Programme Outline
During the NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) [Level 3] you will learn about:
- Professional skills when working with animals
- Safe handling and transportation of companion animals
- Anatomy and physiology of animals
- How to care for companion animals
As a graduate you will be able to:
- Comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care and welfare
- Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and ethical behaviour in the provision of animal care
- Apply knowledge of companion animal form and function to identify and respond to individual variations in normal health and behaviour
- Apply knowledge of companion animal health, behaviour, handling, and husbandry to assist with day-to-day care and transportation
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.
Career and Study Opportunities
Your possible employment opportunities include:
- Animal Care Assistant in a veterinary practice, animal laboratory, pet shop, kennel or cattery
- Employment with an animal welfare agency such as the SPCA
- Employment with an animal science research group
- Breeding establishments
- Grooming or pet sitting
Your study pathway could progress onto:
- NZ Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Companion Animals) [Level 4]
- NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing [Level 6]
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
During the NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) [Level 3] you will learn about:
- Professional skills when working with animals
- Safe handling and transportation of companion animals
- Anatomy and physiology of animals
- How to care for companion animals
As a graduate you will be able to:
- Comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care and welfare.
- Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and ethical behaviour in the provision of animal care.
- Apply knowledge of companion animal form and function to identify and respond to individual variations to normal health and behaviour.
- Apply knowledge of companion animal health, behaviour, handling, and husbandry to assist with day to day care and transportation.
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.
Entry Requirements
General Requirements
To be admitted to this programme, an applicant must be:
- At least 16 years old at the time the programme commences, and be
- Physically able to undertake the practical requirements of the programme.
Practical Requirements
- Applicants must be able to carry out physical activities within the EIT Animal Facility and while on work placement in animal care facilities to fulfil the requirements of the programme.
- Applicants must also have no objection to working with 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 orientation.
Good Character Requirements
- ALL applicants are required to provide 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.
A Health and Privacy Declaration will need to be completed on acceptance to the programme.
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.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact, Sarah Subritzky, Programme Coordinator, on 06 830 1583.
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.
