New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing)
Animal Care
A course by
SIT
A two-year, Level 6 diploma preparing students for a career as a veterinary nurse, specialising in companion animal care, including 750 hours of work placement and hands-on clinical skills.
STUDY FREE
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NZQA Level 6 Certification (240 Credits)
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Core skills this course teaches
Technical knowledge for clinical veterinary nursing
Acquire advanced understanding and skills in veterinary nursing practice, including theory and best practice clinical procedures.
Perform animal healthcare tasks
Demonstrate ability to perform nursing care for companion animals in a range of clinical and practice settings, including surgery and hospitalised patient care.
About This Course
This diploma equips graduates with the technical knowledge and clinical skills required to pursue a career as a veterinary nurse, with a focus on companion animal care. The programme offers both theory and practical learning including anatomy, physiology, surgery, diagnostics, anaesthesia, animal behaviour, surgery, medical nursing, and a substantial work placement. Graduates develop the capacity to deliver high-quality animal nursing care, practice sustainably, and engage in lifelong learning in the veterinary sector. The diploma is structured across four semesters (two years full time), and completion enables eligibility for professional registration.
Course Content
- Veterinary nursing practice
- Animal husbandry and behaviour
- Anatomy and physiology
- Anaesthesia and analgesia
- Clinical skills
- Medical nursing and diagnostics
- Surgical nursing
- Cultural practice
- Sustainability in animal care
- Diagnostic imaging
- Veterinary nursing services
- Work placements in animal healthcare environments
Entry Requirements
60 NCEA credits at Level 2
Build towards these roles
Companion animal veterinary nurseAnimal research technician
Build skills in these industries
Veterinary servicesAnimal healthcareAnimal welfare
