Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
Animal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A three-year degree designed to equip you with veterinary nursing knowledge and clinical skills, including extensive workplace experience for a career supporting animal health and welfare across diverse veterinary contexts.
NZ$10,115
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 35 hours per week
NZ$10,115
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Prioritise animal welfare
Place animal welfare at the forefront of every veterinary nursing task and procedure, while considering human and environmental factors.
Professional responsibility and ethics
Integrate an extensive understanding of the professional, cultural, ethical, and moral responsibilities of a veterinary nurse.
Advanced veterinary nursing skills
Confidently apply advanced theoretical knowledge and skills in veterinary medical nursing, anaesthesia, and surgical assistance in practice.
About This Course
The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing at Otago Polytechnic, jointly delivered with EIT, prepares students for professional practice as veterinary nurses. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical experience through extensive work placements, covering all aspects of contemporary veterinary nursing—from clinical care, diagnostics, anaesthesia and surgery, to animal behaviour and welfare. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council of New Zealand and are prepared for roles in general, referral and specialist practice, as well as opportunities in education, research, leadership, and industry.
Course Content
- Veterinary nursing practice
- Anatomy and physiology
- Animal husbandry and behaviour
- Companion animal care
- Anaesthesia and analgesia
- Medical nursing
- Surgical nursing
- Diagnostics
- Imaging and veterinary nursing services
- Emergency care
- Dentistry
- Pharmacology
- Wildlife and conservation
- Applied contemporary animal welfare
- Reflective and inquiry-based practice
- Applied animal behaviour and cooperative care
- Evidence-based practice
- Clinical reasoning and professional decision-making
Entry Requirements
University Entrance as defined by NZQA
Evidence of capability as determined by the Head of School
Applicants over 20 may be considered at the Head of School's discretion
Curriculum Vitae
Good character requirement (Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions Record)
Health declaration ensuring fitness to practice
Must complete Passport to Safety module before placement
Build towards these roles
Veterinary NurseVeterinary Nurse EducatorAnimal Health and Welfare SpecialistVeterinary Practice Manager
Build skills in these industries
Animal HealthVeterinary ServicesEducationHealthcare
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
