Certificate in
Veterinary Nursing (Level 5)
SC1003
Starts February
For one year full-time
(late applications may be considered)
Domestic Student fees are $5,650 *
Rotokauri Campus in Hamilton
The Certificate in Veterinary Nursing is a one year full-time programme designed to prepare students for a career as a veterinary nurse in a veterinary practice or in any occupation where the care and welfare of animals is the primary objective.
Based on the basics about the care, management, handling and nursing of a range of companion and production animals.
Programme Content
There is a strong emphasis on practical skills delivered at the facilities at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus and through regular industry contact, work experience and input from Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses, animal industry employers and welfare organisations. Students care for a wide range of animal species in Wintec's Animal House and are actively involved with veterinary nursing procedures in a purpose-built Veterinary Surgery.
Students will learn:
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal First Aid and Disease Control
- Animal Health and Husbandry
- Business Communication
- Clinical Nursing and Hospitalisation
- Introduction to Diagnostic Techniques
- Reception and Client Communication
- Surgical Nursing
Career Opportunities
The Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (Level 5) will give the graduate the industry skills and knowledge to gain employment as a Veterinary Nurse or employment in occupations where the care and welfare of animals is the primary objective.
This may include employment in welfare agencies such as Animal Care and Control, SPCA, pet shops, kennels and catteries. There are also opportunities as industry representative such as in the pharmaceutical industry, in pet nutrition, or in veterinary equipment and instrumentation. Graduates may also specialise in areas such as equine clinics, surgical nursing, large animal technical assistant, MAF and zoo keeping.
Entry Criteria
Candidates are required to have gained:
- NCEA Level 2 with 12 credits or beter in Biology and English and Maths or
- Sixth Form Certificate with grades of 5 or better in Biology and English and Maths or
- A qualification considered equivalent to the above by the Head of School/Centre Director
Candidates may be required to attend an interview and take part in a selection process which may include a Study Skills asssessment.
To meet legal and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programme.
Special admission may be granted to candidates aged 20 years or over who do not meet the specified entry 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 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in the written band.
Additional Information
Graduates would be able to continue training to develop their career pathway and gain the Diploma in Technology (Veterinary Nursing) (Level 6) qualification whilst in employment.