New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Nursing and Health)

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Nursing and Health)

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4)

Do you enjoy helping others? Are you fascinated by the human body and how it functions? Are you eager to start or shift your career to the health field? If you dream of studying Social Services, Support Work, Nursing, Health, or Applied Science (Laboratory Technician) at the tertiary level but lack the necessary entry requirements, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) might be the perfect fit for you.

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Key Details
Invercargill
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
4
Credits:
60
Duration:

20 weeks full-time

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:

2027 Semester 2: 19 July to 03 December
Fees:

This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.

  • NO tuition fees
  • 2026 Direct material costs $491 (GST Inclusive)
  • 2027 Direct material costs $546 (GST Inclusive)

International Fees can be found here.

In addition to core academic subjects such as anatomy and physiology, human biology, mathematics, and mental health, learners will also learn about professional relationships, cultural identities, teamwork and ethics.

Interested learners please note: all papers must be successfully completed to be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4).

Code 4001 Skills for Academic Study (15 credits)

This paper enables students to develop and apply a range of academic literacy skills in preparation for successful higher-level tertiary study.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to

  1. Locate, select, analyse and acknowledge relevant information from a variety of sources and present in an appropriate academic format.
  2. Work independently and collaboratively on context-relevant academic tasks and problems.
  3. Construct a reasoned and researched argument, communicated using a range of appropriate media.
  4. Investigate an academic or career pathway and identify the steps required to achieve this.

Code 3004 Mastering Calculations (15 credits)

This paper enables students to acquire numeracy skills for calculations for their proposed field of study, e.g. nursing, midwifery, nutrition, sports, and other health related careers.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Develop strategies for carrying out numeric calculations including with fractions, decimals and percentages.
  2. Carry out metric conversions.
  3. Use proportional thinking to solve problems involving rates and ratios.

Code 4006 Essentials of Human Body and Microbial Science (15 credits)

This paper will introduce the student to the structure and functioning of the human body and microbial biology, using examples drawn from living systems.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Apply discipline specific literacies appropriately.
  2. Describe the structural organisation of the human body.
  3. Describe the structure and function of the main body systems including the maintenance of homeostasis.
  4. Outline the basic principles of genetics and inheritance.
  5. Describe the structure and function of microorganisms and their positive and negative effects on human well-being

Code 4007 Essentials of Cell Biology and Chemistry (15 credits)

This paper will introduce the student to cell structure and function, and to the language and concepts of chemistry, using examples drawn from living systems.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Apply discipline specific literacies appropriately.
  2. Describe the structure and function of cells.
  3. Explain the physical and chemical characteristics of matter.
  4. Explain selected chemical reactions.
  5. Describe organic compounds and their role in biological systems.

Please refer to the below table.

(For more information - please contact the Head of School of Nursing, Karyn Madden) 



(For more information - please contact the Acting Head of School of Nursing, Karyn Madden) 

Graduates will gain skills, capabilities and knowledge that is directly relevant to pursuing ongoing studies and succeeding at higher levels within the context of a health and wellness career pathway.

Entry Requirements

All applicants must meet one of the following:

  • Have achieved 40 credits NCEA Level 2, including 10 Level 1 Literacy credits and 10 Level 1 Mathematic credits; or
  • Have successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3); or
  • Be able to demonstrate skills for tertiary study (including literacy and numeracy) that have been acquired through study, work and/or life experience.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must attain an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Health and Wellness Careers programme, and be awarded the qualification the student must successfully achieve:

  • A minimum of 60 credits in accordance with the Programme schedule for  the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Health and Wellness Careers programme leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) qualification

Please note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit zero fees entitlement.

After completing the certificates in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Nursing, Health and Applied Science, students could pursue further study (at diploma or degree level) in health, wellbeing and science related subjects, such as:

Classes are held Monday to Thursday, 9.00am-4.00pm at SIT's Invercargill campus.

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