New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology, Strand in Veterinary Nursing Assistant (Level 5)

at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Topics you'll cover

During this intensive course you'll cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, animal welfare and legislation, animal handling, reception and administration, communication skills, sales, animal health and husbandry, self-management, teamwork and how to assist with routine procedures.

You'll also learn how to monitor animals under anaesthetic and nurse them through recovery, assist vets to conduct radiography, administer pharmaceutical drugs, prepare animals for domestic and international travel, and communicate advice to clients.

Topics covered:

• husbandry and welfare of companion animals

• veterinary clinic skills

• anaesthesia and surgical veterinary nursing

• client advice

• animal welfare and management

• hospitalised care for surgical and medical animal patients

• diagnostics and imaging

• practical animal husbandry welfare

• practical clinical skills

With a host of animals here at our on-campus animal care facility, which includes fish, reptiles, sheep, horses, calves, birds, rabbits and rodents, plus kennels and cages for dogs and cats you'll have a regular obligation to care for a wide range of animals.

Work Experience

The course requires a minimum of 240 hours of work placement in animal facilities and veterinary clinics throughout the year while you study.

You need to be 18 years of age at the start of the course in order to be accepted. This age requirement is endorsed by the New Zealand Veterinary Association and is a Health and Safety requirement and regulation for the use of radiology equipment.

Academic Entry

You must have completed:

• 60 NCEA credits at Level 2, with a minimum of 12 NCEA English credits at Level 2, 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1, and 12 credits of relevant Science at Level 1, OR
• equivalent tertiary study.

Previous Experience

You should also demonstrate previous experience working with animals, and an aptitude for working with the public. Suitable experience includes:

• three or more days observing in a veterinary clinic or equivalent. Evidence of this can be provided by using the Attestation Form (pdf, 381kb). Please print this off and take it with you on your work experience/observation visit.
• evidence of aptitude for working with the public which should include a reference from:
  • an employer where the prospective student has worked with the public (e.g. retail, volunteer, customer service), or
  • a teacher attesting to social and communication skills. 

Criminal History

You must also provide a Declaration Record of Criminal History when enrolling and read and sign an off-campus student learning contract.

Information Session/Interview

You’ll be invited to an information meeting prior to Toi Ohomai offering you a place. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.

English language requirements

Level 5 certificate or diploma IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.

Indicative Fees *    
$19,950 for international students

Course related costs    

Compulsory textbook ($350), other texts ($120), black pants and closed-in black flat shoes.

Graduates usually aim to work as veterinary nursing assistants and are quickly snapped up by the vet clinics around the country. There are also plenty of other employment options in the animal industry like animal carers, sales representatives for veterinary products, and workers in retail and attractions business related to animals.

Graduates can also be self-employed, with a growing number of opportunities in animal care services.

Potential Employers

• vet clinics
• doggy daycare centres and pet sitters
• pet shops
• boarding kennels and catteries
• animal welfare agencies
• laboratories
• animal control agencies
• animal breeding facilities
• animal parks
• zoos
• organisations involved in animal research