Course Overview

This exciting, one-year course prepares you to work as a veterinary nursing assistant in a vet clinic.

In this job you'll work in a team environment assisting vets and vet nurses. You'll care for animal patients and assist with anaesthesia, surgery and preparation, and diagnostics.

There's lots of practical handling of the animals. Plus you'll undertake animal facility and vet clinic work.

You'll learn from qualified, practising vets and vet nurses in our facilities right here on campus. And you'll get to apply your learning in vet clinics out in the community.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) (Level 5)

General Eligibility

You need to be 18 years of age at the start of the course in order to be accepted. This age requirement is endorsed by the New Zealand Veterinary Association and is a Health and Safety requirement and regulation for the use of radiology equipment.

Academic Entry

You must have completed:

• 60 NCEA credits at Level 2, with a minimum of 12 NCEA English credits at Level 2, 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1, and 12 credits of relevant Science at Level 1, OR

• equivalent tertiary study.

Previous Experience

You should also demonstrate previous experience working with animals, and an aptitude for working with the public. Suitable experience includes:

• three or more days observing in a veterinary clinic or equivalent. 

• evidence of aptitude for working with the public which should include a reference from:

  • an employer where the prospective student has worked with the public (e.g. retail, volunteer, customer service), or

  • a teacher attesting to social and communication skills. 

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• Level 5 certificate or diploma IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.