New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Vet Nursing Assistant) Level 5

This programme consist of 120 credits. The courses includes:

Applied Safety and Anatomy for Veterinary Nursing Practice (15 Credits)

Learn to be aware of hazards in the workplace, and gain knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology for application in a workplace setting.

Animal Behaviour, Handling and Nutrition (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills needed in companion animal behaviour, handling and nutrition and to be able to give advice to clients on these aspects of companion animal care.

Health Care of Animals for Veterinary Nursing (15 Credits)

Learn to apply best practice standards to the maintenance of animal health in a veterinary facility.

Introduction to Veterinary Practice (15 Credits)

Learn to apply procedures and practices to the veterinary clinic workplace. 

Welfare and Well-Being for Veterinary Practice (15 Credits)

Learn to identify the needs of the mother and neonates during reproduction in companion animals. Also learn to integrate knowledge of legislation and professional codes of practice into suitable advice, responses and sales methods to clients in a veterinary reception area.

Veterinary Surgical and Diagnostic Services (15 Credits)

Learn to provide a specified range of surgical and diagnostic services in a veterinary clinic.

Anaesthetic Monitoring and Analgesia of Animal Patients (15 Credits)

Develop skills in the monitoring of anaesthesia, and recognizing the analgesia needs of a surgical patient, in a veterinary facility.

Care of Hospitalised Animal Patients (15 Credits)

Develop and apply skills and knowledge in provision of care for a variety of animals in the veterinary clinic.

Domestic Entry Requirements

Applicants under the age of 20:

Applicants must have the equivalent of NCEA Level 2 including 12 Level 2 English credits; 12 Level 1 Maths credits and 12 credits of relevant Science at Level 1.

All applicants are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Academic Leader; and
• Authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency; and
• Complete a health declaration form including tetanus status; and
• Demonstrate an aptitude for working with the public. This may be shown by a reference from an employer where the applicant has worked with the public, or by a reference from a teacher attesting to social skills.

In addition, applicants are required to demonstrate previous experience working with animals. Either:

• A minimum of 20 hours observing in a veterinary clinic. 

       
or 
 

• A minimum of 70 hours with businesses such as SPCA, kennels, catteries, pet shops or on a farm.

These may be demonstrated by information in the applicant's Curriculum Vitae, or a separate written attestation.  Upon being contacted by UCOL, a referee must be able to verify this experience.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Domestic Fees: *
$6671.00

International Fees:*
$20,500.00

Companion animal veterinary nursing related or animal care fields:

• Veterinary nurse assistant
• Pet stores and groomers
• Boarding and training facilities
• Animal rescue centres
• Animal recreation businesses
• Pet sitters and walker
• Or staircase to further study