
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.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 6 Certification (240 Credits)
Advanced
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 6 Certification (240 Credits)
Advanced

Acquire advanced understanding and skills in veterinary nursing practice, including theory and best practice clinical procedures.

Demonstrate ability to perform nursing care for companion animals in a range of clinical and practice settings, including surgery and hospitalised patient care.
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.
What you need to know first
60 NCEA credits at Level 2



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.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 6 Certification (240 Credits)
Advanced
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 6 Certification (240 Credits)
Advanced

Acquire advanced understanding and skills in veterinary nursing practice, including theory and best practice clinical procedures.

Demonstrate ability to perform nursing care for companion animals in a range of clinical and practice settings, including surgery and hospitalised patient care.
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.
What you need to know first
60 NCEA credits at Level 2


In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Invercargill, Invercargill
It will take a total of 2 years

Manage anaesthesia and respond to animal emergencies effectively within the scope of a veterinary nurse.
12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2 and 12 credits in Maths at Level 1; and 12 credits of relevant science at Level 1, or equivalent secondary study
Ability to demonstrate previous experience working with animals
Aptitude for working with the public (reference may be required)
Applicants 20+ years may be considered based on demonstrated ability to succeed
All applicants must complete a health declaration and criminal conviction declaration
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6 academic with no band lower than 5.5, or equivalent, for non-native speakers)
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Invercargill, Invercargill
It will take a total of 2 years

Manage anaesthesia and respond to animal emergencies effectively within the scope of a veterinary nurse.
12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2 and 12 credits in Maths at Level 1; and 12 credits of relevant science at Level 1, or equivalent secondary study
Ability to demonstrate previous experience working with animals
Aptitude for working with the public (reference may be required)
Applicants 20+ years may be considered based on demonstrated ability to succeed
All applicants must complete a health declaration and criminal conviction declaration
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6 academic with no band lower than 5.5, or equivalent, for non-native speakers)