NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) – One Year*
Allied Health
A course by
EIT
This one-year NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Level 6 prepares students to become veterinary nursing professionals, delivering surgical, medical, anaesthetic care, diagnostic sampling, and medical imaging in clinical veterinary environments. It combines theoretical learning, practical skill development, and workplace placements.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Hawke's Bay Campus, Hawke's Bay
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Perform Veterinary Nursing Procedures
Demonstrate competence in surgical, anaesthetic, and medical nursing tasks in a clinical veterinary environment.
Diagnostic and Imaging Skills
Carry out diagnostic sampling and medical imaging effectively to support diagnosis and treatment of animal patients.
Workplace Integration
Function professionally as part of a veterinary team in clinical settings, managing patient care and client interactions according to protocols.
What You're Signing Up For
The NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become essential members of veterinary teams, providing comprehensive nursing care including surgical, anaesthetic, and medical nursing, along with diagnostic and imaging services. Students gain hands-on experience through purpose-built facilities and 240 hours of clinical workplace placements across multiple veterinary practices. Entry is for those with prior Level 5 qualifications or equivalent veterinary nursing assistant experience. Graduates are prepared to practice sustainably, manage patients and clients, and engage in continual professional learning within the veterinary nursing field. This diploma also supports progression to further veterinary nursing study such as the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
Course Content
- Surgical veterinary nursing techniques
- Anaesthetic veterinary nursing
- Medical veterinary nursing
- Diagnostic sampling procedures
- Medical imaging in veterinary practice
- Clinical patient and client management
- Sustainable practice and professional development
- Portfolio development during clinical placements
- Workplace health and safety and protocols
What you need to know first
NZ Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) Level 5 or National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Level 5 or equivalent.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Veterinary Services
Animal Health Care
Future employment opportunities might be
Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Sales Representative
Nutritional Sales Representative
Animal Welfare Officer