New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant)

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 caring for 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 animal patients. You will be able to put your skills into practice in Unitec's veterinary simulation clinic and 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 you need to be an effective member of a professional veterinary team.

• Learn from lecturers who are experienced veterinarians and veterinary nurses and who work closely with the veterinary industry.
• Gain hands-on experience at 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

As part of this programme, you must complete at least 240 hours of practical experience at a veterinary clinic.

To study from a distance, you must be self-motivated, committed, and have excellent time management skills. You must attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, and work experience and complete your self-directed study (research, reading, revision) and assessment writing.

You'll also need consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and appropriate office software, i.e., Microsoft Office, which we'll provide once enrolled.

Students also need to participate in compulsory block courses throughout the year at our Mt Albert campus.

If you complete the programme, you can apply to enroll in the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. You'll need to complete the diploma programme to be able to graduate as a qualified veterinary nurse and become registered with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.

You could also continue your studies with our Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Year 2).

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme. However, if you continue your studies into either the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, you will be eligible upon successful completion.