NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) – Two Year
Allied Health
A course by
EIT
A two-year NZQA Level 6 diploma preparing you for a professional career as a veterinary nurse, with a blended learning approach and extensive practical placements in clinical animal care settings.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Hawke's Bay Campus, Napier
It will take a total of 2 years
Core skills this course teaches
Manage the welfare of companion animals
Apply knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, husbandry, and behaviour to ensure the welfare and health of companion animals.
Medical and Surgical Nursing Support
Provide comprehensive medical and surgical nursing care for companion animal patients within a clinical veterinary setting.
Diagnostic Support
Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures to support the assessment and treatment of animals.
What You're Signing Up For
This two-year diploma equips you with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional attributes to become a veterinary nurse, supporting animal health and welfare. The programme includes extensive hands-on training in simulated and real veterinary environments and focuses on clinical skills, medical and surgical nursing, animal behaviour, anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and client care. With a blended delivery model combining online and in-person study, plus a substantial practicum, you will graduate ready for employment in veterinary practices or related roles.
Course Content
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Veterinary nursing practice fundamentals
- Ethics and veterinary legislation
- Animal husbandry, handling and behaviour
- Medical nursing for companion animals
- Surgical nursing assistance
- Anaesthetic and analgesic monitoring
- Veterinary diagnostic procedures and technology
- Pharmacology and dentistry
- Diagnostic imaging
- Emergency care and triage
- Clinical portfolio development
- Professional communication and client care
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 or higher with 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher, 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher, and 12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Veterinary Services
Animal Health
Animal Welfare
Future employment opportunities might be
Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Sales Representative
Nutritional Sales Representative