New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
A two year full-time Level 6 programme of 240 credits, commencing 2025.
Upon completion you graduate as a veterinary nurse. You will be able to work in veterinary clinics, helping patients and owners on a daily basis. As a qualified veterinary nurse, you can really make a difference! Holding the NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing opens up many varied and exciting career options within the animal world, both in New Zealand and overseas.
2025 programme dates:
10 February 2025 to 14 November 2025
Semester 1: 10th February – 20th June 2025 (semester break 14th April – 25th April)
Semester 2: 14th July – 14th November 2025 (semester break 22nd September – 3rd October)
Year One students spend three days in the classroom, one day in a vet clinic and one day in self-directed learning, per week.
Topics studied include:
Programme Content Summary
Topics and Credits – YEAR ONE
- Professional Practice and Clinical Governance = 10 Credits
- Anatomy and Physiology = 20 Credits
- Animal Health and Behaviour = 25 Credits
- Medical Veterinary Nursing = 20 Credits
- Surgical Veterinary Nursing = 30 Credits
- Microbiology and Diagnostic Procedures = 15 Credits
Total 120 Credits
Topics and Credits – YEAR TWO
- Professional Practice and Clinical Governance = 15 Credits
- Animal Health and Behaviour = 20 Credits
- Medical Veterinary Nursing = 30 Credits
- Surgical Veterinary Nursing = 30 Credits
- Diagnostic Procedures = 25 Credits
Total 120 Credits
Graduate Profile:
All graduates of this qualification will be able to
- Demonstrate professional practice in an animal healthcare setting.
- Apply knowledge of animal functional anatomy and physiology to mage animal welfare.
- Apply knowledge of husbandry and behaviour to mage the welfare of companion animals.
- Provide medical and surgical nursing to support the welfare of companion animal patients.
- Apply knowledge of veterinary diagnostic procedures to support the welfare of companion animal patients.
Entry Criteria
Minimum educational requirements of:
* 60 NCEA Level 2 credits including
* 12 credits English Level 2
* 12 credits Maths Level 1
* 12 credits relevant Science Level 1
OR Equivalent secondary or tertiary study [Level 4 or higher].
OR a satisfactory score on the Vet Nurse Plus pre-entry assessment.
English as a second language, preference will be given to candidates with an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 [or equivalent].
Selection Criteria
A formal interview will be held with candidates who are not currently studying with Vet Nurse Plus and can demonstrate meeting the entry criteria. All applicants will be selected from a range of criteria.
Applicants will need to complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions, and sign a consent form allowing Vet Nurse Plus to obtain a Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history.
Applicants will also complete a medical health form.
Contact us if you have any questions on 0800 VET NURSE
