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Veterinary Nursing

Whether it’s working in a veterinary clinic as a nurse, or caring for animals in catteries, kennels or pet retailers, work in veterinary nursing is a rewarding career for people who love animals.

Veterinary nurses are involved in taking x-rays, collecting blood samples and caring for sick and injured animals. They could do a spell on reception, clean out cages, sterilise and prepare surgical instruments, administer medication and injections, and assist veterinarians on call-outs to houses and farms.

Animal attendants could work in kennels, veterinary practices, catteries, pet shops, research or animal care centres. The role could involve bathing, grooming, feeding and exercising animals, cleaning their cages, and treating minor injuries under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Animal control officers ensure that people control their animals so they do not create problems for others. To achieve this they may have to give warnings or issue offence notices, educate the public about animal welfare and catch stray dogs. They may also be involved in feeding and caring for animals in pounds, carrying out cleaning duties and organising the adoption of animals.

Our programmes

Animal Care Level 3

One semester
Level 3
$4170
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Jul 2019
This programme is a starting point for those interested in caring for animals in environments such as pet stores, animal rescue centres, and boarding or day-care facilities. This is a practical programme that includes 80 hours of work placement.

Rural Animal Technician

One year
Level 5
$7148 per year
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2020
This programme is for those seeking a career in a veterinary-related field, with rural animals. Students will learn the skills to work with agricultural and farm animals, and horses, under the guidance of our tutors and through 280 hours of work placement in a rural or mixed veterinary clinic.

Veterinary Nursing Assistant

One year
Level 5
$7149 per year
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2020
This programme is for those with previous animal handling experience who wish to work in a veterinary-related field or in a veterinary clinic. Students will develop skills in the care, management, handling, and nursing of a range of companion animals. This programme is the first year of a two-year veterinary nursing programme.

Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)

One year
Level 6
$7148 per year
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2020
Students in this programme will develop advanced skills in the care, management, handling, and nursing of a range of companion animals in a clinical environment. Students will learn to manage patients and clients, and follow protocols in all aspects of clinical veterinary practice. This programme includes 240 hours of work experience.

Professional programmes / short courses

Pathways

Veterinary nursing pathway diagram

About the faculty

Welcome to the Centre for Science and Primary Industries!

Creating the next generation of science talent in New Zealand has never been more important and if you're thinking about a career in Science or Primary Industries, we can help you to build your skills and employability.

We offer a diverse and exciting range of programmes that produce graduates who move on to stimulating and challenging careers within industry. We are proud of who we are and the achievements of our staff, students and alumni.

 

Read more about the Centre here.

Course guide

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