New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Rural Animal Healthcare)
Kickstart your career caring for animals. This one-year Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assistance (Level 4) programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to flourish as a veterinary assistant. Working alongside vets and nurses, you'll gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting while learning essential skills like animal communication, handling, and hygiene. This programme is perfect for anyone passionate about animal welfare and eager to join a supportive veterinary team.
This programme aims to develop your technical knowledge and skills to assist Veterinary Nurses and Veterinarians in a veterinary setting.
The programme is aimed at learners who have an interest in working with animals and clients, as part of an interprofessional team to improve animal health and welfare outcomes.
Campus Information
Telford Campus
498 Owaka Highway Balclutha 9271 Otago New Zealand
Intakes
- Feb
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Upon completing this programme, you can assist veterinarians and nurses in a companion animal practice or continue your studies with the two-year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Level 6. In addition, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Animal Healthcare Assistants.
PSW Opportunity
Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
- Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ
Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:
- Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
- Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)
Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
- Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)
Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)
- Duration: 3 years
- Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.
- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.
- Not allowed for part time students.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
- IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
- TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE)
- TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14)
- Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill.
- OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
- NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band score lower than 36
- Language Cert - B1 Achiever IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than PASS in each skill
- Trinity ISE - ISE I with no less than distinction in any band
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
26000 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A
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