New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)
Allied Health
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
A two-year, full-time diploma that prepares students to become skilled veterinary nurses, capable of working in clinical settings and animal healthcare environments.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 2 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop technical veterinary nursing skills
Gain technical knowledge and clinical skills for a wide range of clinical veterinary procedures and protocols.
Effective communication and collaboration
Work effectively with colleagues, clients (animal owners), and within multi-disciplinary teams in veterinary settings.
Perform clinical responsibilities
Undertake high level of responsibility and discretion within protocols and scope of practice in dynamic and unpredictable situations.
What You're Signing Up For
This diploma equips students with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to work as veterinary nurses in a variety of clinical veterinary practices. Learning includes tutorials, class discussions, intensive clinical workshops, and significant Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements. Graduates are prepared for dynamic, responsible roles in veterinary nursing, working with both animals and their owners, including eligibility to register with New Zealand's Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council.
Course Content
- Veterinary nursing practice
- Anatomy and physiology
- Animal husbandry and behaviour
- Companion animal practicum I & II
- Introduction to anaesthesia and analgesia
- Introduction to medical nursing
- Introduction to surgery and diagnostics
- 750 hours of Work Integrated Learning (250 hours Year 1, 500 hours Year 2)
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 or higher including at least 12 credits in English at Level 2, 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1, and 12 credits of relevant science at Level 1; OR a recognised equivalent qualification;
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Veterinary services
Animal healthcare
Future employment opportunities might be
Veterinary nurse in clinical practice
Animal health co-ordinator
Feline isolation attendant
Veterinary nurse assistant in shelters