Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)

Overview

Become skilled in a rapidly changing profession and enjoy a rewarding career working with animals and their owners. This new, two-year, full-time programme will equip you with the technical knowledge and skills to work as a veterinary nurse in a clinical veterinary setting.

What will I study

You’ll learn through a mix of small group tutorials, full class discussions and clinical workshops. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a significant component of the programme. You’ll be required to source your own work placements in high-quality veterinary practices that are willing to support your studies. We strongly recommend you aim to work in at least two clinics to broaden your skills.

Pathway

At the completion of the programme, you’ll have a high level of responsibility and discretion within your scope of practice, in a wide range of dynamic and often unpredictable situations and following protocols in all aspects of clinical veterinary practice or animal healthcare settings.

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,760 - $7,850 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• NCEA Level 2 or higher including:
  • a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2
  • a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in Mathematics at Level 1
  • and a minimum of 12 credits of relevant science at Level 1
• OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above
• OR a recognised equivalent
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) with strands in Companion Animal Healthcare, Equine Healthcare and Rural Animal Healthcare [Ref: 4388];
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training; Companion Animals; Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles; Pet Grooming, and Zookeeping [Ref: 2489];
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care with strands in Companion Animal, Equine, and Rural Animals (Level 3) [Ref: 2487]

Additional Requirements

• Complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme

Alternative Requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • 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.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
• Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• ANML5001: Veterinary nursing practice (15 credits)
• ANML5002: Anatomy and physiology (15 credits)
• ANML5103: Animal husbandry and behaviour (15 credits)
• ANML5104: Companion animal practicum I (15 credits)
• ANML5105: Introduction to anaesthesia and analges... (15 credits)
• ANML5106: Introduction to medical nursing (15 credits)
• ANML5107: Introduction to surgery and diagnostics (15 credits)
• ANML5108: Companion animal practicum II (15 credits)

Career opportunities

This programme fulfils the educational requirements for you to become a Listed Veterinary Nursing Assistant (LVNA) with the New Zealand Veterinary Nurses Association. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career (here or overseas) in companion animal healthcare, assisting vets and vet nurses in clinical environments. You could also apply your skills in an animal shelter, as an animal health co-ordinator or feline isolation attendant.

Study pathways

After successfully completing this programme, you can continue your studies with the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.

Programme details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ4389
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• Credits: 240
• Level: 6
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Reference: NZ4389-COPA

Additional Entry Requirements

• Complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.