NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) – Two Year

Allied Health

A course by

EIT

A two-year NZQA Level 6 diploma preparing you for a professional career as a veterinary nurse, with a blended learning approach and extensive practical placements in clinical animal care settings.

$ENQUIRE

Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 6 Certification

Study Level

Advanced

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Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

Hawke's Bay Campus, Napier

It will take a total of 2 years

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Manage the welfare of companion animals

Apply knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, husbandry, and behaviour to ensure the welfare and health of companion animals.

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Medical and Surgical Nursing Support

Provide comprehensive medical and surgical nursing care for companion animal patients within a clinical veterinary setting.

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Diagnostic Support

Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures to support the assessment and treatment of animals.

What You're Signing Up For

This two-year diploma equips you with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional attributes to become a veterinary nurse, supporting animal health and welfare. The programme includes extensive hands-on training in simulated and real veterinary environments and focuses on clinical skills, medical and surgical nursing, animal behaviour, anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and client care. With a blended delivery model combining online and in-person study, plus a substantial practicum, you will graduate ready for employment in veterinary practices or related roles.

Course Content

  • Animal anatomy and physiology
  • Veterinary nursing practice fundamentals
  • Ethics and veterinary legislation
  • Animal husbandry, handling and behaviour
  • Medical nursing for companion animals
  • Surgical nursing assistance
  • Anaesthetic and analgesic monitoring
  • Veterinary diagnostic procedures and technology
  • Pharmacology and dentistry
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Emergency care and triage
  • Clinical portfolio development
  • Professional communication and client care

What you need to know first

NCEA Level 2 or higher with 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

NZ Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4), or NZ Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4), or NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) or a recognised equivalent

Applicants over 20 may be admitted at EIT discretion based on demonstrated capability

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Good character requirement including Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions Record

Health and privacy declaration

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Veterinary Services

  • Animal Health

  • Animal Welfare

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Veterinary Nurse

  • Veterinary Sales Representative

  • Nutritional Sales Representative

  • Animal Welfare Officer

  • Animal Technician