Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyNew Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Diploma
Duration
2 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Vet nurses play an important role in helping animals receive safe, thoughtful care, while also supporting the people who love and care for them.
In this programme, you’ll focus on nursing care for companion animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds. You’ll learn how to support animal health and welfare across medical nursing, surgical care, anesthesia, diagnostics, imaging, dentistry and patient monitoring.
Your learning will connect theory with practical experience, including simulated activities and work-integrated learning in veterinary clinic settings. You’ll also build the professional and interpersonal skills needed to work with owners, support patient care plans and contribute effectively as part of a veterinary team.
Key features- 750 hours in practice:
Build real-world experience through extensive veterinary clinic placements.
- Graduate job ready:
Develop the practical skills employers expect.
- Train in real clinical settings:
Practise surgical, anesthesia and patient-care skills.
- Pathway to registration:
Meet the educational requirements to apply for veterinary nurse registration.
- Professional ethics, teamwork and record keeping
- Client communication, education and support
- Companion animal behaviour, handling and monitoring
- Companion animal anatomy and physiology
- Animal husbandry, nutrition and welfare
- Surgical preparation, theatre support and anesthesia monitoring
- Pain management, wound care and recovery care
- Medical patient care
- Medicines, treatments and fluid therapy
- Diagnostic sampling, laboratory testing and radiography
- Infection control and safe clinical practice
- Clinical practicum and reflective practice
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsNCEA Level 2 or higher including:
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in Mathematics at Level 1
- and a minimum of 12 credits of relevant science at Level 1
OR a recognised equivalent
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) with strands in Companion Animal Healthcare, Equine Healthcare and Rural Animal Healthcare [Ref: 4388];
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training; Companion Animals; Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles; Pet Grooming, and Zookeeping [Ref: 2489];
OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care with strands in Companion Animal, Equine, and Rural Animals (Level 3) [Ref: 2487]
Additional RequirementsIn addition you need to:
- Complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
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