the need for and lead the development of strategies to deal with emotionally and otherwise stressful situations.
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff either in person or by phone and also to visit at any time to view our facilities.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Practicum
During the BVN you must complete practicum as set by the Programme Coordinator and Workplace Coordinator. You will be required to complete 250 hours in Year One, 500 hours in Year Two and 160 hours in Year Three with the acceptance of non-clinical related hours. In addition to this, Year One students must complete hours in the EIT animal facility as rostered on by the Animal Room Technician.
In order to provide you with different perspectives on veterinary nursing, you will complete your practicum in at least two different veterinary practices, unless currently employed at a veterinary clinic.
You will be required to find your own practicum placements with assistance from programme staff where needed. It is recommended practicum will be done in blocks.
While on practicum, you must maintain a portfolio with evidence of completion of practical assessments and clinical skills. You will be in contact with the Workplace Coordinator on a regular basis to discuss progress on the practicum requirements.
A memorandum of agreement will be drawn up between the practicum provider, yourself and EIT, to define rights and responsibilities of each party involved in the placements.
Career Opportunities
Possible jobs and career opportunities can include:
- Veterinary nursing
- Veterinary nurse educator
- Animal care educator
- DOC/MPI roles
- Humane Society roles
- Commercial/medical/veterinary sales representative
- Specialist clinic roles
- Animal care researcher
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
The academic entry requirement for the BVN is either:
- University Entrance, as defined by the NZQA; or
- Evidence regarded as sufficient by EIT of the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study; or
- At the discretion of EIT, where the applicant is over 20 years of age and demonstrates the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study.
Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved either:
- 12 credits or more at NCEA Level 3 in Science-rich subjects (such as Biology, Physical Education, Health, Physics and Chemistry); or
- 12 credits or more in English-rich subjects (such as English, History, Art History, Classics, Geography and Economics).
Other Requirements
ALL applicants are required to provide:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Good Character Requirement
A completed Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions Record (copy of form is attached). EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s police record be such that they would be considered unsuitable for veterinary nursing work. Applicants with convictions for dishonesty or drug offences will likely be considered unsuitable. A criminal declaration will be required every year of enrolment in the programme.
- Health Declaration
All applicants must complete a health and privacy declaration to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.
Please Note: Convictions of any offence and/or declaration of health conditions will not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.
Practical Requirements
- Applicants must be able to carry out physical activities within the EIT Animal Facility (Year One) and while on practicum, including external animal facilities and veterinary clinics to fulfil the requirements of the programme.
- Applicants must also have no objection to working with live animals, dissection of animal body parts, body fluids and cadavers. EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s physical ability or inability to work in this environment prevent them carrying out practical activities required to fulfil the requirements of the programme. These practical requirements will be discussed and confirmed during the information sharing session.
Information Sharing Session
Applicants who meet entry requirements may be required to attend an information sharing session to discuss information about the programme and communicate expectations regarding the programme.
Applicants who meet all entry requirements will be selected in order of application.
English Language Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:
- Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to the conditions in the EIT Database for English Language Proficiency (DELP))
- Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4 with any endorsement)
- IELTS Academic score of 6, with no band score lower than 5.5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment
- Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment (see equivalency tables in the DELP)
Entry with Credit
You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
- RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
You must apply prior to enrolment. CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course.
Overall RPL Credit Limit 50%. The programmes maintain the ability to partially credit courses where evidence of current competence is presented.
If you already hold the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), you can enter directly into the third year of the degree and complete your qualification in just one additional year. Study fully online, with flexible part-time options available to suit your schedule.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact, Emma Martin, Programme Coordinator, on 06 830 1373.
How to Enrol
Step 1 – Check entry requirements
Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.
Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.
Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates
The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.
Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.
Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs
Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.
Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms
If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’
Step 5 – Submit your application
You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.
You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.
You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.
