Course Overview
The animal care industry is growing fast. This has led to more demand for skilled veterinary nurses in clinics and animal care centres. Vet nurses play a crucial role in assessing, and caring for a diverse range of animals, working closely with veterinaries to ensure optimal health and welfare for animals.
This course equips you with essential skills and knowledge in both surgical and medical veterinary nursing. You'll also gain expertise in diagnostic sampling and medical imaging.
Upon completion, you'll meet the criteria required for entry into the NZVNA/Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council. This will allow you to use the title of Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
If you completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) in 2024, you are eligible to enrol in the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) at Otago Polytechnic in 2025.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)
| Locations | Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
2 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 240 (120 per year) |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Registered Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nursing Supervisor
- Veterinary Practice Manager
- Veterinary Laboratory Technician
- Veterinary Related Account Manager
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|---|
| Course related costs |
|
*Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 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
To be admitted to this course, applicants must hold one of the following:
- You must have the pre-requisite qualification New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) OR equivalent.
- NCEA Level 2 or higher including:
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in English at Level 2;
- a minimum of 12 NCEA credits in Mathematics at Level 1;
- and a minimum of 12 credits of relevant science at Level 1 OR
- a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above; OR A recognised equivalent.
All applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the course. Special and discretionary admission is also available.
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.
For Levels 5, 6 and 7 certificate or diploma, domestic students under 20 and all international students must have:
NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2 and a minimum of 42 credits at level 3; OR
Evidence of ability to complete academic requirements for the programme.
Other Considerations
- Current Basic First Aid Certificate (highly recommended).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
If you have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) in 2024, you are eligible to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) through Otago Polytechnic in 2025.
You'll attend 3 blocks of study face-to-face on campus at set times at our Windermere Campus in Tauranga. Part-time students will attend up to 2 blocks of study each year of study. Each block is usually 2-3 days on campus.
Click on the button below to apply for their next intake in February 2025.
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 17 Feb 2025 |
Study options
- 2 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
