New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
with strand in Rural Animal Healthcare
NZ4388
Course details
-
Feb 2026
- One year
- Full-time
- $7,780*
- You may qualify for fee-free study under Fees Free Policy
- Level 4
- 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
Are you seeking a career in a veterinary-related field, with rural animals?
This programme will see you learn the skillset to work with agricultural and farm animals under the guidance of our tutors and through 240 hours of work placement in a rural or mixed veterinary clinic. Students will learn everything from tending to sick and injured animals to docking, foot care, pregnancy testing, disease prevention, and how to assist herd owners in achieving breeding and production goals.
Students will attend lectures two days a week, undertake practicals one day a week, and also have two days a week on work placement. There are blocks of days where there are no lectures so that students can complete work experience in the second semester.
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 work 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 title | Level | Credits | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANML4301 | Rural Animal Professionalism and Infection Control | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4302 | Rural Animal Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4303 | Rural Animal Husbandry and Behaviour | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4304 | Rural Animal Practicum 1 | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4305 | Rural Animal Health and Hygiene | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4306 | Rural Animal Clinical Assistance | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4307 | Rural Animal Preparation for Practice | 4 | 15 | ||
| ANML4308 | Rural Animal Practicum 2 | 4 | 15 |
Career/further opportunities
Graduates will be able to assist veterinarians in both large animal and/or mixed animal practices, and in the field; or work independently as a rural animal technician.
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 are a domestic student we may be able to do this through your National Student Number (NSN); if we can not, 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
- We will email you to confirm we received it and let you know if there is anything more we need from you.
- We will assess your application and let you know the outcome.
- If you are accepted to study we will send you 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.
Frequently asked questions
What opportunities will I get to work in industry while I study?
Undergraduate, semester, pathway, module and cross-disciplinary - what do these words mean?
Events
No events.
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
You can apply for this programme if you meet one of the below options.
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1; including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits; or a recognised equivalent;
- Or a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above, 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
- All applicants must complete a Health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.
- Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) general or academic score of 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0; or equivalent.
Pathways
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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
Date: Monday 10 February 2025
Time: 10.30am-3pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
As a new student, we welcome you to attend one of our whānau sessions. At this relaxed event, we help you prepare for induction and your first weeks of the semester. We encourage you to bring your whānau and friends along to support you. At induction, you will spend your first day getting to know each other, the tutors, and the Rotokauri Campus, as well as receiving your resources and spending time in the classroom. This will include module outlines, timetables, and information packs on what to expect throughout the year.
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
Portfolio
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