Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicCertificate in Avian Wildlife Healthcare (Veterinary Nurses) (Level 6)
Level of Study
Certificate
Summary
About the programmeAre you a qualified Veterinary Nurse who is increasingly being presented with injured or sick avian wildlife during your daily practice?
This course, offered in collaboration with the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, is the only one of its kind in New Zealand aimed at Veterinary Nurses and offers a unique professional development opportunity.
Learning mainly online, you’ll be able to gain skills and knowledge in avian wildlife healthcare, with a focus on patient support and management. Content will include avian anatomy and physiology, trauma procedures and supportive care, imaging, and contextual aspects of law and ethics.
A five-day practical placement at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, one of New Zealand’s only avian healthcare providers, will enable you to get some fantastic hands-on practice.
Graduates will have the skills, knowledge and capabilities to:
- Ensure optimal standards of welfare and outcomes for avian wildlife patients
- Manage nursing care for avian wildlife patients with medical diseases
- Perform, or assist veterinarians with diagnostics and diagnostic imaging for avian wildlife patients
- Assist veterinarians in the management of avian wildlife anaesthesia.
Entry criteria
Entry Entry requirements- New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) or equivalent.
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 5.5) 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.
Prior learningIf you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at vetnursing@op.ac.nz. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.
Selection processIf the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.
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