Registered nurses may specialise in a variety of practice areas, including medical and surgical, mental health, child health/paediatrics, aged care, rural health care and primary health care. There is a worldwide demand for registered nurses and there are a wide range of career options. Otago Polytechnic nursing graduates are in high demand due to their high calibre and work-readiness. M¯aori and Pasifika nurses are particularly sought-after for careers in health.

NCEA Level 3 or equivalent of entry to university (International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet degree-level New Zealand nursing entry requirements); Proof of English proficiency; All applicants must: have a Level 2 Comprehensive First Aid Certificate (this can be achieved with either NZQA Unit Standards or NZQA First Aid Unit Standards) make a health declaration submit two referee reports showcasing your academic and community/work-related skills CV and 2 referee reports; Applicants over 20, must have completed the equivalent of NCEA Level 3 biology and/or chemistry within the past five years.