New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Health Pathway)

Note: As a subsidiary 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 60 credits. The courses include:

Career and Study Skills (Level 3) (15 Credits)
In this course, you will discover the best way to learn in the health sciences area. Topics cover learning skills, exam and test preparation, time management, research skills, written and oral communication, and interview and CV preparation. In addition, you will learn computing basics, including preparing written essays and oral presentations and how to learn in a blended (in-class and online) environment. You will also create a portfolio of the areas of health care you are interested in working in. Teamwork is emphasized, and projects will see you making videos for a career-based assessment.

Communication Skills (Level 3) (15 Credits)
In this course, you will learn more about effective written, oral and visual communication. You will practice conversations, professional practice and study how social, cultural, and other barriers can affect our communication. You will practice communicating using a variety of media including, reports, emails and video.

Bioscience for Health (Level 3) (15 Credits)
In this course, you will be introduced to introductory chemistry and biology basics. Chemistry will include bonding, formulae and equation basics as well as basic chemical terminology. Biology will cover the broad function of the human body and the structure and function of main body organs. In addition, the health and well-being principles and models are also covered.

Mathematics for Health (Level 3) (15 Credits)
Learners will acquire and gain confidence in basic numeracy skills relevant to health sciences. This will include metric conversions and other health-related measurements, including drug calculations. In addition, you will also be introduced to statistics and graphs from health and epidemiological data.

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Health Pathway) supersedes and takes the best from the following programmes of study, which are no longer offered:

• Certificate in Science and Health
• Certificate in Introduction to Health Science
  
  

NCEA Level 1

OR

Equivalent academic achievement 

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.0 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learners applicants.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.0 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Timetable
Your timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of approximately:

• 20 hours class time (including 3-4 hours online classes)
• 20 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)

Blended learning
This programme is offered on a blended delivery approach, a unique combination of online and face-to-face learning. Learners are welcome to use the UCOL Te Pūkenga facilities (computers, Internet) to access the online learning. However, we encourage learners to have their device such as laptop/PC or tablet to be able to access the online component of this programme from home.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.