Emily Brooklands chose SIT to complete her Vet Nursing qualifications, achieving great results in her two years of study. Now on the cusp of entering employment in the sector, she is well equipped to accomplish all her career plans.
Emily grew up in rural North Canterbury and says she has always had a passion for animals, “since I was little.” After finishing year 13 at high school, she took a gap year, working on different dairy farms, as well as a seasonal job in Twizel.
Having taken some distance papers from Telford (SIT’s agricultural campus) while at high school, Emily looked further into the other programmes SIT offered. The Certificate in Animal Technology level 5 programme offered at SIT met all the requirements Emily needed to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse. “I decided to study at SIT due to the Zero Fees Scheme, in addition to the cheaper living costs in Invercargill.” She didn't really know what to expect of SIT, and she had never been to Invercargill before, so it was a new experience and a bit of an adventure.
Emily says when she arrived to start her studies, everyone was so welcoming, and the campus was a lot bigger than she expected it to be.”The facilities are very tidy and contain everything you need, as well as so many different on-campus activities, groups and resources available to students.‘‘
Describing the Certificate in Animal Technology as the “first step” towards her career as a Veterinary Nurse, Emily says in a range of different classes she learnt the basics and foundations needed to become a vet nurse.
The programme covered the anatomy and physiology of animals, diseases and disease control in small animals, basic anaesthesia, basic diagnostic skills, basics in radiography, as well as basic day-to-day nursing tasks, such as restraining patients for blood tests, getting vital signs, and preparing a patient for surgery. They learned how to handle and administer animal medications, and much more.
“SIT taught me how to have good time management skills and prioritise certain tasks, especially when there are multiple things that need to be done all at once. It’s an important skill to have in day-to-day life outside of SIT as well.” Emily found it was most valuable lesson learned from her time studying.
“Being a student is hard at times, with your workload, a job, as well as having time for your personal commitments; it is a big juggle. Managing your time wisely is so important and you learn to make the most of every spare minute you have.”
Emily says the programme allowed for plenty of study periods and class time to complete assignments, as well as “really good blocks of time for studying towards exams”.
She appreciated the benefits of a small class, allowing a lot of one-on-one time with the tutors, and there were plenty of hands-on practical classes.
Stand-out highlights for Emily include, “the friends I made, my incredible tutors, having Zero Fees, which helps so much, especially at the moment in a cost of living crisis.” She also enjoyed working with the animals at the SPCA.
“My personal course highlight was our placement hours that we needed to complete.
All the vet clinics down here are very accommodating to students and it was the best way to learn. The large, practical class component of the course was also amazing.”
During her studies, Emily did find it hard being a long way away from her family. She managed this by ensuring she made it home during the holidays and kept in touch with family regularly via facetime and other means. “Coming down here from Canterbury I didn't know anyone, so I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people and making amazing friends.” She added the campus always had activities for students, making SIT a very social and friendly environment, which helped.
The sacrifices Emily has made to study in the south have been worth it. She was awarded the Royal Canin Award for Best Practical Student in her programme at the end of 2022. “The best practical student award is something I will always be proud of. I'm a hands-on learner so having a course with a lot of practical classes and exams meant that I thrived in that environment.”
Emily continued her study in 2023, with the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, level 6. Now almost finished, she has just signed a contract for her first job as a Veterinary Nurse, starting after graduation in December.
Emily has some definite goals for her future which are likely to keep her occupied for a while. She intends to nurse in New Zealand for a year, and then travel overseas to do locum nursing. “I would also like to get my qualification as an artificial breeding technician for dairy cows.” Further down the line, “it would be amazing to secure a head nurse role”, she says.
“Studying at SIT has been an incredible experience for me where I have made lifelong friends. I have really enjoyed my time as a student.”