New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (L6) (Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing)
Animal Care
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Become a fully qualified veterinary nurse with this diploma focused on companion animal veterinary nursing. Gain hands-on clinical, surgical, hospital, and diagnostic skills through a blend of classroom learning and extensive work placement.
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Develop clinical veterinary nursing skills
Gain practical skills for nursing companion animals in clinical, surgical, and hospital environments.
Work effectively in animal healthcare settings
Prepare for roles in veterinary clinics, animal rescue, government, and research organisations.
What You're Signing Up For
This two-year Level 6 diploma prepares students to work as veterinary nurses with a focus on companion animals including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and rodents. The programme blends face-to-face and online learning and includes at least 750 hours of work placement across animal healthcare settings. Graduates gain clinical, surgical, diagnostic, and hospital nursing skills, and become eligible for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council. Career opportunities span veterinary clinics, product suppliers, animal rescue, government, and research organisations.
Course Content
- Veterinary Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Husbandry and Behaviour
- Companion Animal Practicum I & II
- Introduction to Anaesthesia and Analgesia
- Introduction to Medical Nursing
- Introduction to Surgery and Diagnostics
- Anaesthesia Management and Emergencies
- Medical Nursing and Diagnostics
- Companion Animal Practicum III & IV
- Surgical Nursing and Dentistry
- Imaging and Veterinary Nursing Services
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 or higher with at least 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher
Find these employment opportunities
Veterinary nurseRoles in veterinary clinicsVeterinary product supplierAnimal rescue organisationsGovernment animal health positionsAnimal research organisations
