New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)
with strand in Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing
NZ4389
Course details
-
Feb 2026
- Two years
- Full-time
- $8,508* per year
- You may qualify for fee-free study under Fees Free Policy
- Level 6
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Please note places on this programme are limited.
- Semester 1 2026 applications close 26 September 2025.
We apply a selection process, which may include an interview. Please view the application process here. We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, within the closing dates above.
Summary
Students in this programme will develop skills in the care, management, handling, and nursing of a range of companion animals in a clinical environment. Students will learn to manage patients and clients, as well as follow protocols in all aspects of clinical veterinary practice.
Students will have opportunities to care for and handle companion animals in a purpose-built Wintec facility that houses commonly kept companion animals. They will also gain exposure to the on-site vet clinic while studying.
The programme requires a total of 750 hours of industry placement which will prepare graduates for employment.
Please note: It is a requirement of this programme that you have a form of transport and/or someone who can transport you around the Waikato/Waipa areas to complete your industry placement hours each week. We cannot guarantee you will be able to complete hours within your area of residence.
View programme modules
| Module code | Module name | Level | Credits | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANML5001 | Veterinary Nursing Practice | 5 | 15 | ||
| ANML5002 | Anatomy and Physiology | 5 | 15 | ||
| ANML5103 | Animal Husbandry and Behaviour | 5 | 15 | ||
| ANML5104 | Companion Animal Practicum I | 5 | 15 | ||
| ANML5105 | Introduction to Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 5 | 15 | ANML5002 | |
| ANML5106 | Introduction to Medical Nursing | 5 | 15 | ANML5002 | |
| ANML5107 | Introduction to Surgery and Diagnostics | 5 | 15 | ANML5002 | |
| ANML5108 | Companion Animal Practicum II | 5 | 15 | ANML5001 ANML5002 ANML5103 ANML5104 | |
| ANML6101 | Anaesthesia Management and Emergencies | 6 | 15 | ANML5105 ANML5107 | |
| ANML6102 | Medical Nursing and Diagnostics | 6 | 15 | ANML5106 ANML5107 | |
| ANML6103 | Companion Animal Practicum III | 6 | 30 | ANML5108 | |
| ANML6104 | Surgical Nursing and Dentistry | 6 | 15 | ANML5107 | |
| ANML6105 | Imaging and Veterinary Nursing Services | 6 | 15 | ||
| ANML6106 | Companion Animal Practicum IV | 6 | 30 | ANML6103 |
Application process
- Apply online or download and complete an Application to Enrol Form.
- Complete the online Self-Disclosure Form. If you have applied in hard copy, you will also need to complete a Self-Disclosure Form, if you have applied online this form is included as part of the online application process.
- If applying in hard copy, and if you are unsure that you meet the entry criteria, complete the online Additional Information Form. This will enable us to assess your application further.
- If you have them, provide us with certified copies of your prior academic transcripts. Find out more about supporting material for enrolment here.
- We may also need to verify your identity (your legal name and date of birth) as well as your residency status. If you’re a domestic student we may be able to do this through your National Student Number (NSN); if we can’t, we will need you to provide evidence of this by supplying verified copies of your birth certificate or passport.
Once you have submitted your application
- You will receive confirmation that your application has been received and we will let you know if there is anything further that we need from you.
- Your application will be assessed and we will let you know the outcome.
- If you are accepted to study you will be sent an enrolment offer letter - you will need to accept this to confirm your place on the Programme. Click here to find out more about enrolment and accepting your offer.
Career/further opportunities
Graduates may be employed in a veterinary clinic as a veterinary nurse.
Events
No events.
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
Academic admission
NCEA Level 2 or higher including a minimum of:
- 12 credits in English at Level 2 or higher,
- 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher,
- 12 credits of relevant science (preferably Biology) at Level 1 or higher.
Or,
- This qualification may build on the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) with strands in Companion Animal Healthcare, Equine Healthcare and Rural Animal Healthcare [Ref: 4388]; or the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training; Companion Animals; Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles; Pet Grooming, and Zookeeping [Ref: 2489]; or the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care with strands in Companion Animal, Equine, and Rural Animals (Level 3) [Ref: 2487];
Or,
- A recognised equivalent.
Special admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements is eligible for special admission. Kaimahi work with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme.
Discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements may be eligible for discretionary admission. In assessing whether to grant discretionary admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Additional requirements
- Candidates may be required to participate in an interview and selection process.
- To meet legal and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programmes, including the ability to perform practical demonstrations and assessments. Candidates with disabilities are eligible to enrol in this programme and will be provided with the necessary resources to attain the learning outcomes where practicable, but at the time of enrolment must notify the Equity/Disability Co‐ordinator of their needs.
- Prior to commencing the programme, all candidates will be required to undertake a Police check at a level sufficient for safe and effective practice within the field of veterinary nursing.
- All candidates will be required to make a declaration that they are physically able to safely handle and restrain domestic animals and that they have no known health condition that could preclude their close proximity to the common range of animals (eg cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds).
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an academic International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic score of 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5; or equivalent.
Pathways
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Semester 1 2025
Whānau sessions
Date: Tuesday 4 February 2025
Time: 12pm-1pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Date: Wednesday 5 February 2025
Time: 5.30pm-6.30pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Date: Wednesday 5 February 2025
Time: From 6.30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Induction for students starting SX1801
Date: Monday 10 February 2025
Time: 9am-3pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Induction for students starting NZ4389
Date: Monday 10 February 2025
Time: 10.30am-3pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Induction (your first day) is for all students, new and returning. We will cover the basics of this programme with you, introduce Semester 1 modules and assessments, and get to know each other.
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus
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