New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

NCEA Level 2 which must include:

• 10 credits in Level 1 Mathematics/or Numeracy
• 12 credits in Level 2 Science rich subjects

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Health and Science Pathway (Ara); or a recognised equivalent (Bridging or Pre-Health)

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Additional Requirements

In addition, you must also meet the following programme specific requirements at the time of application and provide:

• A self-declaration with information regarding criminal convictions, mental and physical conditions, learning disabilities or challenges.
• A personal statement outlining why you have chosen nursing as a career, demonstrating communication skills, describing personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects from life experiences, learning & practice.
• At least two written references which demonstrate that you have good character and personal attributes which are sufficient for safe and effective practice as an enrolled nurse as required by the Children's Act 2014.
  • One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
• You may be required to attend an interview to ensure you will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.

Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.

• The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Head of Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

A safety check will be required to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children's Act 2014. Unsatisfactory results arising from the full safety checking process may result in being declined entry or withdrawn from the programme.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you are unable to evidence meeting Academic Requirements but you can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained from study, work and/or life experience, applicants may be approved for alternative entry by the Head of Nursing.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

• 6.5 Listening
• 6.5 Reading
• 6.5 Writing
• 6.5 Speaking

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• 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.
• OET C+ minimum across all bands in one sitting
• The Head of Nursing can request at any point an ILETS or equivalent English language test be undertaken by an ākonga where English is a second language and where ākonga are experiencing communication difficulties.
  • This can be in theory and/or clinical learning experience courses during the DEN programme. This additional testing will be at the cost of ākonga.

Selection Requirements

A selection process will take place for this programme. Where the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, applicants may be waitlisted.