New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant)

Program Overview

The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) at Unitec Institute of Technology is a hands-on program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses in providing animal care. Through a blend of classroom learning, practical sessions, and work experience, graduates gain a solid understanding of animal health, husbandry, welfare, and behavior, preparing them for careers in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and other animal-related industries.

Program Outline

• The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) is a hands-on program that provides participants with the practical skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to assist with caring for animals in a clinical environment.
• The program involves tutorials, group work, practical sessions, and demonstrations designed to help learners assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses in providing a high standard of care for animal patients.
• Students will have the opportunity to put their skills into practice in Unitec’s veterinary simulation clinic and during placements at veterinary clinics.
• In addition to building practical skills, participants will gain a solid grounding in the principles underlying the health, husbandry, welfare, and behavior of animals.
They will also learn the communication and business aspects needed to work effectively in animal industries.
• This combination will equip graduates with the ethical values and cultural understanding required to be an effective member of a professional veterinary team.

Highlights:

• Learn from experienced veterinarian and veterinary nurse lecturers who have close ties to the veterinary industry.
• Gain hands-on experience at your choice of external clinics across Aotearoa.
• Develop a strong understanding of best practice in a professional clinical environment.
• Benefit from a blended learning approach that includes group work, online tutorials, practical sessions, and one-to-one supervision.

Where to Next:

• Upon completion of the program, graduates can apply to enroll in the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Completion of the diploma program is required to qualify as a registered veterinary nurse with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association.
• Alternatively, graduates can continue their studies with the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Year 2) program.
However, eligibility can be attained by continuing studies into either the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing program.

Outline:

• The program comprises 120 credits (1.0 EFTS) delivered over one year.
• It is offered full-time and distance learning options are also available.
• The program involves a blend of classroom learning, practical sessions, work experience, and self-directed study.
• Participants are required to complete at least 240 hours of practical experience at a veterinary clinic as part of the program.
• The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Animal behavior and welfare
• Animal clinical care
• Veterinary anatomy and physiology
• Principles of animal husbandry
• Veterinary anesthesia and surgical procedures
• Introduction to veterinary clinical practice
• Communication and business skills for the veterinary industry

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include:
• Assignments
• Practical assessments
• Work experience assessments
• Examinations
• Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in a variety of contexts.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced veterinarian and veterinary nurse lecturers who have close ties to the veterinary industry.
• A blended learning approach is used, combining classroom learning, practical sessions, work experience, and self-directed study.
• The program also features a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through the use of the veterinary simulation clinic and external clinic placements.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program can pursue careers as:
• Veterinary nurse assistants in NZ or overseas veterinary clinics
• Animal shelter/rescue center employees
• Kennel/cattery employees
• Pet product industry representatives
• Laboratory animal assistants
• Orientation dates for the program are as follows:
• On-campus: February 22nd and 23rd
• Off-campus: February 19th and 20th