If you want to be a Veterinary Nurse, this new pathway is the one for you. We currently offer this two-year programme with a Companion Animal focus and 750 hours of work placement. This programme is only for those learners who do not already hold the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) or the National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing. This new programme replaces the one-year New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) and the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6). If you already hold the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), youll need to complete our one-year diploma.
During this programme, youll complete at least 750 hours of work placement.
Youll graduate with the technical knowledge and skills you need to perform this role and will have a high level of responsibility, allowing you to operate in a wide range of dynamic settings.
Youll be able to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Veterinary Nurses.
February 2026
Dunedin Campus
Forth Street,
Dunedin,
Otago,
9054, South Island, New Zealand
July 2026
Dunedin Campus
Forth Street,
Dunedin,
Otago,
9054, South Island, New Zealand
Academic requirements
NCEA Level 2 or higher including:
a minimum of 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher, and
a minimum of 12 credits in Maths at Level 1 or higher, and
a minimum of 12 credits of relevant Science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher.
Or New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3), New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4), or New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4).
Or a recognised equivalent.
Special and Discretionary Admission
If you are 20 or above and do not meet the entry requirements, you are eligible for Special Admission.
If you're under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for Discretionary Admission.
In both instances, we'll work through what that means with you to make sure you're ready for this programme.
Additional requirements
All applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice before we accept you into this programme.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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