Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) for New Zealand Registered Nurses
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Competency Assessment Programme for New Zealand Registered Nurses equips nurses with essential skills and knowledge for current practice in New Zealand's healthcare system. Through theory and clinical components, it provides nurses with opportunities to update their nursing skills, fulfill Nursing Council registration requirements, and advance their careers by obtaining a Certificate in Professional Practice for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
The program aims to provide nurses with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge required to work in New Zealand's healthcare system. It is a theoretical and applied program that includes both theory courses and clinical practice hours. The theory courses can also be used for professional development purposes. The program is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and online learning, with 10 days of theoretical skill-based study.
Outline:
The program consists of two main components:
- Theory: BN721001: Contemporary Nursing Practice in New Zealand
- This course focuses on updating health assessment and fundamental nursing skills.
- It is worth 10 credits and is at Level 7.
- Clinical: BN722001: Professional Assessment: Clinical Practicum
- This course involves 240 hours of full-time rostered duties at an approved clinical provider.
- It is worth 30 credits and is at Level 7.
- It commences immediately after the two theory courses.
- It provides an opportunity to orientate oneself to nursing practice in New Zealand and demonstrate the ability to meet the Nursing Council Registered Nurses Competencies.
- Successful completion of this course, along with the theory courses, allows for application for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Careers:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will achieve the Certificate in Professional Practice for Registered Nurses. The program also provides a foundation for further study in postgraduate Nursing programs in New Zealand.
Other:
- The program is offered at the Te Pūkenga Otago Polytechnic campus in Dunedin or the Te Pūkenga Southern Institute of Technology campus in Invercargill.
- International nurses can enroll in the Competency Assessment Programme for Overseas Registered Nurses.
- Clinical placements are organized by Otago Polytechnic and can be located throughout New Zealand, including outside of Dunedin.
- Candidate preferences for placement locations are taken into account by the Programme Leader.
Otago Polytechnic
Overview:
Otago Polytechnic is a tertiary education institution located in New Zealand. It offers a wide range of qualifications and courses, from certificates to doctorates, across various fields. The institution emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical skills and experience relevant to their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Otago Polytechnic offers a variety of services to support students, including:
Accessibility and disability services:
Support for students with disabilities.Campus tours:
Guided tours of the institution's campuses.Accommodation assistance:
Guidance on finding accommodation options, including on-campus housing, flatting, homestay, and renting.Career advice:
Support in exploring career options and developing career plans.Fees and funding information:
Information on tuition fees and available funding options, including scholarships and government schemes.International student support:
Specific services and resources for international students, including information on English language requirements, entry requirements, and international partnerships.Māori and Pasifika culture and support:
Resources and support for Māori and Pasifika students.Student support services:
A range of services to assist students with their academic and personal well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Otago Polytechnic provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment with a focus on student support. Students can expect:
Friendly and inclusive atmosphere:
A supportive and welcoming community.Modern facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.Real-world experiences:
Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, projects, and industry placements.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats, including on-campus, online, and blended learning.Sustainability initiatives:
A commitment to environmental sustainability.Rainbow Tick Certification:
A commitment to creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff.Key Reasons to Study There:
Educational excellence:
High-quality teaching and a strong focus on student success.Hands-on learning:
Practical, skills-based learning that prepares students for the workforce.Personal growth and support:
A supportive environment with a range of services to assist students.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats to suit individual needs and preferences.Free fees and scholarships:
Opportunities to reduce or eliminate tuition costs.Academic Programs:
Otago Polytechnic offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Adventure & Tourism:
Programs in avalanche safety, bike mechanics, hospitality, outdoor education, snowsports, and tourism.Agriculture & Animal Healthcare:
Programs in animal care, avian wildlife, beekeeping, high-country farming, and veterinary nursing.Art:
Programs in ceramics, digital media and photography, and visual arts.Business:
Programs in accounting, administration, applied management, event management, human resources, professional development, and sales & marketing.Community Services:
Programs in addiction, disability support, Hauora Māori, mental health, and social services.Construction:
Programs in architecture, carpentry, construction management, and stonemasonry.Design:
Programs in architecture, communication design, digital media, fashion design, game design and development, and product design.Education & Culture:
Programs in English language, outdoor education, teaching, and Te Reo & Tikanga.Engineering:
Programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Food & Hospitality:
Programs in brewing, cooking, culinary arts, and hospitality.Hair & Beauty:
Programs in beauty therapy and hairdressing.Health:
Programs in health pathways, massage therapy, mental health, midwifery, nursing, and occupational therapy.Horticulture:
Programs in amenity horticulture, arboriculture, fruit production, gardening, groundskeeping, nursery, and winemaking.Information Technology:
Programs in computing, game development, and information technology.Sport:
Programs in groundskeeping, gym & personal training, massage therapy, outdoor education, sport science, and snowsports.Trades & Pre-trades:
Programs in automotive, bike mechanics, carpentry, electrical trades, mechanical engineering, plumbing, and transport.Other:
Entry Requirements:
All New Zealand registered nurses who meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) will be accepted into this programme. However, acceptance is dependent on the availability of places in the requested intake. You must:
- provide a verification letter from Nursing Council of New Zealand of your registration
- provide a Criminal Conviction History Report
- give us two referee reports, one from your most recent employer
- provide a cover letter summarising your reasons for wanting to study this programme and any skills and experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 7.0 with no individual band score lower than 7.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Occupational English Test (OET) with a B band/score in each section, OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
