About New Zealand Certificate In Animal Technology (veterinary Nursing Assistant) in Unitec Institute of Technology
Programme overview
The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) is a hands-on programme that teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to help assist with the care of animals in a clinical environment.
Through tutorials, group work, practical sessions, and demonstrations, you will learn to assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses and contribute to providing a high standard of care for patients. You will be able to put your skills into practice in Unitec’s veterinary simulation clinic as well as during placements at veterinary clinics.
As well as building practical skills, you will get a firm grounding in the principles that underpin the health, husbandry, welfare, and behaviour of animals. You will also learn the communication and business aspects needed to work effectively in animal industries. This combination will give you the ethical values and cultural understanding that you need to be an effective member of a professional veterinary team.
Highlights
- Learn from lecturers who are experienced veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and who work closely with the veterinary industry
- Gain hands-on experience at Unitec’s partner veterinary clinic Vet Care, as well as your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa
- Develop a solid understanding of best practice in a professional clinical environment
- Benefit from a blended learning approach that includes group work, online tutorials, practical sessions, and one-to-one supervision
Career Options
- Veterinary nurse assistant (NZ or overseas veterinary clinics)
- Animal shelter/rescue centre employee
- Kennel/cattery employee
- Pet product industry representative
- Laboratory animal assistant
- Own business options such as pet minding, product retail, etc
Academic qualification equivalents
- A minimum of 3 years secondary education
English language requirements (one of the below):
- IELTS : 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
- TOEFL : Score of 46 (writing 14)
- PTE : 42 with no score lowerthan 36
Unitec Institute of Technology Tuition Fees
| Courses |
Duration |
Tuition Fees |
| Medicine and HealthCare (1 Courses) |
3 year |
NZD 22056 |
| Engineering (4 Courses) |
2 Year - 3 Year |
NZD 22489 - NZD 22714 |
| Science (2 Courses) |
2 Year - 3 Year |
NZD 21200 - NZD 23150 |
| Arts (1 Courses) |
3 year |
NZD 22056 |
| Information Technology (IT) (4 Courses) |
1 Year - 3 Year |
NZD 20145 - NZD 23150 |
| Banking & Finance (1 Courses) |
12 month |
NZD 19992 |
| Management (3 Courses) |
2 year |
NZD 22277 - NZD 23150 |
New Zealand Living Expenses
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment. No matter what your tuition or course fee is, the average living expense will be same for everyone. Please note that these amounts are just recommendations, Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year plus return airfare or 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 |
