Course Overview

This course is for those who want to work in clinical settings as an enrolled nurse and a valued member of the health team.

Students will gain knowledge in nursing, social science, and the structure and function of the human body. They will learn skills in simulated learning environments which can then be applied on placements in clinical practice. A range of clinical courses in different community health care settings will prepare students to practice in areas including rehabilitation, acute care and mental health.

After completing this programme students will be able to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand to sit an exam to be registered as an Enrolled Nurse; this means they will be able to work with access to, and seek when appropriate, guidance from a registered nurse or other registered health practitioner. 

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
Locations To be confirmed
Next intake To be confirmed View more details
Study options

1.5 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Total credits 180
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria
Timetable Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm for 5 weeks, plus 10 weeks offsite

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

Enrolled Nursing (Nēhi Whakauru) provides an opportunity for those wishing to be employed or already employed in health care to gain registration with the NCNZ as an enrolled nurse and develop a career pathway.

Graduates of this programme (who also meet Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements) will be competent to practise as an Enrolled Nurse in a variety of health care settings under the direction and delegation of a Registered Nurse. Graduates of Enrolled Nursing (Nēhi Whakauru) are able to deliver nursing care and health education across the lifespan of health consumers.

On completion of the programme, graduates are eligible to apply to NCNZ to sit the state exam for registration as an enrolled nurse. Graduates will have gained a nationally recognised qualification in a sector with strong employment opportunities and career pathways.

Topics you'll cover

  • Human Body Systems
  • Nursing Practice 1, 2, 3
  • Professional Practice
  • Hauora Population Health
  • Knowledge and Evidence for Practice
  • Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
  • Transition to Enrolled Nursing Practice

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * To be confirmed for domestic students
Course related costs
  • Scrubs clinical uniform - $126.70
  • Immunity serology - $300-$500 (blood tests via primary health care practitioner doctor or nurse - not requiring MRSA for 2026)
  • Vaccines - $40-$180 (via primary health care practitioner doctor or nurse)
  • Indemnity insurance for students is free

Please note, fees for our 2026 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2026 fee amount.


Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

  • NCEA Level 2 which must include:
    • 10 credits in Level 1 Mathematics/or Numeracy
    • 12 credits in Level 2 Science rich subjects OR;
  • New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3), Health and Science Pathway (Ara), or a recognised equivalent (Bridging or Pre-Health).
  • Two written references, one will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
  • English requirements: also include OR OET C+ minimum across all bands in one setting

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

Other Considerations

Applicants who have had a criminal conviction at any time in the past must declare the circumstances in confidence to the Academic Lead for Nursing. All students accepted will be required to complete a police vetting check on entry and prior to completing the Diploma to demonstrate they are “fit for registration” as a nurse.

Two character references are required (these should be from persons in positions of trust such as; an employer, Teacher, Pastor, Kaumatua or Kuia. References from family, friends or work colleagues will not be accepted.

Confirmation of acceptance on to the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) is subject to submission of the following documents prior to the start date:

  • Current comprehensive First Aid Certificate
  • Evidence of immunity as identified by Te Puna Whai Ora, Department of Nursing and the department’s clinical partners
  • Declaration regarding physical and mental health status from a GP or Practice Nurse

All organisations have an obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to take all reasonable practicable steps to keep themselves and others safe; this means an obligation to eliminate or otherwise control the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. If you choose not to be vaccinated, this will have an impact on your ability to be accepted on placement in a healthcare organisation; and this will in turn have an impact on your ability to successfully complete your Diploma in Enrolled Nursing. Accordingly, all students applying to enrol on the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in any subtest)


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Course Locations and Intake Information

Intakes to be confirmed Ask to be notified when the next intake becomes available

Study options

  • 1.5 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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