extend this in your third year You’ll have the opportunity to do your placements in interesting organisations ranging from the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo, to a specialist veterinary hospital, to your community first-option veterinary clinic. You’ll build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at Unitec's on-campus veterinary facilities and at external clinics across New Zealand On successful completion, you’ll meet the requirements for both the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing) and the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, and will be eligible for registration with the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association at the end of your second year You’ll develop an advanced understanding of what's considered best practice in a clinical environment, and the ethical and welfare implications of veterinary care You’ll have lots of opportunities to conduct exciting and cutting-edge research, including a collaborative research project in an area of your interest You’ll learn from experienced lecturers who are knowledgeable in veterinary medicine /science, animal health and welfare, microbiology, genetics, and animal behaviour You’ll benefit from a varied learning approach that includes practical sessions, group work, online/small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision

If you have already successfully completed either of the following qualifications (or equivalent), you automatically meet the entry requirements for this programme: New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) - you can go straight into the second year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - you can go straight into the third year If you haven't successfully completed either of these programmes, you will need to meet the following requirements: 1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or equivalent/higher, including: At least 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in each of two science-related subjects At least 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in at least two additional subjects At least 14 credits at NCEA Level 1 in mathematics or Pangarau At least 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English or Te Reo Māori 2. Complete at least three days' work experience in a veterinary clinic prior to application. This must be supported by the following: A letter of recommendation from the clinic A reference from an employer where you have worked with the public A reference from a teacher (or similar) attesting to your social skills 3. Complete a criminal and medical self-declaration form 4. If English is not your first language you will need one or more of the following: Have achieved at least 8 NCEA Level 3 credits in English Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency