Health
Ready to make a real difference in people’s lives? Step into a rewarding career with UCOL’s Nursing, Medical Imaging and Health and Wellbeing programmes and become part of New Zealand’s world-class healthcare system.
At UCOL, you’ll learn from highly our qualified and supportive team, gain hands-on skills in state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs, and complete clinical placements in diverse health settings.
UCOL nursing, medical imaging and health and wellbeing graduates have an excellent, professional reputation and are well equipped for employment in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.
With strong industry connections, UCOL gives you the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience to thrive in one of the most rewarding careers.
Explore our programmes below and chat to our friendly team.
Nursing
UCOL nursing graduates enjoy an excellent reputation both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. Providing a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical learning, our programmes prepare students for success across a variety of health care settings.
Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing
3 years, full-time (43 weeks each year)
Palmerston North & Whanganui
Y1 & Y2 S1: 02 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Y3 S1: 19 Jan 2026 - 13 Nov 2026
Y1 & Y2 S2: 27 Jul 2026 - 21 May 2027
Y3 S2: 21 Sep 2026 - 12 Jul 2027
Masterton
Y1: 02 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026 (intake full)
Y2: 02 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Y3: 19 Jan 2026 - 13 Nov 2026
Become a Registered Nurse for a rewarding career in healthcare!
U-Skills STAR Nursing Taster
10 hours over two days
2026 dates TBC
Do you enjoy helping people? Find out what it's like to be a nurse, and study while still in school.
Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging Technologists are among New Zealand’s most highly-respected and sought-after professionals. Our practical, hands-on approach combines laboratory and classroom teaching with clinical learning to ensure students have every opportunity to apply skills, knowledge and techniques to grow in experience.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)
3 years, full-time
Y1: 26 Jan 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
Y2, Y3: 19 Jan 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
Applications for 2026 are closed. Applications for 2027 open in June 2026 and close 23 August 2026.
Develop the expertise to succeed in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most highly respected and sought-after professions!
Mental Health
UCOL offers a great starting point for a rewarding career helping people. Learn how to help and support others to live a better quality of life.
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services)
1 Year full-time (41 weeks)
Part-time option available
Palmerston North
23 Feb 2026 – 04 Dec 2026 (intake full - please contact us to go on waitlist)
Whanganui
23 Feb 2026 – 04 Dec 2026
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 – 04 Dec 2026
Passionate about helping others? Learn the skills required to build a rewarding career supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and the wider community.
Preparation for higher level study in nursing, science and animal care
Get started with all the skills you need for further study in science, nursing and animal care. These qualifications suit people who need some preparation before going onto higher level study.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (Health Field)
19 weeks full-time, or part-time option available
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
Aspiring to study Nursing, Applied Science (Laboratory Technician) or Health Sciences? Learn the skills required for higher level study in these exciting fields!
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Health Science Field)
19 weeks, full-time
Palmerston North
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
Whanganui
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
Masterton
27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
Learn the skills required for higher-level study in health science!
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Field)
19 weeks full-time
Learn the skills required for higher-level study in medical imaging*!
U-Skills STAR Human Body & Health
2026 dates TBC
Interested in health and wellbeing? Discover if a career in this rewarding industry is right for you, while still in secondary school!
U-Skills STAR Health & Wellbeing Foundation
2026 dates TBC
Discover if a career in the health and wellbeing industry is right for you, while still in secondary school with the UCOL STAR Health & Wellbeing Foundation course.
U-Skills STAR Alternative Health Care
1 day per week for 5 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Like helping people and keen to make a career out of it? Take the first step in your learning journey to understand and develop your skills around wellbeing.
