Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 120 credits. The courses include:

Applied Safety and Anatomy for Veterinary Nursing Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to be aware of hazards in the workplace, and gain knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology for application in a workplace setting.

Animal Behaviour, Handling and Nutrition (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills needed in companion animal behaviour, handling and nutrition and to be able to give advice to clients on these aspects of companion animal care.

Health Care of Animals for Veterinary Nursing (15 Credits)
Learn to apply best practice standards to the maintenance of animal health in a veterinary facility.

Introduction to Veterinary Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to apply procedures and practices to the veterinary clinic workplace.

Welfare and Well-Being for Veterinary Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to identify the needs of the mother and neonates during reproduction in companion animals. Also learn to integrate knowledge of legislation and professional codes of practice into suitable advice, responses and sales methods to clients in a veterinary reception area.

Veterinary Surgical and Diagnostic Services (15 Credits)
Learn to provide a specified range of surgical and diagnostic services in a veterinary clinic.

Anaesthetic Monitoring and Analgesia of Animal Patients (15 Credits)
Develop skills in the monitoring of anaesthesia, and recognizing the analgesia needs of a surgical patient, in a veterinary facility.

Care of Hospitalised Animal Patients (15 Credits)
Develop and apply skills and knowledge in the provision of care for a variety of animals in the veterinary clinic.

Companion animal veterinary nursing related or animal care fields:

Veterinary nurse assistant
Pet stores and groomers
Boarding and training facilities
Animal rescue centres
Animal recreation businesses
Pet sitters and walker
Or staircase to further study
To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses, see careers.govt.nz