Turn the special bond you have with animals into a satisfying career with our popular one year qualification developed with the New Zealand Veterinary Association. This qualification, developed in consultation with the New Zealand Veterinary Association, provides you with the skills essential to start a career in an animal related profession or work as an assistant to a veterinary surgeon. You will become competent with assisting surgical procedures, including safe and hygienic working practices, preparation of animals and facilities, monitoring of anaesthesia and supervision of animal recovery. You will also learn about radiographic and laboratory procedures, understanding ethics, behaviour, nutrition and transport of companion animals. Business and communication skills are a feature of this programme, equipping you with knowledge of veterinary administration, computer data entry and software systems, customer advice and, retailing and merchandising in a veterinary environment. You will develop practical skills with work placements and visits to veterinary clinics and other animal related organisations.This programme involves about 20-24 hours per week of tuition and practical work. You must have no objection to working with animals, dissection of body parts, body fluids and cadavers. You must be able to understand and apply industry requirements to comply with safety regulations both in the classroom and work placement. If you have completed the National Certificate in Animal Care, a part time pathway to the National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing is available. This pathway involves about nine hours per week of class time and eight hours per week of work experience in a veterinary clinic.

With the National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing you can start your career as a veterinary nurse in veterinary clinics, zoos, wildlife parks, research establishments and animal breeding and boarding facilities.