New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Animal Care
A course by
UCOL
Prepare for a career as a veterinary nursing professional. Gain the technical skills, knowledge and attributes needed to help animals attain, maintain or recover optimal health and quality of life.
NZ$7,438
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Technical Veterinary Nursing Skills
Develop advanced practical abilities in anaesthesia, diagnostics, surgical support, and medical nursing within a veterinary clinic.
Patient and Client Management
Effectively manage animal patients and interact professionally with clients and interdisciplinary health teams.
About This Course
The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at UCOL equips students with comprehensive technical veterinary nursing skills for clinical environments. The programme includes theory and significant practical experience, including work placements in veterinary clinics and animal care facilities. It covers anaesthesia, diagnostics, surgery, medical and patient care, and the management of veterinary nursing services. Graduates are prepared to manage patients and clients, follow clinical protocols, and work effectively as members of multidisciplinary veterinary teams.
Course Content
- Anaesthesia and Surgery: Monitoring and intervention during anaesthesia and surgery, dental care.
- Diagnostics A: Hematology, biochemistry, bacteriology, cytology.
- Diagnostics B: Diagnostic testing in bacteriology, mycology, virology, cytology, parasitology, clinical pathology, radiography, ultrasonography, blood gas analysis, capnography.
- Medical Nursing: Fluid therapy, medical records, pharmacology, feeding techniques, recumbent patient care, wound care, bandaging, analgesia, pathophysiology, patient assessment.
- Management of Veterinary Nursing Services A: Interpersonal relations, weight management, behaviour, complementary medicine, dentistry, chronic disease management.
- Management of Veterinary Nursing Services B: Triage, animal welfare, preventative health, reproduction, parturition, animal density, chronic disease management.
Entry Requirements
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Vet Nursing Assistant) Level 5 or equivalent veterinary nursing qualification
Build towards these roles
Veterinary NurseVeterinary Clinic AssistantAnimal Hospital NurseAnimal Care Facility Worker
Build skills in these industries
Veterinary ServicesAnimal HealthcareCompanion Animal Services
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.
