Allied Health
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Become a fully qualified veterinary nurse with this diploma focused on companion animal veterinary nursing. Gain hands-on clinical, surgical, hospital, and diagnostic skills through a blend of classroom learning and extensive work placement.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 2 years

Gain practical skills for nursing companion animals in clinical, surgical, and hospital environments.

Prepare for roles in veterinary clinics, animal rescue, government, and research organisations.

Be eligible to apply for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council.
This two-year Level 6 diploma prepares students to work as veterinary nurses with a focus on companion animals including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and rodents. The programme blends face-to-face and online learning and includes at least 750 hours of work placement across animal healthcare settings. Graduates gain clinical, surgical, diagnostic, and hospital nursing skills, and become eligible for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council. Career opportunities span veterinary clinics, product suppliers, animal rescue, government, and research organisations.
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 or higher with at least 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher

Veterinary services
Animal health
Animal welfare and rescue
Government agencies
Animal research

Veterinary nurse
Allied Health
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Become a fully qualified veterinary nurse with this diploma focused on companion animal veterinary nursing. Gain hands-on clinical, surgical, hospital, and diagnostic skills through a blend of classroom learning and extensive work placement.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 2 years

Gain practical skills for nursing companion animals in clinical, surgical, and hospital environments.

Prepare for roles in veterinary clinics, animal rescue, government, and research organisations.

Be eligible to apply for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council.
This two-year Level 6 diploma prepares students to work as veterinary nurses with a focus on companion animals including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and rodents. The programme blends face-to-face and online learning and includes at least 750 hours of work placement across animal healthcare settings. Graduates gain clinical, surgical, diagnostic, and hospital nursing skills, and become eligible for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council. Career opportunities span veterinary clinics, product suppliers, animal rescue, government, and research organisations.
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 or higher with at least 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher

Veterinary services
Animal health
Animal welfare and rescue
Government agencies
Animal research

Veterinary nurse
12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher
12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3)
OR a recognised equivalent qualification
Completed health and criminal declaration form
Roles in veterinary clinics
Veterinary product supplier
Animal rescue organisations
Government animal health positions
Animal research organisations
12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher
12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3)
OR a recognised equivalent qualification
Completed health and criminal declaration form
Roles in veterinary clinics
Veterinary product supplier
Animal rescue organisations
Government animal health positions
Animal research organisations