About New Zealand Certificate In Veterinary Nursing Assistant in Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Summary
This programme is for those with previous animal handling experience who wish to work in a veterinary-related field or in a veterinary clinic. Students will develop skills in the care, management, handling, and nursing of a range of companion animals. This programme is the first year of a two-year veterinary nursing programme.
Students will gain 240 hours of work experience made up of rotations through Wintec's teaching surgery, in veterinary clinics, and in animal health related businesses and charities.
Students will get daily opportunities to care and handle companion animals in Wintec's purpose-built facility that houses commonly kept companion animals. They will also gain exposure to the on-site vet clinic while studying.
Successful completion of this programme is required to advance to the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) to become a veterinary nurse.
Please note: It is a requirement of this programme that you have a form of transport and/or someone that can transport you around the Waikato/Waipa areas to complete your work placement hours each week. We cannot guarantee you will be able to complete hours within your area of residence.
Career/further opportunities
Graduates will be able to provide assistance to veterinarians and veterinary nurses in a veterinary clinic, and perform some tasks independently.
This programme comprises Year 1 of a two year veterinary nursing programme. Students wishing to become a qualified veterinary nurse and who complete the Veterinary Nursing Assistant programme may progress to the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6).
Academic qualification equivalents
- Achieved an overall average of 65% in the Higher Secondary School Examination or All‐India Senior School Certificate with a minimum of 60% in English;
English language requirements (one of the below):
- IELTS : Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL : Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
- PTE : score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
New Zealand Living Expenses
You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.
| General expenses |
Cost
(in NZ dollars) |
| Rent (per month) |
$800–$950 |
| Groceries (per week) |
$100–$150 |
| Gym membership (per year) |
$300 |
| Entertainment (per week) |
$50 |
| Milk (per litre) |
$3 |
| Coca Cola (per can) |
$2 |
| Cup of Coffee |
$3–$5 |
| Lunch from University food hall or campus café |
$7–$12 |
| Local calls made from a cell-phone |
$0.50–$1.50 |
| Taxi - 5 km ride |
$10–$12 |
| Movie ticket |
$10–$14 |
| Visit to doctor |
$45–$85 |
