Programme Outline
This qualification will prepare you for a career as a veterinary nursing professional, providing you with the technical knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to support animals in achieving and maintaining optimal health and well-being. Intended for those who recognise the importance of animals in society, it focuses on clinical veterinary and animal healthcare settings.
Our blended learning approach, featuring purpose-built animal housing and a simulated surgical suite, ensures effective skill development. Hands-on experience in veterinary clinics across New Zealand will allow you to develop the valuable skills needed to become a competent and confident veterinary nurse.
This qualification will provide you with the technical knowledge and skills to work as a veterinary nurse in a clinical environment, along with the interpersonal skills to manage colleague, patient and client relationships effectively. The programme emphasises sustainable, reflective and evidenced based practice, ensuring you are well prepared to embark on a successful and rewarding career.
The NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing [Level 6] recognises competence in a wide range of skills that enable you to become a functioning part of a veterinary team in a veterinary clinic through being able to:
- Apply knowledge of animal functional anatomy and physiology to manage the welfare of companion animals.
- Apply knowledge of husbandry and behaviour to manage animal welfare.
- Provide medical and surgical nursing to support the welfare of companion animal patients.
- Apply knowledge of veterinary diagnostic procedures to support the welfare of companion animal patients.
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.
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.
Career and Study Opportunities
Your study pathway could progress onto the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
Possible jobs and career opportunities may include:
- Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Sales Representative
- Nutritional Sales Representative
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Animal Technician
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
The academic entry requirement for this programme is either:
- NCEA Level 2 or higher including a minimum of:
- 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher;
- 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher; and
- 12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher
OR
This qualification may build on the:
- NZ Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting [Level 4];
- NZ Certificate in Animal Management [Level 4] ; or
- NZ Certificate in Animal Care [Level 3]
OR
A recognised equivalent.
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.
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.
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.
