New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Companion Animal Healthcare) or (Rural Animal Healthcare)
Animal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain the skills and knowledge to become an Animal Healthcare Assistant in either companion or rural animal settings with this Level 4 NZQA certificate. Delivered through a flexible, facilitated blend of online and in-person learning, with required work placements.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Distance with block courses, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Develop technical animal healthcare skills
Graduates will be able to provide support in animal healthcare settings under broad supervision, performing responsibilities appropriate to an Animal Healthcare Assistant.
Effective teamwork and communication
Ability to work effectively as part of a veterinary or animal care team, communicating professionally within animal health settings.
Clinical assistance and infection control
Apply understanding of basic health, hygiene, and infection control in veterinary and animal facilities.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) certificate programme prepares students for a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant. The NZQA Level 4 programme recognises this role as distinct from Veterinary Nurse or Technician and equips graduates with technical animal care skills, teamwork, communication, and practical animal health knowledge. Learners choose a focus on either companion or rural animal healthcare and complete at least 240 hours of supervised work placements. Study is mainly online, with compulsory on-site blocks in Dunedin.
Course Content
- Companion Animal Professionalism and Infection Control
- Companion Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Companion Animal Husbandry and Behaviour
- Companion Animal Practicum 1
- Companion Animal Health and Hygiene
- Companion Animal Clinical Assistance
- Companion Animal Preparation for Practice
- Companion Animal Practicum 2
- Rural Animal Professionalism and Infection Control
- Rural Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Rural Animal Husbandry and Behaviour
- Rural Animal Practicum 1
- Rural Animal Health and Hygiene
- Rural Animal Clinical Assistance
- Rural Animal Preparation for Practice
- Rural Animal Practicum 2
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above, OR a recognised equivalent.
Completion of a health declaration and criminal convictions declaration prior to acceptance.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal Care
Veterinary Services
Agriculture
Future employment opportunities might be
Animal Healthcare Assistant
Support role in veterinary or animal services
Animal facility or farm assistant
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.