Certificate in
Animal care (Level 4)
SC1005
Starts February
For one semester
Domestic Student fees are $2712.31
Study full-time
Rotokauri Campus in Hamilton
Are you wanting to work with animals and train for an animal-related career? Wintec offers the Certificate in Animal Care (Level 4) which provides an introduction to the animal welfare and care industry.
This programme is ideal for you if you would like to learn about animal health and husbandry in a hands-on environment. You will gain knowledge and practical skills in caring for and managing a range of animal species in Wintec’s own purpose-built animal handling facilities and Animal House at the Rotokauri Campus.
Work experience in a range of positions in the animal care industry will allow you to use the practical skills you learn and let you experience future career options. If you are interested in continuing on to study veterinary nursing you will have the opportunity to observe surgery in the Wintec Veterinary Surgery.
You can use the knowledge as a career path or to improve your own personal knowledge.
The Certificate in Animal Care (Level 4) is an essential foundation programme if you would like to continue into study veterinary nursing or large animal technology in the second semester.
Programme Content
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
You will establish knowledge of the body systems, organs and tissues and the basic structure and function of animal cells. This will allow you to contrast how an animal body functions in a normal resting state or when stressed or injured.
Animal Health and Husbandry
You will increase your knowledge of the welfare, behaviour, health and husbandry of companion and production animals in New Zealand. This includes nutrition, reproduction, breed identification, handling, parasites and disease recognition.
Business Communication
You will learn knowledge surrounding the principles of tertiary studies, interpersonal skills, stress and time management, computer skills and the use of office equipment.
Animal First Aid and Disease Control
You will increase your knowledge about the assessment, restraint and transport of sick and injured animals, microbiology, hygiene, zoonosis, safety, and professional and ethical behaviour.
Career Opportunities
The Certificate in Animal Care (Level 4) may lead to employment in pet shops, animal welfare organisations (SPCA, Animal Control), zoos, breeding establishments, grooming, pet-sitting, kennels and catteries.
On successful completion of the Certificate in Animal Care (Level 4) you will be eligible to compete on merit for entry into the Certificate in Technology (Veterinary Nursing) (Level 5), Diploma in Technology (Veterinary Nursing) (Level 6) and Certificate in Large Animal Technology (Level 4).
Entry Criteria
- 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in English and
- 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in one other subject.
Special admission may be granted to candidates aged 20 years and over who do not meet the specified requirements. These candidates may be required to demonstrate an ability to successfully complete the programme through a process of an interview and / or assessment.
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of 5.5, with a minimum of 5.0 in the written band.