Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicHealth Bridging Certificate (Level 4 only)
This course is available
On-Campus, Online
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
17 weeks
Next start date
Expected Jul 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
About the programmeThis Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the academic entry requirements for our diploma- or degree-level health programmes. During this certificate, you'll study core courses such as Function of the Human Body and Introduction to Careers in Health.
You'll gain further study skills and knowledge in a supportive environment with guidance and advice from experienced teachers, and benefit from the blended, flexible delivery format, allowing you to fit study around other commitments. You can either study this programme via a mix of online and face-to-face teaching at our Dunedin Campus or online with three compulsory block courses at our Dunedin Campus or in Wellington.
Check the Workload section below for block course dates. Successful completion of this programme may help you to meet the academic entry requirements for entry in to the:
- New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Social Services
- Bachelor of Applied Science
These programmes also have non-academic entry requirements, so you may need to plan ahead!
Studying part-timeWe know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme two years part-time.
Qualification titleYou will be awarded the following qualification when you successfully complete this programme:
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) - studied during semester two starting in July.
- Dunedin
- Online
- Wellington
Entry criteria
Academic requirementsNew Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) - Health Context / New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) or equivalent, e.g. NCEA Level 2, including 14 credits in Biology and / or Chemistry.
International requirements and equivalenceTo enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance OR Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
Don't panic!
Please apply for our open entry, Level 3 certificate which forms the first half of this programme and has a February start date.
Click here for the combined Level 3 and Level 4 health bridging programme Health and vaccination information Please note that while you don't need to provide evidence of your vaccination status to apply for this Level 3 or Level 4 health bridging programme, you may need to provide evidence of your vaccination status as part of your enrolment in one of our health diplomas or degrees when you successfully complete this programme.
Please check the relevant programme page for further information.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process.
You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe.
Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
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