New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Companion Animal Healthcare)
Animal Care
A course by
UCOL
Gain essential skills for assisting veterinary teams and animal care professionals with the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4), specialising in companion animal healthcare. Designed for beginners, it provides foundational training in animal handling, care, and healthcare support.
NZ$9,979
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Assist veterinary teams and animal care professionals
Support veterinarians and veterinary nurses in clinical and care environments, undertaking a range of animal healthcare tasks.
Demonstrate professional and safe practices
Work effectively and safely within animal care settings, applying infection control and health and safety procedures.
About This Course
This Level 4 programme is the ideal entry into the world of companion animal healthcare, equipping learners with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to assist veterinary teams in clinics, hospitals, and animal care facilities. Training covers safe animal handling, basic healthcare tasks, animal welfare and behaviour, infection control, nutrition, and effective teamwork. The qualification is structured around two semesters and includes substantial practical work placements to build confidence and competency in real-world settings.
Course Content
- Companion Animal Professionalism and Infection Control
- Companion Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Companion Animal Husbandry
- Companion Animal Clinical Skills 1
- Companion Animal Health and Hygiene
- Companion Animal Clinical Assistance
- Companion Animal Preparation for Practice
- Companion Animal Clinical Skills 2
- Animal handling and care
- Animal welfare and behaviour
- First aid and clinical procedures
- Team communication in animal health settings
- Work placements (minimum 240 hours)
Entry Requirements
40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or a recognised equivalent
Build towards these roles
Animal healthcare assistant in clinicsVeterinary clinic assistantCare assistant in animal hospitals or animal care facilities
Build skills in these industries
Animal healthcareVeterinary servicesAnimal welfare
UCOL is a polytechnic built around the kind of learning that actually sticks — hands-on, practical, and grounded in the real world. With campuses across the lower North Island and a programme range that stretches from trades and health to creative arts and IT, it's a strong fit for learners who want a clear path into work without unnecessary detours. Whether you're fresh out of school, changing direction, or building on what you already know, UCOL is set up to meet you where you are.
