Competency Assessment Programme - for Internationally Qualified Nurses
Nursing
A course by
Unitec
A 10-week programme enabling internationally qualified nurses to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and practice safely in the NZ health context.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Waitākere Hospital (Simulation Lab) & Clinical Placement Partners, Auckland
It will take a total of 10 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Understand New Zealand Nursing Context
Gain knowledge of the NZ healthcare system and the role and responsibilities specific to nursing practice in New Zealand.
Competency Assessment for NZ Registration
Demonstrate the professional competencies and skills required by the Nursing Council of New Zealand to be eligible for nurse registration.
Applied and Clinical Skills
Complete clinical practice placements and applied learning exercises to show practical competence in local healthcare settings.
What You're Signing Up For
This short course is designed for internationally qualified registered nurses aiming to practice in New Zealand. It covers New Zealand healthcare systems, contemporary nursing contexts, and includes both theoretical and clinical placements to assess competence according to the Nursing Council of New Zealand standards. Graduates are prepared to apply for NZ nursing registration.
Course Content
- Four weeks of theoretical study (3 days/week) including applied learning at a Simulation Lab
- Understanding contemporary nursing in New Zealand
- Six weeks of clinical practice placements (aged care facilities/acute hospitals)
- Competency assessment against New Zealand standards
- Preparation for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand
What you need to know first
Evidence of approved registration as a nurse in a country other than New Zealand
CV showing at least one year of employment as a registered nurse
Written recommendation from the Nursing Council of New Zealand (from last 24 months) requiring completion of a CAP programme
Certified copies of two forms of ID (one must be passport and valid visa)
Self-declaration of criminal convictions and any medical conditions
Consent to NZ police vetting and provision of two referees’ contact details
Interview participation
Health screening, immune status, and medical declaration—signed by a doctor
Police clearance from any country lived in except NZ
Evidence of English language proficiency (if English is not first language); see Nursing Council NZ requirements
Level 2 First Aid Certificate (required within 2–3 weeks of starting the course)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Nursing
Healthcare
Future employment opportunities might be
Eligibility to register as a nurse in New Zealand
Practice nursing in NZ health sector