New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Companion Animal Healthcare)

• Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care
• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Health Science Field)
• New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing)

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

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

English language proficiency
International learners for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language will need to provide evidence that they have an IELTS score of 5.5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

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

To optimise chances of learner success, 100% attendance is required for all practical classes and work placements.  It is also strongly recommended for all theory classes. 

Practical requirements: learners must be able to carry out physical activities within the Animal Room and work placement to fulfil the requirements of the programme. Learners must also have no objection to working with animals, dissection of animal body parts, body fluids and cadavers. UCOL reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant's physical ability or squeamishness prevent them carrying out practical activities required to fulfil the requirements of the programme. These practical requirements will be discussed and confirmed by staff when contacting learners.

Clinical placements
All learners are required to complete work placements of at least 240 hours in an animal health setting, at least 80 hours must be in a veterinary clinic setting.  It is likely the placement will be out of the Manawatū region. Out-of-region placements are sourced by the student in consultation with the Programme Leader. Highest priority for local placement are learners  who are single parents of children under the age of 5. Not having a car, drivers licence or having work commitments or animals to care for is not sufficient to be considered priority for local placement. This means that you are very likely to be required to undertake your clinical placement outside the wider Manawatu region therefore you will have additional costs relating to your travel and accommodation.

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 Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relavant 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 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.

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