Health Bridging Certificate (Level 3 and 4)
Health Studies
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Bridge the gap to diploma or degree-level healthcare programmes with the Health Bridging Certificate (Level 3 and 4), building study skills, science knowledge, and confidence for further study in health fields.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 4 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Build academic readiness for health programmes
Gain foundational science, mathematics and communication skills to meet entry requirements for diploma and degree-level health study.
Develop independent study and career skills
Acquire personal, study, and information technology skills to succeed in tertiary education and future career pathways.
Understand core concepts in human biology
Demonstrate knowledge of chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology relevant to health environments.
What You're Signing Up For
This programme prepares students who do not yet meet the academic requirements for higher-level healthcare study. Delivered in a flexible, blended format, students gain essential study and communication skills as well as foundational knowledge in human biology and mathematics relevant to health. Completion allows application to health diplomas and degrees such as Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, and Social Services. Courses include online and on-campus options with compulsory block courses in Dunedin or Porirua. The programme consists of two embedded qualifications: New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) and (Level 4).
Course Content
- Communication Skills: develop clear communication using various media
- Personal and Study Skills: focused skills for career and study pathways
- Human Biological Science 1: chemistry, cell biology, human anatomy, and physiology fundamentals
- Mathematics for Health: numeracy and statistics for health sector contexts
- Skills for Successful Tertiary Study: information technology and academic strategies
- Building Communication Competence: intergroup communication and collaboration
- Human Biological Science 2: structure and function of major body systems
- Introduction to Careers in Health: career development in health professions
- Lab practicals in biosciences (including safe chemical and animal tissue handling)
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Community Care
Allied Health
Nursing
Future employment opportunities might be
Pathway to health support roles
Entry into further study leading to careers such as Nurse, Midwife, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Allied Health professional
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.