Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5) (Pre-Analytical Technician Pathway)

Overview

This programme will equip you with skills required by the commercial science sector, which encompasses laboratories, manufacturing, food and product testing and quality management. Course content is made up of a mix of practical skills that you’ll use every day and theory relating directly to the modern workplace. It’s designed to equip you to analyse, report and respond appropriately in an operational laboratory or other science-based workplace.

What will I study

• Chemistry
• Applied microbiology
• How to work in professional teams
• Ethics and quality assurance with an emphasis on practical, hands-on skills
• The focus of this programme is practical laboratory skills and transferable team skills required in every workplace

Pathway

This programme is available part-time up to 3 years.

Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ2552
• Application close date: 21 February 2025
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• Credits: 120
• Level: 5
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2552-PAT

Academic Requirements

• NCEA Level 2, which must include 14 credits in science
• OR Level 4 qualification in science or relevant equivalent
• If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency

Additional Requirements

• For the Pre-Analytical Technician pathway: students are required to be concurrently employed in a Patient Services or Phlebotomy trainee role

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study
• 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
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country
• 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
• IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)
• For acceptable alternatives refer to the English Proficiency Outcomes Chart

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

• Professional Skills for Applied Science (NSCI5501) - 15 credits
• Quality Assurance in Applied Science (NSCI5502) - 15 credits
• Human Anatomy and Physiology for Applied Science (NSCI5508) - 15 credits
• Practical Skills for Pre-Analytical Technicians (NSCI5523) - 15 credits
• Health, Safety and Infection Control for Pre-Analytical Technicians (NSCI5524) - 15 credits
• Laboratory Specimens for Pre-Analytical Technicians (NSCI5525) - 15 credits
• Introduction to Pre-Analytical Medical Laboratory Science (NSCI5526) - 10 credits
• Applied Science Capstone Project (NSCI5527) - 20 credits

Career opportunities

• This qualification leads to technician positions in medical laboratories, food testing, manufacturing and research
• It will give you the skills to work in routine operational positions in science-related fields such as manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research and development

Study pathways

• This national qualification leads to the New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6) and can lead to higher-level study in a wide range of science-related disciplines

Recommended school subjects

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physical education
• Mathematics
• English-rich subjects

Additional Entry Requirements

• For the Pre-Analytical Technician pathway: students are required to be concurrently employed in a Patient Services or Phlebotomy trainee role

Credit Recognition

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

Area of Interest

• Animal and Laboratory Science