New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

A two year full-time Level 6 programme of 240 credits

Upon completion you will graduate as a veterinary nurse. You will be able to work in veterinary clinics, helping patients and owners on a daily basis. As a qualified veterinary nurse, you can really make a difference! NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing opens up many varied and exciting career options within the animal world, both in New Zealand and overseas.

2027 programme dates:
15 February 2027 to 19 November 2027

Semester 1: 15th February – 25th June 2027 (semester break 12th April – 23rd April)
Semester 2: 19th July – 19th November 2027 (semester break 27th September – 8th October)

Year One students spend three days in the classroom, one day in a vet clinic and one day in self-directed learning, per week.

Topics studied include:

Programme Content Summary
Topics and Credits – YEAR ONE

Professional Practice and Clinical Governance = 10 Credits
Anatomy and Physiology = 20 Credits
Animal Health and Behaviour = 25 Credits
Medical Veterinary Nursing = 20 Credits
Surgical Veterinary Nursing = 30 Credits
Microbiology and Diagnostic Procedures = 15 Credits

Total 120 Credits

Topics and Credits – YEAR TWO

Professional Practice and Clinical Governance = 15 Credits
Animal Health and Behaviour = 20 Credits
Medical Veterinary Nursing = 30 Credits
Surgical Veterinary Nursing = 30 Credits
Diagnostic Procedures = 25 Credits

Total 120 Credits

Graduate Profile:

All graduates of this qualification will be able to

Demonstrate professional practice in an animal healthcare setting.
Apply knowledge of animal functional anatomy and physiology to mage animal welfare.
Apply knowledge of husbandry and behaviour to mage the welfare of companion animals.
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.

Entry Criteria

Minimum educational requirements of:

* 60 NCEA Level 2 credits including

* 12 credits English Level 2

* 12 credits Maths Level 1

* 12 credits relevant Science Level 1

OR Equivalent secondary or tertiary study [Level 4 or higher].

OR a satisfactory score on the Vet Nurse Plus pre-entry assessment.

English as a second language, preference will be given to candidates with an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 [or equivalent].

Fees

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Selection Criteria

A formal interview will be held with candidates who are not currently studying with Vet Nurse Plus and can demonstrate meeting the entry criteria. All applicants will be selected from a range of criteria.

Applicants will need to complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions, and sign a consent form allowing Vet Nurse Plus to obtain a Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history.

Applicants will also complete a medical health form.

NZ Diploma In Veterinary Nursing