Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

QUALIFICATION

Bachelor's Degree (Level 7, 360 credits)

Duration

3 years full-time (6 years part-time)

Location

Dunedin campus (Years 1–2 on campus; Year 3 online with placement and weekly Dunedin attendance for international students)

Fees

NZD $29,200 per year (indicative; confirm current fee)

Entry Score

IELTS: Academic 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5

Next Intake

February and July (Years 1–2 start in February)

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing at Otago Polytechnic is a three-year Level 7 degree for companion animal nursing. It includes 910 hours of work placement across the three years.

The degree was developed jointly with the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and is listed as subject to final external approval. Confirm the programme status before you apply.

What You'll Study

Year 1: Veterinary Nursing Practice, Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Husbandry and Behaviour, introductory anaesthesia, medical nursing, surgery and diagnostics
Year 2: Anaesthesia Management and Emergencies, Medical Nursing and Diagnostics, Surgical Nursing and Dentistry, Imaging and Veterinary Nursing Services
Year 3: Integrated Medical and Surgical Nursing, Applied Contemporary Animal Welfare, Wildlife and Conservation, Emergency Care and Response
Companion Animal Practicum courses and Reflective Practice and Inquiry

Why Choose This Programme?

Clinical placements: 910 placement hours (250 in Year 1, 500 in Year 2, 160 in Year 3).
Registration: graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council of New Zealand.
Diploma pathway: graduates of the Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing can progress straight into Year 3.

Ready to apply? Book a free consultation, read our study in New Zealand guide or browse all courses.

Career Pathways

Sector	Roles
Veterinary nurse	Roles in general, referral and specialist veterinary practice.
Animal health and welfare	With experience, roles in animal welfare, industry and research.
Education and leadership	Veterinary nursing education, professional leadership and postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

A secondary qualification equivalent to New Zealand NCEA levels; international applicants are assessed individually.
English: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent.
CV, Ministry of Justice criminal convictions record and a health declaration.
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