New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL 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. This course information is correct when published, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions, call an enrollment advisor at 0800 468 265.

This programme consists of 180 credits. 

Year One - Compulsory Courses

Nursing as a Profession: Enrolled Nursing (15 Credits)
Develop contemporary knowledge underpinning enrolled nursing practice.

Applied Social Science for Enrolled Nurses (15 Credits)
Learn key concepts from developmental, cultural and social theories and how these influence the health of consumers, families/whanau and the community.

Applied Structure and Function of the Human Body (15 Credits)
Learn to understand and apply the basic structure and function of major body systems to enrolled nursing practice.

Clinical Skills for Enrolled Nursing (15 Credits)
Safely practise skills in a simulated clinical setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

Foundations for Enrolled Nursing Practice (30 Credits) (250 Clinical Hours)
Undertake clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings to meet entry-level Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

Enrolled Nursing Practice: Acute Care (30 Credits) (50 Clinical Simulation Hours) (150 Clinical Hours)
Learn to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes in an acute care (medical/surgical/peri-operative) setting to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

Year Two - Compulsory Courses

Enrolled Nursing Practice: Rehabilitation (30 Credits) (50 Clinical Simulation Hours) (150 Clinical Hours)
Learn to demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice in settings that support the principles of rehabilitation.

Enrolled Nursing Practice: Mental Health and Addictions (30 Credits) (50 Clinical Simulation Hours) (150 Clinical Hours)
Learn to demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes when working with health consumers in mental health settings to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

• Bachelor of Nursing

As an enrolled nursing student, your clinical lab and simulation learning will take place alongside nursing, medical imaging, social services and other healthcare ākonga in Te Whaioranga, the purpose-built healthcare education centre for UCOL Manawatū. This state-of-the-art learning environment enables our nursing, medical imaging, social services and healthcare ākonga to learn across disciplines and functions, familiarising them with real-world practices and ensuring they become 'workforce-ready' graduates.

If you are based in Wairarapa or Whanganui, your clinical lab and simulation learning will take place in the fully equipped simulation and skills labs on each campus. These simulation labs can run high-fidelity simulations using our mannequins and software to provide real-life and real-time responses to interventions. Our classroom spaces are flexible and able to accommodate all types of learning, including online and blended delivery. This will prepare our ākonga with real-world practices, ensuring they become 'workforce-ready' graduates.

All applications are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed; and
• Authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency; and
• Complete a Health Declaration Form; and
• Hold a comprehensive First Aid Certificate which is current at the time the programme starts. This will include NZQA 6400, 6401 and 6402 standards.
• Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s). Your referee reports, personal statement and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study in the nursing profession. In your personal statement you should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe the personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.
• Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation.

The Academic Portfolio Manager of Nursing may require learners to provide additional information before the admission is confirmed.

Applicants under 20 years of age:

NCEA Level 2

Applicants over 20 years of age:
Applicants 20 years or older with no formal academic qualifications must provide evidence of literacy, numeracy and an ability to study at the appropriate level. This can be through study, work and/or life experience.

Equivalence may include but is not limited to:

• Equivalent academic qualifications
• Other academic qualifications
• Successful previous tertiary experience
• Employment history
• Satisfactory results from a diagnostic test
• Literacy/numeracy level
• Life skills
• Recommendation/Testimonial

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 6.5 in all bands (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).

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

International learners will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet New Zealand University Entrance requirements. In addition, in accordance with NCNZ (2007a) and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act [HPCA] (2003) requirements, international students whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, will be required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 in all bands (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).

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

Clinical Placements

Before starting clinical placement, you will need to provide evidence of immunity to, or recent vaccination for, a number of infectious diseases. There will be a cost for serology blood tests. At times, vaccination will be required following blood tests.

While on clinical placement, you may be required to travel to other towns or rural areas. The Manawatū, Wairarapa and Whanganui regions are quite large with remote areas. Be prepared to travel for periods of time during your studies for clinical placement. Plan how you would travel for clinical placements as public transport is not always available at convenient times for shifts on a 24/7 rotating roster.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross-Credit, Credit Transfer, and Assessment of Prior Learning, may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form, where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

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 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.

Note that you must provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Domestic Fees: Currently eligible for fees-free

Year 1 - 2024 fees TBC

Year 2 - 2024 fees TBC

International Fees

Year 1 - $25,000.00 + Student Services Levy Fee $575.00 - $595.00 (Estimated/TBC)

Year 2 (Final 6 months) - $12,500.00 + Student Services Levy Fee of $287.50 (Estimated/TBC)