About New Zealand Diploma In Veterinary Nursing in Unitec Institute of Technology

Programme overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing provides a platform for you to build the hands-on skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified veterinary nurse and help animals maintain the best possible health and quality of life in a clinical environment. It's the ideal next step if you have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) or equivalent, and want to advance your capabilities to the next level.

Through demonstrations, practical sessions, group work, small group tutorials, and real-life case studies, you'll learn how to manage patients and clients, and contribute to the treatment and care of animals. There are plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice at Unitec’s partner veterinary clinic Vet Care, as well as your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa.

You will graduate as a qualified veterinary nurse who is able to work effectively and efficiently in a clinical setting, and you’ll be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.

Highlights

• Build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at Unitec's on-campus veterinary facilities and at external clinics across New Zealand
• Develop a thorough understanding of what's considered best practice in a clinical environment, and the ethical and welfare implications of veterinary care
• Learn from experienced lecturers who are knowledgeable in veterinary medicine/science, animal health and welfare, microbiology, genetics, and animal behaviour
• Benefit from a varied learning approach that includes practical sessions, group work, online/small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision
• The opportunity to apply for a practical placement at the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo (placements limited)

Career Options

• Qualified veterinary nurse (with opportunities to advance to senior levels)
• Veterinary clinic practice manager
• Pet food company representative
• Veterinary supply company representative
• Pharmaceutical company representative
• Laboratory animal manager
• Laboratory animal technician
• Breeding centre manager

Academic qualification equivalents

• A minimum of 3 years secondary education

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :        An overall IELTS band score (Academic Format) of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5. 
  TOEFL    :        overall TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) Score of 60 (writing 18)
  PTE         :        (Academic) with a score of 50 with no score lower than 42

Unitec Institute of Technology Tuition Fees

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.