New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)
Allied Health
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
This two-year diploma prepares students for a career as a Veterinary Nurse with a companion animal focus, including 750 hours of practicum and work placement, providing technical knowledge and skills to work in dynamic veterinary settings.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 2 years
This course requires 40 hours per week
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Professional Veterinary Nursing Practice
Work safely and effectively in an animal health care environment applying veterinary nursing principles.
Companion Animal Health Knowledge
Understand and apply anatomy, physiology, husbandry, behaviour and welfare standards for companion animals.
Clinical Skills Development
Perform nursing tasks including anaesthesia assistance, medical nursing, surgery support, diagnostics and dentistry for animal patients.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) equips students with the professional skills and knowledge required to work as Veterinary Nurses primarily with companion animals. The programme includes theoretical study and 750 hours of practicum to develop clinical and nursing skills, preparing graduates to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Veterinary Nurses. Career options include Companion Animal Veterinary Nurse and Animal Research Technician. The programme can be studied full-time over two years or part-time over four years, with a domestic and international pathway. Admission requires relevant academic and language prerequisites, and international students must study on campus in Dunedin. The programme offers a pathway into the third year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing for further study.
Course Content
- Year one courses at Level 5 including Veterinary Nursing Practice, Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Husbandry and Behaviour, Companion Animal Practicum 1 and 2, Introduction to Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Introduction to Medical Nursing, Introduction to Surgery and Diagnostics.
- Year two courses at Level 6 including Anaesthesia Management and Emergencies, Medical Nursing and Diagnostics, Companion Animal Practicum 3 and 4, Surgical Nursing and Dentistry, Imaging and Veterinary Nursing Services.
- Work placement requirements including a Passport to Safety module, minimum veterinary clinic and animal facility hours, and the necessity to manage placements preferably prior to programme start.
- Block courses held in different locations lasting two to three days, with scheduled online meetings and ongoing tutor support.
- Entry requirements including NCEA Level 2 credits in English, Maths and Science or equivalent certificates, plus health and criminal declarations for fitness to practice.
- Fees information with approximate first-year domestic fee of NZD 8,226 and international fee of NZD 26,572.
- Career options as Companion Animal Veterinary Nurse or Animal Research Technician, and pathway to Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing year three.
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher, 12 credits in Maths at Level 1 or higher, and 12 credits in relevant Science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher
Or New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3), Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4), or Animal Management (Level 4)
Special Admission and Discretionary Admission pathways for those not meeting academic criteria
Health declaration and declaration of any criminal convictions
English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Veterinary Care
Animal Health
Future employment opportunities might be
Companion Animal Veterinary Nurse
Animal Research Technician
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