Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Whitireia and WelTecNew Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Jan 2027
Campus
Petone Campus
Summary
Become an Animal Healthcare Assistant, with the skills and knowledge required to work in the animal healthcare sector or to assist veterinary nurses or veterinarians in a clinical veterinary setting.
You'll learn a range of clinical and husbandry skills, in both the classroom and work placement settings, for a range of companion animals.
Programme outlineAnimal Healthcare Assistants work under supervision to provide support to veterinary nurses, veterinarians and others working in the animal healthcare sector.
In this one year programme you will learn the knowledge and practical skills required to provide healthcare support to companion animals. You'll also learn to work safely, professionally and effectively as part of an animal healthcare team.
On completion you will be eligible for voluntary registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council of New Zealand.
Programme structureYou will typically attend campus two days per week, with the remainder of your time spent in placement or self-directed study.
A range of teaching methods are used to support your learning, including lectures, tutorials, learning packages, and online activities. You will also attend practical sessions in our simulation suites, which allow you to develop and practice essential clinical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Some classes and learning activities will be provided through Moodle, our online learning platform, so you will need access to a computer and internet at home.
PlacementClinical placements are an important part of the programme and allow you to apply your knowledge and build the skills and confidence needed for professional practice.
During the year, you must complete at least 240 hours of supervised placements in animal care facilities such as catteries, kennels, rescues or doggy day-cares. If you are not already working or volunteering in one of these areas, you will need to find your own placements.
Detailed information about organising your placements will be provided on enrolment.
Entry criteria
40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or a recognised equivalent; OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above, or a recognised equivalent.
InternationalProven equivalence of entry requirements plus an IELTS score of 5.5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission, all applicants must complete a health and criminal declaration form to ensure fitness to practice, prior to acceptance into the programme.
*Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.
Selection processes may apply where the number of applications exceed the number of available places.
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