Course Overview
Are you ready to launch your career as a registered enrolled nurse? This course will provide you with strong foundations in nursing practice, anatomy and physiology, cultural safety, communication, and the factors that shape health in Aotearoa.
You’ll learn about pathophysiology, pharmacology, holistic assessment, evidence based care and the legal and ethical responsibilities of enrolled nursing. Classes take place in a simulated environment on campus then you'll get to practice through clinical placement across community, rehabilitation, acute care, and mental health settings.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are required to sit and pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand state final exam leading to registration. Once registered, Enrolled Nurses can enter the workforce with access to, and seek when appropriate, guidance from a registered nurse or other 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 | 35 hours a week delivered flexibly including block classes and work placements |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Enrolled Nursing (Nāhi Whakauru) offers a pathway into a rewarding profession in health care. Graduates who successfully complete the course and meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements can sit the state exam and register as an Enrolled Nurse.
Registered Enrolled Nurses work across a wide range of health care settings, delivering nursing care and health education across the lifespan with access to, and seeking when appropriate guidance from a registered nurse of other health practitioner.
This nationally recognised qualification supports strong employment opportunities and offers a clear career pathway into higher qualifications in nursing.
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 |
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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, or a recognised equivalent (Bridging or Pre-Health).
Alternative Entry Requirement
- Applicants who are unable to provide evidence that they meet academic requirements, but can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Programme Manager, Nursing. Contact Toi Ohomai for advice.
Required Documents
- 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, friend, flatmate or work colleague.
- 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.
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
- Any applicants who have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence at any time in the past must declare the circumstances in confidence to the Programme Manager, Nursing.
- All successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form. The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned to the Programme Manager, Nursing. This will be done on entry and prior to completing the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing to demonstrate they are “fit for registration” as a nurse.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in any subtest and must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test), OR
- OET C+ minimum across all bands in one sitting
Notes
- The English language requirements for this course are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore applicants who have met New Zealand University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.
- PTE is no longer accepted by Nursing Council of New Zealand for English language proficiency.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and English is your second language, you’ll complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Toi Ohomai will contact you regarding a possible internal English assessment.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
This is a full-time course and takes a minimum of 18 months to complete. Study commitment is 35 hours a week delivered flexibly, including block classes and work placements.
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)
